What deters nurses from participating in web-based graduate nursing programs?: A cross-sectional survey research study.
BACKGROUND
A graduate degree is required of nursing faculty in America. Because of the nursing faculty shortage, web-based graduate nursing programs are being offered to encourage nurses to return to school. The identification of deterrents to participating in these programs is an important step in increasing enrollment.


OBJECTIVE
To identify deterrents to participation in web-based graduate nursing programs.


METHODS
Descriptive survey research.


METHODS
Louisiana


METHODS
Two hundred and eighty-one registered nurse members of the Louisiana Nurses' Association.


METHODS
The 54-item four-point Likert-type interval scale Deterrents to Participation in Web-Based Graduate Nursing Programs Survey Instrument was used. Data were collected over 8weeks using SurveyMonkey.com to administer the web survey tool to all members of the Louisiana State Nurses' Association.


RESULTS
A factor analysis revealed a three-factor solution that explained 55.436% of the total variance in deterrents to participation in web-based graduate nursing programs. The factors were labeled "concerns about quality, cost, and time," "concerns about access to resources: technological and personal," and "concerns about electronic mediated communication." Multiple regression analysis revealed an overall model of three predictors of deterrents to participation in web-based graduate nursing programs: no computer literacy, annual household income between 20,000 and 50,000 dollars, and having the current educational status of graduating from a diploma RN program. This model accounted for 21% of the variance in the deterrents to participation scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Since these three significant predictors of deterrents to participation in web-based graduate nursing programs were identified, web-based nursing graduate program administrators might consider an outreach to RN diploma graduates in an effort to make them aware of available technology support programs to foster participation. Scholarships for lower income nursing students are recommended, and programs to support computer literacy within the nursing community should be considered.
Our Lady of the Lake College, Baton Rouge, LA, USA. Electronic address: wowlams@gmail.com.
Suzanne H
SH
Carpenter
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008145:Louisiana; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D012956:Societies, Nursing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Deterrents; Distance learning; Nursing faculty shortage; Online; Participation; Registered nurses; Web-based graduate nursing