Background
Research has provided evidence that students often choose not to complete ungraded or extra credit elective activities. While other fields have attempted to understand and address this issue, there is a dearth of knowledge on nursing students’ choices for completion of elective activities.
Method
A survey was completed by 133 nursing students following their congestive heart failure simulation to determine their completion or non-completion of the presimulation activities and their reasons behind this choice.
Results
This study found that student demographics were not predictors of student choice for engaging in elective assignments. Results also showed that preparedness, authority, apathy, and time were important reasons behind the completion or non-completion of additional learning opportunities.
Conclusion
This study provides evidence that nursing educators should use caution when interpreting the relationship between demographics and student choice. Educators should also be willing to explain the value of elective activities to nursing outcomes.