FutureNurses2.0 – Identifying the risk of dropout in nursing education and supporting study continuation

Identifying nursing students at dropout risk

Project Duration

1.5.2026 – 31.12.2027

Source of Funding

The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland

Total Funding

62,500 €

The aim of this study is to provide up-to-date, research-based information on the risk of dropping out of nursing programs, risk assessment, factors associated with the risk of dropping out, and factors that can reduce this risk and thereby improve the availability of healthcare personnel.

Finland is facing a growing shortage of nurses at the same time that an increasing number of nursing students are dropping out of their programs. The average dropout rate at universities of applied sciences is about 7 percent, but in nursing programs, it is nearly three times that. In addition, the number of people applying to the field has decreased. This situation poses a challenge to the availability of social and health care services, as the system requires a large number of skilled nurses.
According to studies, many factors contribute to students dropping out. These include, for example, a disconnect between expectations of the field and the realities of the workplace, students’ perception that their own abilities are insufficient, disappointments experienced during their education, and a lack of guidance and support. Personal life circumstances can also increase the risk of dropping out.

Current Research Needs

Although the reasons for dropping out of nursing programs have been studied previously, there is still little information on identifying and preventing the risk of dropping out. The operating environment has changed significantly in recent years due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages, and reforms in social and health care.
Increasing the number of training spots alone will not solve the staffing shortage. Therefore, it is important to ensure that as many students as possible complete their degrees and enter the workforce within the target timeframe. Reducing dropout rates supports both the effectiveness of education and the availability of healthcare personnel.

Project Objectives

The goal of the FutureNurses research project is to identify factors associated with the risk of dropping out of nursing programs and to find ways to support students in continuing their studies. The project will produce up-to-date research data on risk factors, the assessment of the risk of dropping out, and practices that support students in their studies.

The study examines both temporary and permanent interruptions in studies. A specific goal is to identify the factors that help students progress in their studies and complete their degrees.

The research project consists of three phases:

1. A systematic literature review examining the methods and tools used to identify the risk of nursing students dropping out of their studies.
2. An interview study involving nursing students who have dropped out or are considering dropping out, as well as nursing educators, academic advisors, and clinical instructors.
3. A nationwide survey targeting both nursing students who have dropped out and those who are actively pursuing their studies.

Based on the study’s findings, an evidence-based model will be developed to identify and prevent the risk of students dropping out of nursing programs. The goal of the model is to support students’ academic progress, reduce dropout rates, and strengthen the future workforce of healthcare professionals.