The purpose of this study was to describe and examine nurse educator and nursing student experiences and perceptions on attrition, barriers to program completion, relationships with nurse educators and peers, and support mechanisms. Participants in this study were four associate-degree nursing students who exited an associate degree nursing program and three faculty members teaching in an associate of science nursing program at a technical college in Southwest Georgia. I used purposive sampling in my study because purposeful selection is a strategy used to select individuals who can provide relevant information to address specific goals and research questions (Maxwell, 2013). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant. After transcribing and reviewing the recorded notes from each interview, concepts were organized in categories. Using thematic analysis, I was able to “uncover and categorize thematically” the experiences of nursing students and educators in the nursing program (Riessman, 2008, p. 54). The data collected through semi- structured one-on-one interviews allowed me to prepare narratives. The results indicated 1) the nursing program is intense and rigor is present in the nursing curriculum, 2) there is a history of unsupportive educators with some classroom drama and, 3) support mechanisms are in place with varying degrees of value.