Factors influencing clinical performance of baccalaureate nursing majors: A retrospective audit

Background: Transition of nursing student to new graduate depends on successful completion of clinical work placement during an undergraduate course. Supporting students during the clinical placement is imperative. This study examined associations between grade point average (GPA), domestic or international status, course entry qualification, and single or dual nursing degree to successful completion of clinical placement. Method: A retrospective audit of 665 students in a baccalaureate nursing program was conducted to examine factors influencing clinical performance of baccalaureate nursing students. Results: A significant association between entry qualification, lower GPA, international status, and receipt of a constructive note was found: x2 = 8.678, df = 3, p = .034, t(3.862), df = 663, p < .001, and Fishers exact test = 8.581, df = 1, p = .003, respectively. Conclusion: Understanding factors that affect clinical performance may help early identification of students at risk and allow for supportive intervention during placement and subsequent program completion.