Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

Abstract

In the United States, there are 2.7 million persons employed in the field of nursing, a figure that ranks this country as the largest single group of health care professionals in the nation (Kennedy, 2003). However, for a variety of demographic, technical training requirement, and capacity reasons, the demand for nurses has outpaced supply for a number of years. By 2010, it is estimated that there will be a need for over one million new and/or replacement registered nurses (RNs). Furthermore, by 2008, it is projected that the need for RNs will increase by 21% nationwide to its highest level ever (American Association of Colleges of Nursing Press Release, 2004b). In light of the fact that little has been published with regard to theEducational mobility of licensed practical nurses (LPNs), the purpose of this qualitative study was to help fill this gap by exploring the factors involved in an LPN's decision whether or not to pursue further professionalEducation. This study utilized as its conceptual framework Vroom's expectancy theory on motivation as well as student and career development from both a psychosocial and a cognitive structural perspective. Super's social cognitive career theory and Perry's theory of intellectual and ethical development were some of the theorists whose literatures were summarized near the end of Chapter 2 along with a discussion of their specific relevance to the nursing profession. Results revealed that an average of 10 years occurred before LPNs ventured to pursue the role of RN. Reasons varied from getting paid for what one did to a feeling of self esteem by achieving a higherEducational status. In general, life matter and related problems like complacency and just wanting to remain in the LPN role seemed to be some of the main issues that prevented or legitimized nurses from pursuing furtherEducational mobility sooner than they did. However, of those nurses that advanced from the LPN role to that of RN, some continued to progress to the BSN level and have anticipation of moving to the MSN level and beyond.

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