The path to nurse registration

Abstract

<

p

>

The aim of this study was to identify factors promoting or impeding pre-registration degree level education at the first School of Nursing in Scotland offering transfer from diploma to degree programmes.

<

/p

>

<

p

>

A questionnaire was used to collect data from third year student nurses (adult branch). This included an "attitude towards obtaining a degree" scale, developed using psychometric techniques to maximise reliability and validity.

<

/p

>

<

p

>

Attitudes were generally positive. The majority of participants believed obtaining a degree would help nurses develop their career and increase their professional status. However, the majority disagreed with views that obtaining a degree was essential to be a good nurse, would make nurses better at their jobs and would improve patient care provided by nurses. Only 25% believed obtaining a degree ought to be essential for all student nurses.

<

/p

>

<

p

>

Twenty-nine participants did not accept transfer to a degree programme. Of these, four-fifths reported this was due to the combined pressures of academic workload, family and work. None of these participants believed that obtaining a degree would make nurses better at their jobs.

<

/p

>

<

p

>

A theory-practice divide seemed to exist whereby many participants did not relate increased degree knowledge to improved clinical practice.

<

/p

>