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Caplindisser 11.8.16.pdf (1.72 MB)

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Professional identity development in nurses returning for a BSN: A naturalistic inquiry

Caplin, Marcy S
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1479746734449734

Abstract Details

2016, PHD, Kent State University, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies.
The purpose of this study was to understand how nurses with associate degrees in nursing (ADNs) returning for bachelor of science (BSN) degrees experience professional identity development. Major nursing organizations are calling for the BSN to be the entry level for professional nursing practice. If BSN programs produce “professional” nurses, then it follows that when “technical” ADN nurses return for a BSN, they undergo a change in professional identity. This study utilized Mezirow’s transformation theory to explain the change in professional identity occurring in nurses returning for a BSN. Utilizing a naturalistic design, data were collected from eight nurses in a BSN program through semi-structured interviews and student portfolios. The overarching finding was that nurses returning for a BSN experienced increased confidence that manifested itself in several ways: Nurses became aware of issues related to power and empowerment, such as reducing hierarchies, becoming valued team members, developing a voice, using power, and controlling their careers; nurses perceived an expansion of their roles that they had not previously considered; and nurses experienced an expanded worldview, including a changing image of nursing, seeing the bigger picture, experiencing new possibilities, and a thirst for learning. The findings deepen our understanding of professional identity development in nurses returning for a BSN. Implications for nursing education include developing a curriculum educating nurses about the levels of nursing education, reducing fear and anxiety in returning nurses, and providing experiences that encourage transformation in thinking. Implications for nursing practice include supporting professional identity in the workplace and recognizing nurses who obtain further education.
Alicia, R. Crowe, PhD (Committee Chair)
Joanne Dowdy, PhD (Committee Member)
Tricia Niesz, PhD (Committee Member)
204 p.
Education; Nursing
RN to BSN, professional identity development, perspective transformation, nursing education, naturalistic inquiry

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Caplin, M. S. (2016). Professional identity development in nurses returning for a BSN: A naturalistic inquiry [Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1479746734449734

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Caplin, Marcy . Professional identity development in nurses returning for a BSN: A naturalistic inquiry. 2016. Kent State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1479746734449734.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Caplin, Marcy . "Professional identity development in nurses returning for a BSN: A naturalistic inquiry." Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1479746734449734

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1479746734449734
4,105
© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.