How to support nontraditional students in nursing programs
Nontraditional students are a defining feature of modern nursing programs, representing a broad and growing segment of enrollees. According to the most recent National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, approximately 37% of all nurses obtained another postsecondary degree before beginning their first nursing degree. This data shows that many new registered nurses (RNs) pursue nursing as a second career.
However, career changers and those returning to college for a second degree are only one segment of the growing nontraditional student body. This group encompasses a broader swath of individuals from various backgrounds and life experiences.
Common characteristics and demographics of nontraditional students in nursing programs include:
Nontraditional students can solve the growing need for a more culturally competent and diverse nursing workforce. Educational systems must support this population and recognize their vital role in improving healthcare delivery.
Common challenges faced by nontraditional students in nursing programs
Many nontraditional students in nursing programs face significant challenges juggling school with full-time jobs, caregiving duties and personal commitments. And for those who support families or dependents on a single income, the pressure is even greater. As tuition, textbooks, clinical supplies and everyday living expenses pile up, financial strain can push students toward dropping out.
On top of financial strains and managing multiple responsibilities, many nontraditional students find themselves in classrooms filled with younger peers, making it difficult to form connections or feel a sense of belonging. Research emphasizes that peer support can significantly improve student retention, yet many programs lack formal initiatives to nurture these relationships.
How nursing programs can support nontraditional students
As more people fall into the category of “nontraditional student,” nursing programs must provide adequate support to address the unique needs of this growing student population. Offering flexibility, personalized services, and a welcoming environment can significantly improve retention and help students succeed academically.
Offer flexible academic scheduling
Balancing school with life’s responsibilities is a major challenge for nontraditional students in nursing programs, and rigid academic schedules can make that balance even more difficult. Nursing programs can ease this burden by offering flexible options such as evening or weekend classes, online courses and hybrid learning models.
“It’s important that nursing programs understand that while time management and deadlines are important, being a parent or caregiver means that sometimes illnesses, accidents and injuries happen,” said Shannon Parker, RN, BSN, SANE-A, FNE, a forensic nurse based in Cincinnati, Ohio. “Compassion and flexibility to students when unexpected life circumstances occur is essential to helping students succeed and remain engaged.”
Studies demonstrate that flexibility is one of the key factors in improving student retention rates. Nursing programs can help nontraditional students stay engaged and motivated to complete their degrees by providing options that allow students to tailor their schedules around work and family.
Provide tailored learning and career services
Personalized academic support can make a massive difference for nontraditional students in nursing programs. Peer mentoring programs, academic advising and tutoring services are valuable tools for guaranteeing these students don’t feel left behind.
“I think having student advisers who are invested in seeing students succeed is extremely important,” Parker said. “I also think that having tutoring resources available to students with varying time availability would be extremely helpful.”
Helping nontraditional students understand how to leverage their prior work experience and guiding them toward specialties that fit their strengths can make the transition to nursing smoother and more rewarding.
Create an inclusive environment
Nursing programs should build an inclusive environment where nontraditional students, who are more prone to social isolation, feel connected. Nursing programs can nurture this sense of community by organizing student groups and events.
Studies show that relationship-building among students helps create a supportive learning environment where collaboration and shared learning flourish. Encouraging nontraditional students to engage with peers can help them feel more included and boost their confidence throughout the program.
Educate students about financial aid
Financial stress is another significant obstacle for many nontraditional students in nursing programs as they juggle tuition, living expenses and family costs. Nursing programs should educate students about available financial aid options. “Ensuring that students are aware of all grants and scholarships available to them is important to help mitigate financial stressors while in school,” Parker said.
“An issue I had while completing my Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and then my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) was that occasionally, there were times when financial aid did not cover all of the costs for whatever reason,” Parker further reflected. “Having the option to make a payment plan with the school helped me to remain in the program and ensure that I was able to pay the balance and continue towards graduation.”
How nontraditional nursing students can find and utilize supportive resources
Succeeding as a nontraditional student in a demanding nursing program requires more than academic diligence alone. It calls for smart strategies, a solid support system and a commitment to personal well-being.
“I have faced many challenges while attending nursing school,” Parker said. “Since I have been to school to obtain my ADN and then again to get my BSN and am currently completing my master’s, I can say that the challenges have been slightly different each time, but the way to navigate those challenges remains similar.”
Parker navigated her challenges through time management skills, caring for her physical and mental health, networking and relying on school resources.
Access tools for time management
Tools like planners, time-blocking apps and digital calendars can help nontraditional students in nursing programs stay on top of their many responsibilities.
Parker said that nontraditional nursing students should work on their time management skills so that they can ensure they have a sufficient amount of time to take care of themselves, attend classes and clinicals, study, work and meet their obligations outside of school and work.
Setting clear priorities and carving out dedicated study time can prevent last-minute stress and help students stay organized throughout the semester.
Learn about school programs and resources
Knowing how to access and utilize the right resources can make a difference for nontraditional students navigating a nursing program. When at the beginning stages of obtaining her BSN, Parker shared that she was dealing with significant health issues that made staying engaged in the program difficult.
“Fortunately,” Parker said, “I could take a short leave of absence and return to the program once I was better. Understanding that options like this are available can be very helpful to students when unexpected illnesses, accidents or emergencies occur.”
Through this experience, she also learned that the school’s Office of Disabilities could help if needed. While Parker shared that she feels fortunate not to require that assistance, she found solace in knowing resources were available to help navigate the challenges she was up against. “You just have to be willing to have those conversations [with your school] and take time to become familiar with the student resources available,” Parker said.
Build a support system of people who understand the demands of nursing school
No student succeeds alone, especially when juggling multiple roles. Nontraditional nursing students should actively seek peer mentors, faculty advisers and supportive classmates to create a network they can lean on.
“Networking is a meaningful way to develop new relationships,” Parker said. “Getting to know other nursing students and nurses, joining professional nursing associations and organizations, and interacting with other nurses on sites like LinkedIn are great ways to network and establish meaningful relationships in your professional nursing career.”
Prioritize self-care and promote self-belief
Maintaining physical and mental well-being is just as important as excelling academically. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep and mindfulness practices can help manage stress and prevent burnout.
Students should also make time for activities that recharge them, whether spending time with family, enjoying a hobby or simply taking a break when needed (even if it’s for five or 10 minutes).
The role of real-world experience in enhancing nursing education
Nontraditional students bring a wealth of real-world experience that enriches both classroom discussions and clinical settings. Their diverse backgrounds provide unique perspectives that can benefit everyone.
“I have witnessed many circumstances where people from various backgrounds were able to offer a unique understanding or way of interacting with a patient based on their prior life experiences,” Parker said. “I have worked with nurses who are veterans, and they were often times able to relate to and help veteran patients in a way that I simply could not because I did not have that similar life experience to pull from.”
Transferable skills from real-world experience promote collaboration, improve patient outcomes and build stronger healthcare teams. For example, a former educator may excel at patient education. At the same time, someone with a corporate background might bring critical thinking and organizational skills to high-pressure scenarios that demand quick decision-making.
Nontraditional students in nursing programs elevate the educational experience for themselves and their peers and can relate to the patients they serve by tapping into previous life experiences.
Wrapping it up
When schools and students work together to address the unique challenges of nontraditional learners, the result is a more compassionate, culturally competent and capable nursing community.
“While nursing school is extremely challenging, I have never regretted becoming a nurse. I am thankful to my past self for putting in the time and effort required to graduate and enter such a rewarding profession,” Parker said.
Every nursing student, regardless of background or circumstance, can succeed academically in nursing and make a lasting impact in the field. All it takes is the right amount of support.
