STUDY OF FACTORS RELATED TO PERSISTENCE OF STUDENTS IN A STATEWIDE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM (MBTI).
Contributors: Indiana University.
Published: 1987
Number of pages: 131
Subjects: Education, Higher.
Description: The purpose of this longitudinal, correlational study was to identify significant relationships between selected variables and persistence and non-persistence of student practical nurses in a statewide practical nursing program involving ten regional locations. Internal factors, as measured by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and external factors, as measured by a questionnaire called the Information for Study Participants (ISP), were obtained from 325 fully admitted students. Both instruments were self reporting and were administered during the first of a four quarter program.

Data obtained by the instruments were subjected to stepwise multiple regression which identified relationships between variables measured and persistence and non-persistence. Chi-square and t tests were done to compare persisters to non-persisters. The significant correlates identified by the regression procedure were: Sex and Marital Status which were Background external factors, Expecting to Graduate which is an Attitude/Outcome external factor; and Absences which is an Organizational external factor. No measures of the MBTI were related at significant levels to persistence and non-persistence. The minimal level of significance accepted in this study was .05. Differences of significant levels between persisters and non-persisters included Sex, Marital Status, Expecting to Graduate, Absences, Counseled Ten Minutes or More, Courses Stimulating and Race. Persisters tended to be female, married, certain of graduating, absent fewer times, counseled less often, found courses stimulating and tended to be Caucasian. Non-persisters tended to be male, not married, less certain of graduation, absent more often, counseled more often, did not find courses as stimulating and tended to be a member of a non-white ethnic group. The total amount of variance explained by the four regression variables relating significantly to persistence and non-persistence was 12.8%.

More exploration of the related variables identified by this study is recommended in order to understand their effect upon the processes of persistence and non-persistence. Other factors must be identified in further research in order to increase the exploration of variance.

The practical nursing program faculty should utilize the findings of this study to take steps to further student retention through improved faculty contact and advisement in the areas of the significant variables yielded by this study.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 48-01, Section: A, page: 0057.

Thesis (ED.D.)--INDIANA UNIVERSITY, 1987.

School code: 0093.