STUDY OF KOREAN NURSE IMMIGRANTS' ADAPTATION EXPERIENCE TO THE NURSING PROFESSION IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA (CALIFORNIA).
Contributors: University of Michigan.
Published: 1986
Number of pages: 175
Subjects: Education, Adult and Continuing.
Description: This study sought to identify factors which are most closely associated with job adaptation of Korean nurse immigrants in the Los Angeles area, to the nursing profession.

A sample of 155 Korean nurse immigrants responded to a detailed questionnaire about their experiences. Demographic data revealed that the majority of nurses were relatively young (under 30) when they immigrated. On the average, the respondents have resided in this country for 12 years and nearly all are married to Koreans. They viewed life as being "somewhat" to "very" satisfying. Among the significant findings is that licensure is the first major obstacle they confront in their nursing career.

Perceived difficulties in taking the R.N. licensing examination were in order of difficulty: language, lack of practical nursing experience in the United States, differences in nursing education, cultural differences, insufficient time to finish the examination, and number of years away from school. The most difficult subject was psychiatric nursing. English fluency significantly correlated with job adaptation. More recent graduates from nursing school and the graduates of baccalaureate programs needed fewer attempts to pass the examination than diploma program graduates. Most of the respondents had a relatively low degree of acculturation into American culture, and tend to focus on their own ethnic organizations and speak Korean except at work. There were no significant relationships between job adaptation and acculturation, and between job adaptation and length of residence in this country. Age and nursing experience prior to immigration did not correlate significantly.

The method used most frequently to find a job was by getting information from Korean friends and American newspapers. The majority found their first job within six months of their residence in the United States. The jobs tend to be as nurse aides and licensed practical nurses; only 20.8% of them work as registered nurses. 35% dropped out of the professions within 6 years. Those remaining rated their nursing performance "above average" to "outstanding.".

An approach is suggested to minimize the ordeal of adaptation. It consists of an organized educational program including courses in language, culture, coordinated nursing theory, a practicum, and the encouragement of active socialization with American friends and participation in American organizations.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 47-06, Section: A, page: 1980.

Thesis (PH.D.)--THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, 1986.

School code: 0127.