Social problems encountered by public health nurses: identification and response differences according to education and experience.
Do nurses differ in relation to the identification of social problems and actions taken according to educational preparation? Using data from a larger field study, baccalaureate nurses (BSNs) were compared to Non-BSNs. The two groups did not differ in the number of problems that were identified, but BSNs did identify more problems related to non-immediate needs. The nurses took up to ten actions (means = 4.6) per problem, and the average number per BSN was less than the average per Non-BSN. The data lend some support to the position that BSNs are more likely to be self-assured and self-directed. Several questions are raised that are relevant to educators and administrators.
D000368:Aged; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D004510:Education, Nursing, Diploma Programs; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011637:Public Health Nursing; D012940:Social Problems