title: Perspective transformation: enhancing the development of professionalism in RN-to-BSN students.
abstract: The purpose of this research was to examine whether there are resultant behavioral changes in professionalism for returning adult RN-to-BSN students and to identify teaching-learning activities that stimulate transformative learning. Mezirow's adult learning theory served as a theoretical guide for the study. A convenience sample of students enrolled in a RN-to-BSN completion program during 2 academic years was surveyed using the core standards from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's essentials of baccalaureate nursing education. A total of 26 learning activities were identified as creating cognitive dissonance (conflict of values). Changes in professional behavior 3 months postgraduation included increased collaboration with the health care team, increased patient advocacy, and increased confidence in the role as a teacher of patients and families. The findings indicate that planning learning activities in nursing curricula can foster perspective transformation in professionalism.
authors.affiliation: Auburn University Montgomery, PO Box 244023, Montgomery, AL 36124-4023, USA. amorris@mail.aum.edu
authors.forename: Arlene H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Debbie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Faulk
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003073:Cognitive Dissonance; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004518:Education, Professional, Retraining / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D017145:Models, Educational; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012933:Social Identification; D012945:Social Values; D012951:Socialization; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires