Professional socialization of the registered nurse returning for a baccalaureate degree

A cross-sectional research design was used to determine if a baccalaureate education program influenced the professional socialization of returning registered nurse (RRN) students. The overall aim of the study was to determine whether there was a difference in the level of professional socialization between the RRNs entering and RRNs graduating from a baccalaureate nursing program (BSN). A census of entering and graduating RN students and graduating generic baccalaureate students from three BSN programs was used to obtain the data. A convenience sample of associate degree (AD)/diploma nurses not enrolled in a BSN program was also measured. Autonomy, an essential criterion for professional status, was selected as the most significant variable in measuring the level of professional socialization. Measurement was achieved using Schutzenhofer's Nursing Activity Scale (NAS). Hypotheses were tested using one-way analysis of variance, while descriptive statistics described the study population. The data revealed that entry RNs had a level of professionalism nearly identical to that of the generic graduates. The level of professionalism increased over time, so that at graduation from a BSN program the graduating RNs' scores exceeded the level of entry RNs as well as that of generic graduates. There was a statistically significant difference in level of professionalism between entry and graduating RRNs and between graduating RRNs and AD/diploma nurses. The data suggest that RNs enter BSN programs with already established behaviors appropriate to the professional role. This may be due to a number of factors, including work experience and prior education. The results suggest that academic study toward a baccalaureate degree appears to have a positive influence on the professional growth of the returning RN.