Should I go or should I stay?: A study of factors influencing students' decisions on early leaving

The article reports on selected findings from a multi-method research project on student retention on a nursing programme. Although the research identified some factors specific to the experiences of students on the particular programme, this article focuses on findings and recommendations of generic interest. The article compares data from semi-structured interviews with two groups of students: students who had withdrawn without completing their programme and students who considered leaving, but chose to stay. The article suggests that, in most cases, decisions to leave cannot be reduced to single factors, but are the culmination of complex interacting factors. Six ‘push’ factors are explored. These factors were mentioned by both groups of students. The article also discusses four ‘pull’ factors which act to hold students on their courses. Recommendations for improving retention include increasing support for students, and adapting provision to meet the needs of a diverse student population.