Dissertation
A comparison of the effects of mentorship and self-efficacy on the career advancement of nurses educated internationally and in the United States
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Drexel University
2011
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3578
Abstract
Introduction: Excellence, professional and personal fulfillment of nurses underscores the need for all registered nurses (RNs) to keep their skills and competencies current through professional development and career advancement opportunities. Professional development is the process by which healthcare professionals keep their skills and competencies current to meet the healthcare needs of their patients. Career advancement serves as a tool that supports nursing excellence. However, emerging evidence suggests that internationally educated nurses (IENs) progress relatively slowly through the career ladder and participate less in professional development opportunities compared to their indigenous counterparts, such as nurses educated in the U.S.(UENs). It is important to understand the factors that influence professional development and career advancement of all nurses, and particularly IENs. Mentorship and self-efficacy are major determinants of career advancement, but the influence of these two variables on professional development, and career advancement of nurses is yet to be explored. This study seeks to understand how mentorship and self-efficacy have influenced nurses' participation in professional development and career advancement activities. Methods: This study used a descriptive-correlational survey design and content analysis of open-ended questions to examine differences in levels of mentoring functions and self-efficacy of IENs compared to nurses UENs. It also explores the association among mentorship, self-efficacy, professional development and career advancement of both groups of nurses. A web-designed questionnaire was used to reach potential participants through an online survey. Results: Results showed that the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents closely matched the U.S. nursing workforce reported in other studies. Only the role model subscale score of mentorship was significantly different between the groups. Self-efficacy was similar in both groups. While there were similarities in some professional development and career advancement measures, significant disparities were noted in others. Analysis of the open-ended questions revealed that a healthy work environment is critical for nurses' engagement in professional development and career advancement opportunities. Both groups of nurses face similar professional development challenges; however, some of the factors leading to the challenges differ between UENs and IENs. Conclusion Mentorship is essential for nurses' professional development. The socio-demographic characteristics of mentors are equally important, as nurses look up to their mentors as role models. Nurse leaders are challenged to create a healthy work environment and implement a standardized career advancement structure that will promote professional growth and development in nursing. This is essential for nurses to remain vital and leading members of the interdisciplinary care team. Each nurse has the responsibility to engage in self-leadership for personal and professional fulfillment. In comparison to UENs, IENs are only somewhat successful in the U.S. nursing workforce. Considerable work is needed to bridge the gaps in professional development and career advancement between UENs and IENs. This study identifies some of the areas where the differences exist, as well as some of the factors that contribute to these differences. Further research is necessary to validate these findings and understand the mechanisms that underlie these disparities.
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Details
- Title
- A comparison of the effects of mentorship and self-efficacy on the career advancement of nurses educated internationally and in the United States
- Creators
- Rita K. Adeniran - DU
- Contributors
- Mary Ellen Smith Glasgow (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctoral Nursing; Nursing (Graduate); College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 3578; 991014632399404721