Date Awarded

1993

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Education

Advisor

James M. Yankovich

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine how RNs who were seniors in academic programs leading to a baccalaureate nursing education perceived their programs. These perceptions were determined by assessing: (1) the educational and experiential characteristics of senior re-entry registered nurses, (2) reasons for returning to college for a baccalaureate education, (3) perceptions of the relevancy of nursing course work, and (4) personal, professional and academic difficulties encountered in the program of study. The study also investigated specific demographic data with relationship to perceptions.;Participants attended nursing programs at seven Virginia state supported colleges and universities. A sample of convenience was used with a total of 78 participants (75% return rate). Participants were in their last semester of study at their respective universities.;The five research questions were: (1) What are the educational and experiential characteristics of the senior re-entry registered nurses who return to college for a baccalaureate nursing education, (2) What are the reasons senior re-entry registered nurses cite for their return to college for a baccalaureate nursing education, (3) How do senior re-entry registered nurses rate the relevancy of their nursing course work, (4) Is there a difference between the work experience of senior re-entry registered nurse students and their perceptions of the academic, professional and personal difficulties experienced while in college? (5) Is there a difference between the educational level of senior re-entry registered nurse students and their perceptions of the academic, professional and personal difficulties experienced while in college?;It was concluded that: The average re-entry RN is 31 to 40 years of age, female, married, with children, white and employed 1-10 years in staff nurse positions in hospitals. (1) Registered nurses return to college for personal reasons, because it is the trend in nursing, and for credibility/prestige, (2) nursing education material is current and reflects new research from a variety of sources, and is appropriate for their backgrounds, (3) the cost of education requires RNs to work in order to afford college, (4) and (5) there was no difference between AD graduates and diploma graduates based on experience and education.

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/doi:10.25774/w4-10n6-3w88

Rights

© The Author

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