Learning Objective #1: Describe how the revised Nursing Administration Standards of Practice and Professional Performance (ANA, 2003) are being utilized by selected nursing administrators and recognized by students

Learning Objective #2: Disseminate valid research findings to improve nursing administration practice and education

---

While a rigorous process was used by the American Nurses Association to revise the standards, there is no published evidence of field-testing by nurse administrators in the practice setting to date.

The purpose of this pilot study is to identify and describe how nurse administrator's behaviors conform to the revised Nursing Administration Standards of Practice and Professional Performance (NASPPP)(ANA 2003, p 14) as documented by Nursing Administration Graduate Students (NAGS) during their practicum experience.

This study utilizes a retrospective research design. The qualitative component uses a content analysis of data collected from clinical logs and critical incident reports written during one academic year. The quantitative component is a survey instrument to measure the frequency of NAGS perceptions of preceptor behaviors that utilize revised NASPPP. Demographic data of preceptors and students will include years of experience in nursing education and administrative roles.

A convenience sample of thirteen NAGS and their preceptors during practicum make up the sample. IRB approval and informed consent has been obtained before data collection.

Data will be analyzed descriptively. Quantitative data will be analyzed using the SPSS Statistical Package to determine frequencies and correlations among the variables of NASPPP, experience and education. Content analysis of qualitative data from clinical logs and critical incident questionnaires may reveal contextual variables influencing professional behavior of nursing administrators. Validation of results will occur with researchers and graduate students through member checking using small groups (Miles and Huberman, 1994).

Results of this pilot project could empirically support the newly revised NASPPP and may provide useful information for educators and clinicians.

American Nurses Association (2003). The Scope and Standards for Practice and Professional Performance. Author

Brookfield, S. (1992). The critical incident questionnaire. Author

Miles, M., & Huberman, A. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook (2nd ed.). Beverly Hills, CA Sage.