Nurses Returning to School: Motivators, Inhibitors and Job Satisfaction

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Workforce Development
• Higher Education

Background:

• Increasing emphasis on baccalaureate degrees for nurses.
• Need to understand factors influencing nurses' pursuit of higher education.

Purpose of the Study:

• Examine motivators, inhibitors, and job satisfaction's impact on nurses' intent to pursue further education.
• Identify barriers to continuing nursing education.

Main Methods:

• Survey of employed nurses in Wyoming (Summer 2013).
• Utilized mailed questionnaires to gather data on motivation, inhibitors, and job satisfaction.
• Statistical analysis of factors influencing intent to return to school.

Main Results:

• Employer discouragement and time constraints directly impact nurses' intent to return to school.
• Nurse motivation and job satisfaction also significantly contribute to educational aspirations.
• Barriers can limit the influence of motivation and satisfaction on returning to school.

Conclusions:

• Workplace dynamics and employer support are crucial for increasing the number of nurses with baccalaureate degrees.
• Addressing time constraints and employer discouragement is essential for workforce development.
• Strategies to enhance nurse motivation and job satisfaction can support educational advancement.