Abstract

Succeeding in Level 1 of a BScN Program: A Grounded Theory Inquiry

This research is an inquiry into the journey of student success as experienced by Level 1 nursing students in a BScN program. It is a qualitative study using a constructivist grounded theory methodology that looks at the psychosocial processes that are integral to the nursing student’s experience of Level 1. Fifty 1 to 1 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Level 1and Level 2 nursing students, experienced level 1 faculty and academic advisors (n=46). Participants were asked to define student success, and discuss their experience of success. The constant comparison method and theoretical sampling informed the findings. The result was an emerging substantive theory for student success entitled: Succeeding in Level 1 of a BScN Program (Succeeding Substantive Theory or SST). There are four conceptual processes that make up the SST: Learning, Balancing, Connecting and Becoming. Each concept has several categories that summarize the codes reflected in the data. The SST offers a fresh and novel perspective on student success as it reflects the processes involved in a comprehensive and integrated way. The insights and understanding that result from the SST can be used to direct policy and resources for student success, inform curricular revision, and suggest further research.