Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out of graduates from a specific Associate in Arts degree program functioned as effectively in beginning positions in nursing in the first five months following graduation as graduates from a specific three-year diploma program.

The descriptive survey method of research was used to collect data on fourteen of the twenty-one 1959 graduates from an Associate in Arts degrees program and fifteen of the eighteen graduates from the three-year diploma program for the same year.

The pre-entrance test scores were used to find to find out if the two groups were comparable and there was no significant difference in the t-value at 90 percent level.

The fourteen graduates from School A scored consistently higher in the National League for Nursing Achievement test and the State Board Examination.

Each graduate was interviewed once. They were observed in nursing performance by head nurses and given three conference over a five-month period.

Incidents

Reports by the Head Nurses. The graduates from School A performed nursing care effectively, with no ineffective performance in the following areas (1) selecting nursing care appropriate for the patient, (2) teaching the patient, (3) communicating with the patient, (4) communicating with the patient's visitors, and (5) directing functions of the nursing team.

Areas in which this group excelled even though ineffective performance were reported were: (1) carrying out treatments and medications, and (2) cooperating with personnel.

Weak areas reported for this group were: (1) taking initiative and responsibility, and (2) observing the patient.

According to the incident reported by the head nurses for graduates from School B, this group performed nursing care effectively with no ineffective performance in observing the patients and communicating with the patient.

Areas in which this group excelled, even though ineffective performance were reported, were selecting nursing care appropriate for the patient and communicating with the patient's visitors.

Weak areas reported for this group were: (1) teaching the patient, (2) carrying out treatments and medications, (3) taking initiative and responsibility, (4) directing functions of the nursing team, and (5) cooperating with personnel.

Reports of the Graduates. According to the incidents obtained from the fourteen graduates from School A during the interview, they reported effective performance in teaching the patient, taking initiative and responsibility, directing functions of the nursing team, and cooperating with personnel.

Graduates from School B listed effective performance in all areas.

Summary

According to the incidents reported by the head nurses, the fourteen graduates from School A performed more effectively as bedside nurses than the fifteen graduates from School B.

LLU Discipline

Nursing

Department

Nursing

School

Graduate Studies

First Advisor

Maxine Atteberry

Second Advisor

Winifred Edwards

Third Advisor

Shirley Puescel

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1961

Date (Title Page)

6-1961

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Education; Nursing

Type

Thesis

Page Count

viii; 130

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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