ENTRY INTO PRACTICE: A PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE (TECHNICAL).
Contributors: East Texas State University.
Published: 1986
Number of pages: 126
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: Purpose of the Study. The purpose of this study was to determine if significant differences exist between the opinions of nurse practitioners and nurse educators in Texas toward entry into nursing practice. An opinion survey questionnaire consisting of twenty selected statements related to entry into practice was used to collect the data.

Procedure. The nurse practitioners and nurse educators who were identified by random sampling responded to a validated instrument designed to collect opinion data relative to entry into practice. A Chi-square test of independence using a two-by-two contingency table with an established Alpha level of .05 was used to determine if significant differences existed. Percentages of agreement or disagreement were calculated for each statement on the questionnaire. Comparisons were also made within groups with reference to age, sex, educational level, teaching, and practicing experience.

Findings. Significant differences in the opinions of ADN and BSN educators were found in fourteen of the twenty statements. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the opinions between ADN and BSN practitioners on thirteen of the twenty statements. Significant differences in the opinions between the combined groups of educators and practitioners were found on six of the twenty statements. Statements in which the greatest significant difference was shown included those related to the minimum educational preparation for professional nursing practice; single vs. dual entry levels into nursing practice; and licensing, titling, and credentialing issues.

Conclusions. Nurse educators and nurse practitioners expressed similar opinions toward the appropriate utilization of nurses according to their educational preparation, educational preparation in colleges and universities, and the adequacy of the current state board licensing examination to test minimum competencies. There is a definite significant difference related to the educational preparation required for the first level RN for entry into practice. Both the educators and practitioners support two educational levels for entry into practice, yet reveal significant differences in credentialing, titling, and licensing procedures. Nurse educators and nurse practitioners are concerned with the future of the nursing profession.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 47-04, Section: B, page: 1490.

Thesis (ED.D.)--EAST TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY, 1986.

School code: 0103.