Grit as a Predictor of Academic Success Among Associate Degree Nursing Students

Amber Young-Brice; B Kyle Johnson; Mary Grace McCormack; Maria Peña; Jessica Leiberg; Kristina Thomas Dreifuerst

doi:10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001136

Grit as a Predictor of Academic Success Among Associate Degree Nursing Students

Nurs Educ Perspect. 2023 Nov-Dec;44(6):359-364. doi: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001136. Epub 2023 May 10.

Authors

Amber Young-Brice¹, B Kyle Johnson, Mary Grace McCormack, Maria Peña, Jessica Leiberg, Kristina Thomas Dreifuerst

Affiliation

¹ About the Authors Amber Young-Brice, PhD, RN, CNE, is an assistant professor, Marquette University College of Nursing, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. B. Kyle Johnson, PhD, RN, CHSE, is an assistant professor/clinical and simulation director, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Lubbock, Texas. Mary Grace McCormack, RN, is former undergraduate research assistant, Marquette University College of Nursing. Maria Peña, MSN, RN, is a clinical instructor and PhD student, Marquette University College of Nursing. Jessica Leiberg, DNP, RN, is adjunct clinical instructor and PhD student, Marquette University College of Nursing. Kristina Thomas Dreifuerst, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, is a professor, Marquette University College of Nursing. This research was supported by a National League for Nursing Ruth Donnelly Corcoran Research Award. For more information, contact Dr. Young-Brice at amber.young-brice@marquette.edu .

PMID: 37158730
DOI: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001136

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore whether grit is a predictor of success in associate degree nursing (ADN) programs.

Background: A question that challenges admission decision-making in nursing programs is "Who will succeed?" This question is particularly relevant in ADN programs, which often have higher attrition rates than baccalaureate programs.

Method: This longitudinal, mixed-methods study was conducted with 451 ADN students across nine programs, including interviews with seven unsuccessful students and nine successful students.

Results: Short Grit Scale scores were not found to be statistically significant as a predictor of academic success; however, themes that emerged from the interviews do align with the theory of grit.

Conclusion: Further research is needed to explore whether recognizing the level of grit in students during admission processes would help identify students who are likely to succeed.