AN ADMINISTRATIVE STUDY OF PROFESSIONALISM AND AUTONOMY AMONG SELECT GROUPS OF NURSES IN PRACTICE: AN ANALYSIS OF TWO SOCIALIZATION MODES IN NURSING.
Contributors: University of Minnesota.
Published: 1985
Number of pages: 153
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: This study determined whether nurses (N = 43) who were socialized in general nursing educational programs, and those who were socialized in specialized nursing educational programs (nurse-midwives N = 43 and nurse practitioners N = 44 ), differed significantly in their attitudes regarding nursing autonomy and professionalism.

The construct socialization, including the process of general and professional socialization, and the related concept of role, comprised the conceptual framework of this study.

Nurses' attitudes related to autonomy and professionalism were assessed using the Pankratz Nursing Attitude Scale, Quinn and Staines' Job Autonomy Scale, and Halls' Professional Inventory Scale.

Significant differences were found between the nurse groups on the variables of age, years attended college, highest nursing credential/degree; type of practice setting; years of practice and personal autonomy and achievement as measured by the Jackson PRF-A autonomy and achievement scales. Although the groups differed significantly on the above variables, only the covariates years attended college and personal autonomy contributed significantly to the predictions of scale scores.

Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the specialized and general nurse groups' mean scores for the scales: total autonomy; nursing autonomy; job autonomy; total professionalism; use of professional organization; sense of calling; and sense of autonomy. Significant differences were found between the nurse-midwife and nurse practitioner groups' mean scores for self-regulation.

No significant differences were found in the mean scores for the patients' rights scale, rejection of traditional role limits, and belief in public service among the groups of nurses.

Based on the results of analysis, the hypotheses: there are no statistical differences in the mean scores for "nursing autonomy" and "professionalism" between nurses socialized in general nursing educational programs and those socialized in specialized nursing educational programs (nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives), taking into account the influence of relevant covariates were rejected at the 0.05 level.

It was concluded that professional socialization experienced in two distinct modes of nursing education is a major determinant of practicing nurses' attitudes related to autonomy and professionalism.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 46-04, Section: B, page: 1115.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, 1985.

School code: 0130.