Role-orientation change among RNs in an upper-division level baccalaureate program

Using the Corwin Role-Orientation Instrument as modified by Dr. M.E. Bevis, the author conducted a study within an upper division level Baccalaureate Nursing Program to determine the extent to which students were "professionalized" in the process of attaining a BS in Nursing. The study design involved a cross-sectional sample of entering and exiting students within the same university program. In addition to assessing the students for their role-orientations, personal and demographic data were collected in order to compare the respective student groups for profile similarities and differences. Analysis of the data collected suggested some similarities between the student groups in terms of such variables as age dispersion, sex, and basic nursing preparation. Differences detected between the groups included marital status, amount of clinical experience, educational goals, and career goals. Statistical analysis is presented to describe the distribution of scores attained by the two groups on the Corwin Role-Orientation Instrument. Responses to the 22-item questionnaire determine the extent to which the subject has a "bureaucratic-orientation," a "service-orientation," and a "professional orientation." In this study, students who were about to graduate from the upper division level Baccalaureate Nursing Program hold a role-orientation which is less bureaucratic, more professional and more service oriented than their entering counterparts.