Unveiling the keys to success: Insights from a phenomenological study on recent nursing graduates

Background: The phenomenon of academic success of undergraduate nursing students is a global issue in higher education institutions due to the direct effects on the availability of future nurses and care, thus impacting public health. Available quantitative research has highlighted factors influencing academic success, although most of these factors are not effectively manageable with intervention strategies. Aim: The purpose of the study was to describe the lived experiences and their meanings of Bachelor nursing graduates who successfully completed the program. Design: Phenomenological descriptive study. Setting: University of L'Aquila, Italy. Participants: A purposive sample of twenty-two successful nursing graduates. Methods: Participants were interviewed at the end of the 2022 academic year. A thematic analysis was conducted to describe their lived experiences as students. Results: Five themes represent the key to success for undergraduate nursing students. Specifically: (1) have a single-minded determination, (2) adopt versatile and evolutionary learning strategies, (3) have strong supportive relationship, (4) apply strategies for emotional regulation, and (5) perceive themselves as the heartbeat of education. Conclusions: This phenomenological study unveils the keys to the academic success of undergraduate nursing students, providing insights to appropriate supporting strategies.