Clinical ladder: Nurses' perceptions and satisfiers.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to measure how nurses perceive the present clinical ladder program and to identify satisfiers for increasing participation.


BACKGROUND
The hospital clinical ladder program was developed in the 1970s to recognize registered nurses who chose to remain at the bedside and concentrate on expertise in clinical practice.


METHODS
A descriptive, nonexperimental design was used for this study. A modified Strzelecki clinical ladder assessment questionnaire was distributed.


RESULTS
This study identified what motivates nurses to participate in the clinical ladder program and provides information used to evaluate the present program.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses' perceptions of satisfiers for the clinical ladder included recognition on all levels which were with peers, personal satisfaction, professional growth, financial incentives, and administration.
Carolina Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28232-2861, USA. joann.riley@carolinashealthcare.org
Joann K
JK
Riley
Debbie H
DH
Rolband
Diana
D
James
H James
HJ
Norton
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002322:Career Mobility; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009657:North Carolina; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D018024:Peer Review, Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires