This study is a path analysis of variables related to the professional socialization of nurses. Based on precedent studies, this study composed a model of variables related to the professional socialization of nurses, collected cross-section data and ...
This study is a path analysis of variables related to the professional socialization of nurses. Based on precedent studies, this study composed a model of variables related to the professional socialization of nurses, collected cross-section data and set up a model to investigate the relationship between those variables.
The purpose of this study is to provide basic understanding of the professional socialization of nurses and to develop intervention for nurses by understanding the paths and effects between the related variables. To do so, this study confirmed and put together those variables, theoretically hypothesized and practically verified them on nurses.
The variables in this study are job satisfaction as a result of professional socialization and turnover intention. As influences on professional socialization, this study dealt with self-efficacy, professional self-concept, autonomy and role stress. Then, this study formed a causal-relationship that hypothesized that these variables affect the result variables, job satisfaction and turnover intention.
For self-efficacy, this study used the 14 questionnaires developed by Sherer & Adams(1983) and modified by Yang, Gil-mo(1998). For professional self-concept, it used the 17 questionnaires developed by Arthur(1990) and modified by Lee, Hee-sun(2007). For autonomy, it used the 13 questionnaires developed by Schutzenhofer(1983) which was translated by Han, Kyung-ja(1994) and modified by this researcher. For role stress, it used the 16 questionnaires developed by Rizzo(1970) and modified by Lee, Hee-sun(2007). For job satisfaction, it used the 20 questionnaires developed by Paula(1978) and modified by Park, Hyun-tae(1997). For turnover intention, it used the 5 questionnaire developed by Kim, Sook-ja(1992) and Lee, Sang-mi(1998) and modified by Lee, Hee-sun(2007).
The data was collected from 350 general nurses working at the third medical institutes in J City using self-reporting surveys. The pre-research was done from April 8th to April 9th, 2010 and the main research was done from April 12th to April 14th, 2010.
The data were analyzed using SPSS 14.0 and AMOS 5.0, and descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Correlation, test of goodness of fit and path analysis.
The study’s results were as follows :
1) The average score for self-efficacy was 3.34±0.42, professional self-concept was 3.16±0.43, autonomy was 3.19±0.45, role stress was 3.23±0.45, job satisfaction was 2.90±0.35, and turnover intention was 3.01±0.61 out of the scale of 5.
2) The coefficient of correlation of self-efficacy on job satisfaction (dependant variable) was r=.338(p<.01), that of professional self-concept was r=.530(p<.01), that of autonomy was r=.398(p<.01), and that of role stress was r=-.621(p<.01). This showed that all the variables had a positive correlation except for role stress.
3) The coefficient of correlation of self-efficacy on turnover intention was r=-.225(p<.01), that of professional self-concept was r=-.422(p<.01), that of role stress was r=.368(p<.01), and that of job satisfaction was r=-.401(p<.01). This showed that all variables had a negative correlation except for role stress.
4) The revised path model was verified to fit for measured data as the result shows :=3.749(p=.442), =.936, GFI=.996, AGFI=.978, RMR=.005, RMSEA=.000.
5) The variables directly affecting job satisfaction (a dependent variable of professional socialization) were professional self-concept (γ=.258, p<.01), autonomy (γ=.185, p<.01) and role stress (β=-.517, p<.01). These variables explained 54.3% of job satisfaction.
6) The variables directly affecting turnover intention (a dependent variable of professional socialization) were professional self-concept (γ=-.459, p<.01), autonomy (γ=.283, p<.01) and role stress (β=.149, p<.05). These variables explained 28.8% of turnover intention.
7) The variable directly affecting role stress was professional self-concept (γ=-.302, p=.010) and it explained 9.1% of role stress.
According to the study’s results, role stress had the biggest direct effect on job satisfaction, a dependent variable of professional socialization. To improve the professional socialization of nurses, the causes of role stress should be verified and the stress factors should be controlled systematically. In addition, nurses should be educated either individually or systematically so that they can be effectively managed when they are exposed to role stress. Moreover, professional self-concept and autonomy had direct effects on job satisfaction. Therefore, a proper nursing environment should be formed to establish nurses’ professional self-concept and to perform independent nursing. In addition, a program that can improve autonomy through specialized education should be developed.
professional self-concept showed the biggest effect on turnover intention, a dependent variable of professional socialization. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the detailed qualities of professional self-concept nurse through extensive research and develop various methods or programs that can provide motivation to nurses to have positive recognition in their job and perform professional roles. In addition, there should be various intervention for development because autonomy, job satisfaction and role stress also directly affect turnover intention.
In conclusion, this study is significant as it verifies variables related to the professional socialization of nurses, analyzes their effects and their causal relationship. The results of this study will be able to provide a specific direction for nurses’ intervention for professional socialization that induces internalization of nursing specialization.