J Korean Acad Soc Nurs Educ.  2022 May;28(2):167-178. 10.5977/jkasne.2022.28.2.167.

Students’ college life adaptation experiences in the accelerated second-degree bachelor of science in nursing program in South Korea

• Lee HJ
• Lee N

• KMID: 2530197
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5977/jkasne.2022.28.2.167

Abstract

Purpose
South Korea has expanded its accelerated second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to resolve its supply-demand imbalance in nursing, although how these students are adapting to and performing in college after admission remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct an in-depth exploration of how Korean accelerated second-degree Bachelor of Science nursing students interact with society and adapt to college life for establishing further supportive educational policies and programs.
Methods
Participants comprised 20 South Korean accelerated second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing students. The data were collected via online or offline in-depth interviews and analyzed using Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory and by applying a constant comparative method to achieve theoretical saturation.
Results
The core category, derived using open, axial, and selective coding, was “process of the uncharted journey toward a new dream.” The participants’ college adaptation processes were found to involve three phases: trial and error, adjustment, and acceptance and integration.
Conclusion
These findings can be used to develop, apply, test, and improve various support programs for accelerated second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing students and to advance the nursing profession by nurturing a workforce with diverse academic backgrounds and faster college life adaptation.

Keyword

Nursing, Students, Education, Adaptation, Qualitative research