FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE CAREER DECISION MAKING AMONG UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS AT TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I hereby declared that this research proposal / dissertation is entirely my own work and has not been submitted as an exercise for assessment at this or any other University.

Signed:

Date: 12-05-2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODS1

3.1 Introduction1

3.2 Aim and objectives7

3.2.1 Aim7

3.2.2 Objectives7

3.3 Research questions8

3.4 Philosophical issues8

3.4.1 Research paradigm8

3.4.2 Research design9

3.4.3 Data collection method9

3.4.4 Appropriateness of Design11

3.4.5 Disadvantages of the Design12

3.5 Population and sampling13

3.6 Sampling strategies13

3.7 Negotiation of access14

3.8 Issues of validity and reliability14

3.9 Pilot study17

3.10 Ethical considerations17

3.10.1 Safety17

3.10.2 Autonomy18

3.10.3 Privacy18

3.10.4 Confidentiality18

3.11 Data analysis18

3.12 Management Issues19

3.13 Resources20

3.14 Dissemination20

3.15 Sampling Frame21

3.15 Informed Consent21

3.16 Confidentiality22

3.17 Conclusion23

REFERENCES24

APPENDICES31

APPENDICES (2)43

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODS

3.1 Introduction

Nursing education in general is not preparing students for job expectations (Cardin & McNeese-Smith, 2005; Cooper & Spencer-Dawe, 2006). Hospitals currently use new employee orientation and education to reduce turnover rates of new graduates. Intense education plans require health care facility educators to enhance and broaden learning experiences of new graduate nurses (Fitzpatrick, 2007; Holden & Hamblett, 2007; Walsh & Seldomridge, 2006). A didactic format that increases the working knowledge and understanding of nursing practices may allow health care facilities to concentrate upon evidence-based practice for all nursing staff. Economically, health care facilities may enjoy reduced costs of education, shortened orientation periods, and lower turnover rates if classroom experiences prepare students for actual experiences (Jones & Gates, 2007).

The present chapter provides an overview of the methodology used in this study. It presents the aim of the study, the methodology which was used in realizing this aim, the philosophical background to the methodology, and the precise statistical procedures to be used.

Current nursing education is not preparing students for expectations once they graduate and begin their careers (Cooper & Spencer-Dawe, 2006). Educators in health care facilities often incorporate education plans to enhance and broaden learning during orientation programs (Holden & Hamblett, 2007). Health care facilities may realize reduced costs of education, shortened orientation periods, and lower turnover rates if classroom experiences prepare students for expectations (Jones & Gates, 2007).

3.1.1 Theoretical framework

The theoretical framework used in this study is based on the social learning theory of decision making in career (Krumboltz, Mitchell, & Jones 1976; Krumboltz, 1979; Mitchell & Krumboltz, 1990). This theory talks about educational and occupational preferences and skills which are acquired and also it talks about how selection of courses, occupations and fields of work are made. This identifies different genetic factors, environmental conditions, learning skills and task skills. We propose that each of these has an influential role in the career of all decisions, but also the interaction of different combinations produce a variety of career options influential people do (Mitchell and Krumboltz, 1990).

Besides the authorities and the results of their interaction, social learning theory suggests three types of sentences provable, including factors that affect (1) preferences, (2) career skills of decision making, and ...