CAREER ORIENTATIONS, CAREER PATTERNS AND CAREER SATISFACTION OF NURSES.
Contributors: Boston University.
Published: 1991
Number of pages: 7472
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Psychology, Social.
Description: The purposes of this descriptive study were to identify the Career Orientations of nurses, to describe Career Patterns which they have evolved, and to ascertain their levels of Career Satisfaction. Self-actualization theory formed the framework. Self-actualization involves becoming cognizant of self potentialities and exploring experiences which enhance development. The theory suggests that to the extent people are able to implement their self-concept through their career, the more satisfied and effective they will be in that career.

The subjects in this study (N = 425) were registered nurses from Idaho and Oregon who responded to a mailed questionnaire. Four Career Orientations were identified. The constellations of needs and values which characterized the orientations of nurses differed somewhat from those reported in the literature for industrial managers and public service professionals.

Nine Career Patterns were described. Levels of Career Satisfaction were ascertained. Nurses appear to be as satisfied with their careers as clinical psychologists, less satisfied with their careers than physicians, and more satisfied than pharmacists.

Certain combinations of Career Orientations and Career Patterns appeared to be associated with high Career Satisfaction and other combinations seemed to lead to low satisfaction. The combinations of Care-giver Orientation with Academic Education Pattern and Self-investor Orientation with Business Owner Pattern displayed the highest Career Satisfaction scores. Care-giver Orientation associated with Career Refinement Pattern revealed the lowest satisfaction score.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 53-03, Section: B, page: 1294.

Thesis (D.N.SC.)--BOSTON UNIVERSITY, 1991.

School code: 0017.