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Building a foundation of evidence to support nurses returning to school: The role of empowerment

  • The MetroHealth System

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

AIM The aim of the study was to investigate the role of Kanter's theory of workplace empowerment in nurses' attitude toward returning to school. BACKGROUND Increasing the percentage of BSNs has a positive effect on outcomes, but few hospitals offer formal support systems beyond tuition reimbursement. Workplace empowerment theory may explain attitudes toward returning to school. METHOD A mixed-methods design was used with a cross-sectional survey and focus group. RESULTS Significant predictors of attitude toward returning to school (n = 162) were formal power (p =.003), access to support (p =.007), and access to resources (p =.050). Focus group themes (n = 3) were resources important to returning to school/manager support, timing, becoming aware of opportunities after enrolling, and intrinsic desire to return to school. CONCLUSION Exploring relationships between workplace empowerment and attitudes toward returning to school will guide hospital executives in building support systems for nurses returning to school.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)285-290
Number of pages6
JournalNursing Education Perspectives
Volume41
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2020

Keywords

  • Academic Progression
  • Nurse Education
  • Returning to School
  • Workplace Empowerment

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