Other Titles

Navigating Dual Roles: A Qualitative Study of Parental Stress and Perceived Barriers Among Undergraduate Nursing Student-Parents [Poster Title]

Other Titles

Rising Star Poster/Presentation

Abstract

Background: Over the past five years, the proportion of student-parents in undergraduate nursing programs has steadily increased, now comprising 20-25% of the population. Despite this significant representation, there remains a paucity of research examining their unique educational experiences and needs. These individuals navigate complex challenges at the intersection of parental responsibilities and rigorous academic demands. This study aims to identify critical factors influencing both academic achievement and psychological well-being among nursing students with caregiving responsibilities, addressing a notable gap in the nursing education literature.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive methodology was selected to explore the experiences of undergraduate nursing student-parents, with particular emphasis on parental stress and perceived barriers and facilitators to degree completion. Focus groups will be conducted to elicit rich, contextual data regarding challenges, support mechanisms, and adaptive strategies employed by this population. Sessions will be audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to rigorous thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns, emergent themes, and shared experiences. This approach allows for thorough exploration of participants' perspectives while maintaining methodological rigor.

Results: We are currently collecting data through focus groups with undergraduate nursing student-parents. Complete data analysis will be finalized by April 2025, with comprehensive results available for presentation.

Conclusion: This study will contribute to the development of evidence-based educational practices and institutional policies that foster environments conducive to both academic achievement and psychological well-being for this significant student demographic. By identifying specific resources and support mechanisms required by student-parents, this research addresses a critical gap in nursing education literature and practice. The implications extend beyond immediate academic outcomes to potentially enhance retention rates, degree completion, and long-term professional development, ultimately strengthening the nursing workforce through improved support of this valuable student population.

Notes

References:

Fehr, F. C. (2013). Understanding the lived experience of student-parents in undergraduate nursing school. (Publication No. 3583320) [Doctoral Dissertation, University of Phoenix]. University of Phoenix ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.

Lucchini-Raies, C., Márquez-Dore, F., Herrera-López, L. M., Valdés, C., & Rodríguez, N. (2018). The lived experience of undergraduate student parents: Roles compatibility challenge. Investigación y Educación En Enfermería, 36(2). https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.iee.v36n2a03

Parents in college by the numbers. (2019, April 11). Institute for Women’s Policy Research. https://iwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/C481_Parents-in-College-By-the-Numbers-Aspen-Ascend-and-IWPR.pdf

Description

This qualitative descriptive study investigates undergraduate nursing student-parents, examining parental stress and barriers to degree completion. Using focus groups and thematic analysis, we address a significant gap in nursing education literature. Findings will inform evidence-based interventions to support this population's unique needs, potentially enhancing retention rates and academic success while promoting psychological well-being, ultimately strengthening nursing education practices.

Author Details

Emma Stover, Student Nurse; Ryoko Kausler, PhD, FNP-BC, MN, RN

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Type

Poster

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Descriptive/Correlational

Research Approach

Qualitative Research

Keywords:

Undergraduate Nursing Education, Student-Parents, Stress and Coping

Conference Name

36th International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Seattle, Washington, USA

Conference Year

2025

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

Review Type

Invited Presentation

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Click on the above link to access the poster.

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Navigating Dual Roles: Parental Stress and Barriers in Undergraduate Nursing Student-Parents

Seattle, Washington, USA

Background: Over the past five years, the proportion of student-parents in undergraduate nursing programs has steadily increased, now comprising 20-25% of the population. Despite this significant representation, there remains a paucity of research examining their unique educational experiences and needs. These individuals navigate complex challenges at the intersection of parental responsibilities and rigorous academic demands. This study aims to identify critical factors influencing both academic achievement and psychological well-being among nursing students with caregiving responsibilities, addressing a notable gap in the nursing education literature.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive methodology was selected to explore the experiences of undergraduate nursing student-parents, with particular emphasis on parental stress and perceived barriers and facilitators to degree completion. Focus groups will be conducted to elicit rich, contextual data regarding challenges, support mechanisms, and adaptive strategies employed by this population. Sessions will be audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to rigorous thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns, emergent themes, and shared experiences. This approach allows for thorough exploration of participants' perspectives while maintaining methodological rigor.

Results: We are currently collecting data through focus groups with undergraduate nursing student-parents. Complete data analysis will be finalized by April 2025, with comprehensive results available for presentation.

Conclusion: This study will contribute to the development of evidence-based educational practices and institutional policies that foster environments conducive to both academic achievement and psychological well-being for this significant student demographic. By identifying specific resources and support mechanisms required by student-parents, this research addresses a critical gap in nursing education literature and practice. The implications extend beyond immediate academic outcomes to potentially enhance retention rates, degree completion, and long-term professional development, ultimately strengthening the nursing workforce through improved support of this valuable student population.