title: Factors that influence CNSs' decision about specialization.
abstract: Few studies have explored nurses' decision making relative to advanced practice. The purposes of this study were to determine when the decision to prepare as a CNS in a particular specialty is made and to identify the factors that influence that decision. A survey was completed by 257 CNSs. Results indicated that more than half (69%) decided on their specialty after graduation from a basic nursing program. The factors that influenced choice of specialty included experience in first position (47%), clinical role model (37%), and student experience (35%). Critical care was rated the most desirable specialty and psychiatric nursing the least preferred.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Sexton
authors.forename: B H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Munro
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Sulzbach
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002321:Career Choice; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000523:psychology*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D013041:Specialties, Nursing