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Published on: June 21, 2010
Motivations and barriers regarding higher nursing education among the Maine and Massachusetts nursing workforce
Kathryn N Robinson1, Angie M Rodday2, Rebecca Dias1
1School of Nursing, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, USA.
Background:
Maine and Massachusetts are experiencing a critical nursing workforce and faculty shortage, and struggle to meet the demands of hiring qualified faculty. Nurses are leaving the bedside, but not for careers in academia, even though they show interest.
Purpose:
To understand registered nurses' views on pursuing higher education to determine interested candidates in obtaining advanced degrees needed for academic positions.
Methods:
A logistic regression analysis was conducted using multi-modal recruitment strategies for registered nurses currently employed in Massachusetts and Maine, based on a survey modeled after the 2018 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses.
Results:
The 556 sampled demonstrated a lack of awareness of the faculty shortage and higher education options. There was moderate interest (30.9%) in becoming nursing instructors instead of bedside care. Working in Massachusetts, being older, married, and having a higher income (>$ 115,000) were associated with lower odds of returning for an advanced degree, whereas being non-Hispanic/non-White and in their current role for less than 5 years were associated with higher odds.
Conclusion:
State workforce statistics demonstrate a critical need for nurses with advanced degrees. More resources are needed to help nurses bridge the gap between leaving the hospital and entering academia.
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