Readers’ panel: How can we reduce the student attrition rate?

An investigation by Nursing Standard found that one in four UK nursing students quit before the end of their university course. Of 17,055 who began three-year nursing degree courses due to finish in 2016, 4,284 left without completing their courses or suspended their studies. Nursing Standard readers have their say

Drew Payne is a community staff nurse in north London @drew_london

I mentor students and can see how unsupported they are. They get little support from their university on placements, and many have poor experiences with mentors who do not spend enough time with them. Some have to travel long distances to placements and do assignments, and they also need financial support. We need to know why students are dropping out. Universities cannot just shrug their shoulders and ignore them when they leave.

Ewout van Sabben