Sense of belonging of bachelor nursing students: a descriptive-comparative study

• Sense of belonging influences nursing students’ integration and retention. • This study demonstrates campus location’s impact on nursing students’ sense of belonging. • Main campus interventions can be implemented to improve students’ belonging and success. A sense of belonging, defined as acceptance, inclusion, and identity within a group, significantly influences nursing students' academic and social integration into college. Limited belonging causes student attrition. This research explored factors influencing nursing students' sense of belonging and identified elements promoting or hindering this feeling. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive comparative study that was conducted with undergraduate nursing students ( N = 201) from multiple campuses at a southwestern U.S. university. Data were collected via an anonymous survey using the Department Sense of Belonging and Involvement (DeSBI) tool. Descriptive and comparative statistics were analyzed. Campus location significantly influenced students’ sense of belonging. Satellite campus students reported significantly higher belonging than main campus students. Campus location has a significant impact on nursing students' sense of belonging, with students from satellite campuses reporting higher levels of inclusion and connection. These findings highlight the need for targeted institutional interventions at main campuses to cultivate a stronger sense of community. Enhancing the sense of belonging on main campuses may contribute to improved academic performance, reduced attrition, and a more resilient nursing workforce.