Baccalaureate Nursing Faculty Perceptions And Use Of The Educational Innovation Systems Nursing Conceptual Models An Original Study PDF Download

The purpose of this study was to examine associate degree nursing faculty perceptions of factors that influence their career advisement of nursing students to matriculate in nursing baccalaureate degree completion programs. The study was guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1988) as expanded by Godin and Kok (1996). Associate degree nursing faculty perceptions of factors that influence their advisement were viewed through the lens of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, personal norm and moral norm. An exploratory mixed method case study was conducted. A case state that had mandated articulation agreements between nursing educational levels was purposely chosen. An online survey, developed by the researcher, was sent to all full time nursing faculty from six of the seven associate degree nursing programs in the case state. Thirty-eight (67%) faculty provided quantitative data by completing the survey. Eight of these respondents provided further qualitative data by participating in telephone interviews. Five conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made for practice and continued research. The study concluded that advisement regarding educational continuation by associate degree nursing faculty is influenced by their belief that, given adequate support, and a period of recuperation, graduates are well prepared to educationally advance. In addition, the degree to which linkages had been established with baccalaureate completion programs, influenced advisement strategies by associate degree nursing faculty. Furthermore, faculty described a moral obligation to advise students based on a perceived relationship that was uniquely collegial. Recommendations for practice include development of intentional advisement strategies within associate degree programs that nurture professional excitement and ensure individualized plans for continuation. Stronger collaborative relationships with upper division programs are needed. Innovative advisement initiatives within the clinical arena merit further exploration. Research that focuses on student and baccalaureate faculty perceptions is needed to add to the discourse. Until a reliable method of tracking educational advancement in the case state can be established, evaluation of advisement effectiveness will remain anecdotal.