Rita Armstrong

Bryant & Stratton College, USA

Abstract Title: ursing Students’ Beliefs About the Challenges to Degree Completion

Biography: Dr. Rita Armstrong, EdD, DNP, MSN Ed, RN, FAADN has spent more than thirty years in nursing as an educator and healthcare leader. Her experience includes serving as an assistant professor and dean of nursing, with strengths in strategic planning, conflict resolution, communication, curriculum development, and faculty support. She has contributed as a subject matter expert across academic and clinical settings. Dr. Armstrong is committed to preparing future nurses and creates learning environments that encourage persistence, professional growth, and student success. She continues to focus on improving outcomes for diverse and underserved student populations.

Research Interest: This study examines why students in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program choose not to complete their degree. The focus is on minority students, who continue to face higher rates of attrition within nursing education. The study will take place at a college in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and will include five cohorts with ten students in each group. Participants will range in age from 18 to 60 and represent diverse backgrounds, including Asian, Hispanic, and African American students. A qualitative design will guide the project. Data will be gathered through questionnaires using basic rating scales, document review, and in-person focus group interviews. The study will explore how students manage the competing demands of school, work, and personal responsibilities. Many minority students also struggle to meet basic needs such as stable housing and food, which adds stress and affects their ability to progress in the program. The goal is to identify the factors that contribute to withdrawal and to understand what types of support would improve persistence. Findings may help nursing programs strengthen support services, particularly for underserved students. Addressing basic needs and providing reliable academic and personal resources may reduce stress, improve retention, and increase the number of students who complete nursing school. Strengthened retention efforts can also help build a more diverse nursing workforce and expand enrollment in ADN programs. Keywords: minority students, attrition, retention, barriers, challenges, nursing programs