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Differences in the levels of role stress between registered nurses returning for their Baccalaureate degree in nursing and registered nurses in the work place

University of British Columbia

The purpose of this study is to compare the differences in the levels of role intensity and role disparity between registered nurses in the work place (RNs) and registered nurses returning for their baccalaureate degree in nursing (RRNs). Demographic variables were also captured and described. Three hundred and fifty female RNs in British Columbia were randomly selected to participate in the study. Each participant was mailed a Role Enactment Questionnaire and asked to return it to the researcher upon completion. The participants were aged 25-45, were married or partnered, had at least one child under the age of 6, and worked part-time. Two hundred of the group were also returning to university, part-time, for a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The "Role Enactment Questionnaire" and a demographic form were mailed to each participant. Sixty-eight questionnaires (19%) were returned and 38 (11%) were used in the analysis. Results indicate that generally the RRNs were a younger group than the RNs, with smaller numbers of children living with them full time. The RRNs reported having more children under the age of six living with them full time. Surprisingly, the RRN group also indicated that they worked more hours per week and had more flex time options available to them. Despite these demographic differences the RNs reported having more additional paid home help available. Personal income levels revealed that the RRN group had higher incomes than the RNs. However, for family income levels the RNs reported a higher level. When the groups were compared the RRNs perceived significantly lower levels of role intensity than the RNs. The RNs and RRNs reported perceiving similar levels of role disparity. Several implications for current and future RRNs, as well as nursing faculty and nurse administrators in relation to role intensity and role disparity have been derived from this study. The results indicate that RRNs who reduce their role demands and responsibilities will not necessarily experience low levels of role intensity and disparity. Therefore, attention to RRNs' cognitive perceptions of their role demands and responsibilities is needed before any actions can be implemented. Further research addressing the partner's involvement in family roles, and their level of role intensity and role disparity would provide insights into their perceptions. Longitudinal studies involving RNs and their partners, should be conducted comparing the RNs levels of role intensity and role disparity before and after they entered a baccalaureate program. This data would give us insight into perception changes in relation to role intensity and role disparity that occur when the RN adds the student role to the four roles of paid worker, parent, spouse/partner and individual.

Thesis/Dissertation

application/pdf

2009-01-19

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/3786

Nursing

University of British Columbia

UBCV

DSpace