A silver lining of the pandemic is that it spurred renewed interest in nursing careers, welcome news amid an ongoing national nursing shortage. But a new survey shows many prospective nurses feel academically unprepared to pursue a career in nursing.
Nearly 4,000 respondents surveyed had recently taken the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills to determine preparedness for nursing school. Of those surveyed, 15% had not yet applied to nursing programs, reported surveyor ATI, which provides test support and technology. Most of those (86%) said they were delaying their application or not yet ready to apply, with 69% citing a desire to improve academic preparedness first.
In addition, 14% of nursing students said that they were no longer considering a career in nursing. The top reason given for this change of mind was lack of academic preparedness (35%). Other reasons included the inability to afford schooling (23%) and family obligations and other responsibilities (13%).
“It is clear that students want to pursue careers in nursing, and equally apparent they need more support throughout their education to make these dreams a reality,” said Patty Knecht, PhD, chief nursing officer for ATI and Ascend Learning.
From the November 2022 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
