CAREER CHANGE TO NURSING: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINANTS, WORK VALUES, AND CAREER SATISFACTION.
Contributors: Columbia University. Teachers College.
Published: 1986
Number of pages: 131
Subjects: Psychology, Social.; Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: The problem investigated in this study was why individuals change an occupation or course of study to select nursing as a second career. In addition, the study sought to determine the work values of subjects and the extent to which they were satisfied with career change to nursing.

A preliminary screening questionnaire was mailed to prospective candidates. Thirty-five women and 11 men were interviewed in a one- to two-hour semi-structured interview. One standardized test was administered, the Work Values Inventory.

The age range of respondents at the time of admission to a school of nursing was 25 to 61. Most respondents reported middle range incomes ($20,000 to $40,000); 11 had incomes of $10,000 or less at the time of admission; 5 had incomes over $40,000. Change in marital status was associated with career change for 7 women; 5 entered nursing because they were widowed or divorced; 2 were divorced because of strain on the marriage. Twenty-two respondents had baccalaureate degrees or higher in fields other than nursing at the time of admission.

Former occupations were categorized by field and level using Anne Roe's classifications. Most came from Organization (14) and Service (12) categories; 3 came from Science, the category for nursing. The majority (34) advanced to a higher occupational level; 8 made lateral moves at the professional/managerial level (nursing).

Respondents left former occupations because of boredom, lack of intellectual stimulation, and low income. They selected nursing to find meaningful work and to help others. Work values of importance to respondents were altruism, achievement, and way of life. Individuals who came from higher level occupations had stronger, more positive work values than those who came from lower level occupations.

Respondents were only slightly satisfied with their choice of nursing as a second career. Correlations with 40 variables and satisfaction with nursing were low and insignificant. Those who experienced financial hardship in obtaining their education in nursing were most satisfied with their career change.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 47-06, Section: B, page: 2673.

Thesis (ED.D.)--COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY TEACHERS COLLEGE, 1986.

School code: 0055.