AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the development of professionalism in pre-licensure nursing students in associate degree, diploma, and baccalaureate programs. BACKGROUND: Concerns have been raised about whether professional values to guide nursing practice are consistently instilled within nursing education programs. METHOD: Degrees of professionalism were operationally measured by the 26-item Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised (NPVS-R) (Weis & Schank, 2009) in a convenience sample. RESULTS: ANOVA analysis (p = 0.0003) and then pairwise t-test analysis (p = 0.0004) revealed statistical significance when comparing NPVS-R scores and educational preparation. Differences between professional values scores and levels within each program revealed significance for the diploma students (p < 0.0001). Secondary subanalysis of the NPVS-R factors among levels and between educational preparation again revealed significance. CONCLUSION: Curricula revisions, faculty reflection and enrichment, as well as active student engagement are warranted to more vigilantly enhance the role formation process.
AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the development of professionalism in pre-licensure nursing students in associate degree, diploma, and baccalaureate programs. BACKGROUND: Concerns have been raised about whether professional values to guide nursing practice are consistently instilled within nursing education programs. METHOD: Degrees of professionalism were operationally measured by the 26-item Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised (NPVS-R) (Weis & Schank, 2009) in a convenience sample. RESULTS: ANOVA analysis (p = 0.0003) and then pairwise t-test analysis (p = 0.0004) revealed statistical significance when comparing NPVS-R scores and educational preparation. Differences between professional values scores and levels within each program revealed significance for the diploma students (p < 0.0001). Secondary subanalysis of the NPVS-R factors among levels and between educational preparation again revealed significance. CONCLUSION: Curricula revisions, faculty reflection and enrichment, as well as active student engagement are warranted to more vigilantly enhance the role formation process.