A FRAMEWORK FOR RE-ENTRY INTO NURSING PRACTICE (REFRESHER COURSE).
Contributors: Columbia University. Teachers College.
Published: 1986
Number of pages: 395
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Education, Adult and Continuing.
Description: This study was conducted for the purpose of developing an operational framework for a nurse refresher course that would facilitate the re-entry into professional practice by inactive nurses. In addition, an effort was made to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of such programs, in order to encourage institutions to offer them to nurses who need them. The directors of twelve refresher programs were interviewed to obtain information about course content and methods, perceived strengths and weaknesses of learners, and costs and marketing of programs. Data obtained through these interviews were compared with the results of surveys completed by 73 potential program participants. This comparison revealed several discrepancies between the perceptions of planners and participants. In particular, many of the prospective learners revealed a marked preference for independent learning activities, that had not been anticipated by planners.

On the basis of these findings, and with the aid of models and precepts from the field of adult education, an operational framework was constructed. The main features of this framework were: participative program planning, ongoing mutual evaluation, and ongoing dialogue as a means of learning. A prototype program based upon this framework was implemented, and resulted in re-entry into practice of 76% of participants. In addition, the methods employed enabled participants to clarify both personal and professional goals, and enhanced their feelings of individual autonomy.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 47-05, Section: B, page: 1931.

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

School code: 0055.