Wilson, A.Chur-Hansen, A.Marshall, A.Air, T.2011-10-112011-10-112011Nurse Education Today, 2011; 31(5):456-4600260-69171532-2793http://hdl.handle.net/2440/66667<h4>Aim</h4>This paper reports on two studies that examined why students withdrew from a Bachelor of Nursing degree.<h4>Background</h4>With the aim of recruiting undergraduate candidates who are the most likely to complete the degree and pursue a nursing career, the University of Adelaide requires high matriculation scores and satisfactory performance in a structured oral assessment as part of the process of selection.<h4>Method</h4>In the first study, two questionnaires were used to collect data from all applicants before and after an oral assessment. The degree of personal desire and motivation to become a Registered Nurse, including knowledge about nursing and the profession were among qualities rated. For the second study, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with students who had withdrawn.<h4>Results</h4>Statistical comparison showed there were significant differences between continuing and withdrawing applicants in whether or not they had previous nursing-related experience and in knowing someone who was a nurse. The qualitative data reinforced the importance of these factors for attrition. Participants identified emotional issues surrounding an aversion to illness, sickness, pain, suffering and blood.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The results of both studies suggest that a primary factor in attrition is a lack of realistic expectation regarding nursing as a profession.en© 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.HumansStudent DropoutsNursing Education ResearchQualitative ResearchEducation, Nursing, BaccalaureateSchool Admission CriteriaSchools, NursingStudents, NursingWorkAdolescentAdultMiddle AgedAustraliaFemaleMaleYoung AdultJournal article002011095110.1016/j.nedt.2010.09.0050002924921000072-s2.0-7995763812028581Wilson, A. [0000-0001-7102-2926] [0000-0003-1098-8457]Chur-Hansen, A. [0000-0002-2935-2689]Marshall, A. [0000-0002-7084-3690]Air, T. [0000-0002-4834-4238]