HOW NURSES LEARN ABOUT MANAGEMENT THROUGH INFORMAL LEARNING IN THE WORKPLACE.
Contributors: Columbia University. Teachers College.
Published: 1996
Number of pages: 339
Subjects: Education, Adult and Continuing.; Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: The purpose of this adult education study was to determine how hospital nurse managers learn about management through informal learning strategies as they engage in their daily workplace activities.

While there is little doubt that formal education programs prepare nurses in learning some aspects of management, there is general consensus among nurse educators and administrators that nurse managers also learn through repeated practice episodes in their actual daily practice of management in the hospital. However, very little is known about these tacit learning processes in terms of the learning strategies employed, e.g. trial and error, coaching, mentoring, or the resources utilized (supervisors, peers). In addition to identifying these important strategies and resources, this study sought to distinguish those factors that facilitated or impeded learning.

The study site was a mid-size Catholic hospital located in an urban setting in Central New York. Among several educational opportunities for health care professionals, the hospital has its own school of nursing.

The methodology of the study employed a constructivist paradigm using a case study approach and qualitative data. Out of twenty-nine nurse managers, twenty elected to participate in the study. Data collection occurred through semi-structured interviews, critical incidents and document analysis. Data were transcribed and coded; the resulting categories were used to interpret the findings.

The study conclusions revealed that while there was some organizational support for informal learning, nurse managers indicated learning about management primarily through trial and error. Role modeling and coaching by supervisors and peers were also identified as central resources for learning. Subjects reported minimal learning via groups or through the networking process.

Recommendations suggested the need for the establishment of a preceptorship and mentorship program, a nurse manager resource center, more external networking, and in general a more concerted effort to facilitate informal learning via the group mode. Overall, greater support by hospital and nurse administrators is a critical imperative to promote informal learning in the hospital setting.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-02, Section: A, page: 0553.

Thesis (ED.D.)--COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY TEACHERS COLLEGE, 1996.

School code: 0055.