Supporting Self-Regulated Learning and Reducing Attrition

BACKGROUND: High attrition rates in Health and Illness (HI) and Pharmacology (PH) led educators in 1 baccalaureate nursing program to develop a mid-curricular summer bridge program. PURPOSE: The study's purpose was to determine effectiveness of a junior bridge program on the development of self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies and reduction of attrition. METHODS: A bridge program was offered to rising BSN junior students with SRL strategies applied to short lectures. RESULTS: Forty-four percent of eligible students participated from 2022 to 2024. Attrition rates were lower for bridge participants (n = 164) compared to nonparticipants (n = 211) in both HI (8.99% vs 16.5%, z = 2.18, P = .029) and PH (15.7% vs 19.8%, z = 1.03, P = .305). Bridge participants scored significantly higher in key SRL strategies compared to nonparticipants measured by the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: A bridge program later in the curriculum may help students develop scaffolded SRL skills promoting success.