A quantitative descriptive comparative study was conducted to answer questions about what stressors may cause practical nursing students to withdraw before completing the program and whether there are differences in the social support and coping strategies in those students who successfully complete versus those who withdraw. Participants were nursing students in five non-traditional practical nursing programs in a Midwestern state. One group consisted of non-traditional practical nursing students who withdrew from the program. The second group contained non-traditional practical nursing students who were within one semester of completing the program. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires completed by the selected sample. Two reliable and validated psychometric instruments were used to gather data in the study to measure life stressors, stress-coping responses, and perceived social support: (1) Life Stressors and Social Resources Inventory: A Measure of Adults' and Youths' Life Contexts (LISRES) (Moos & Moos, 1994); and (2) The Coping Resources Inventory: A Measure of Approach and Avoidance Coping Skills (Moos, 1997).

Findings were consistent with previous research where financial concerns and external stressors were identified as contributing factors to withdrawal of students. Results of the study determined that all students experience life stressors, the highest reported variables were financial and negative life events. Social resources between the two groups varied, demonstrating that support from spouse, family, children, and friends plays a role in the success of the student. Coping responses showed no differences between the groups.