Students' evolving beliefs about nursing: from entry to graduation in a four-year baccalaureate programme

Students become socialised into nursing during an educational programme through interaction with faculty members, classes and seminars, and by the experience of practicing nursing. In this paper, some results from a qualitative study that examined the socialisation of nursing students from one four-year baccalaureate programme are described. The changes in the students' attitudes and values are presented. Davis' (1975) theory of doctrinal conversion is used to examine progress in the process of socialisation. There is evidence that students moved from a lay to a professional image of nursing over the course of their four-year programme. While they tended to remain idealistic, elements of realism were evident in the final year as they looked toward their role as a registered nurse and recognised the constraints inherent in the hospital system.