| Learning Objective #1: Discuss changes in attitude and practice occuring as an outcome of completing a masters degree in nursing and the differences found in graduates of programs with different foci | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Identify the applicability of Mezirow's theory of Perspective Transformation to the experience of graduates of masters degrees in nursing |
Objectives: Explore changes in attitude and practice occurring as an outcome of completing a Master's degree in nursing. Explore whether Mezirow's theory of Perspective Transformation explains experiences of graduates of nursing Master's programs.
Design: Qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews with recent graduates of Master's nursing programs with different foci (thesis, course-based, advanced practice, nurse practitioner, education, administration).
Concepts or Variables studied: Professional resocialization of Master's prepared nurses: namely, perspective transformation among graduate level nurses.
Population, sample, setting: The study is in progress. Volunteer participants are recent graduates from universities in Ontario offering nursing programs with different foci: thesis, course-based, advanced practice, nurse practitioner, education, and administration. Participants are being selected to obtain maximum variability based on program, university and subsequent employment. Approximately 8 students from each program/focus will be interviewed as determined by theoretical saturation.
Method: Semi-structured taped interviews are being conducted with volunteers. Participants describe changes in their practice, thought processes, sources of practice knowledge, and attitudes to practice and the profession. As well, they reflect on Mezirow's stages of perspective transformation and how they reflect their experience. Transcribed interviews are analyzed using N-VIVO to identify themes, constructs, and interrelationships. Follow-up focus groups will be held with selected informants to confirm or refine analysis.
Findings: Themes and inter-relationships will be reported. Similarities generic to Master's level nursing education and differences based on program will be discussed.
Conclusions: The impact of programs with different foci on the perspective transformation that is presumed to occur in graduate nursing education has not been reported. This study will help to identify those transformations.
Implications: Findings of this study will guide nursing educators and employers to consider how graduate programs contribute to attitude and practice changes desired for the development of the profession.
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