Nurse educators' challenges and corresponding measures to improve the academic performance, success and retention of undergraduate nursing students at a university in the Western Cape, South Africa

The aim of this study was to explore and describe the challenges experienced by nurse educators at a selected School of Nursing regarding the academic performance, success and retention of undergraduate nursing students and the measures implemented to overcome these challenges. An in-depth qualitative research approach with an exploratory and descriptive design was implemented. Stratified purposive sampling technique was used to recruit nurse educators to participate in the study. Data were analysed by means of thematic analysis using Atlas, ti. Mac Version 1.6. software. Trustworthiness was safeguarded by employing the principles of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Research ethics was safeguarded by obtaining a written consent as well as ensuring privacy and confidentiality of the study participants. The findings of this study indicate that nurse educators are faced with challenges related to: (1) Nursing students' lack of interest, motivation, dedication, commitment and poor class attendance; (2) Lack of academic readiness of students admitted into the undergraduate nursing programme; (3) Students' socioeconomic backgrounds and employment responsibilities; (4) Lack of proficiency in English; (5) Structure of the undergraduate nursing programme; (6) The physical teaching and learning environment not being conducive to learning; and (7) Unfavourable working conditions. The recommendations emerging from this study indicate the need to address student related as well as school related matters.