Abstract
Introduction: It is forecasted that in the near future, the United States will not have enough long-term care (LTC) nurses qualified or interested in the LTC arena to sustain the healthcare delivery system. The overall effectiveness of any health care delivery system hinges on a sustainable nursing workforce, which is the largest health professional group. Globally, a significant segment of the nursing workforce is nearing retirement age. Methods: Using pre- and post-intervention recruitment strategy surveys detailing the Realistic job preview (RJP), the Best-Foot-Forward, and a control brochure, this study investigated senior nursing students’ image and perception of long-term care nursing compared to their image and perception of other areas in nursing. The effects of prior experience with or exposure to LTC on students’ intention to apply for a position in LTC were examined in 221 senior year students earning the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from three California universities. Results: The first hypothesis stated that pre-intervention students’ intent to apply for a position in LTC upon graduation would be significantly and positively associated with their pre-intervention image of LTC. A Pearson correlation coefficient between pre-intervention intent to apply and pre-intervention image was statistically significant, r = -.368, n = 221, p < .001, supporting the first hypothesis. Hypothesis 2: Post-intervention RJP students would have a significantly more positive perception of LTC nursing than BFF or control-group students. There would be no significant difference in the RJP, BFF and control group students’ pre-intervention image of LTC nursing. Hypothesis 2 was not significant. Hypothesis 3: Post-intervention RJP students would have a significantly stronger intent to apply for jobs in LTC nursing than BFF or control-group students. There would be no significant difference in RJP, BFF, and control group students’ pre-intervention intent to apply for a position in LTC nursing. Hypothesis 3 was not significant. Hypothesis 4: Senior nursing students’ pre-intervention intent to apply for a position in LTC upon graduation would be significantly and positively associated with prior experience in or exposure to LTC. Hypothesis 4 was not significant. Conclusions: To enhance LTC nursing image and to improve students’ perceptions of this line of nursing may be accomplished, in part, through program curriculum, including internships in LTC, offering multiple dedicated courses in LTC, and increasing the emphasis on LTC during nursing programs. Realistic job preview technique shows significant positive result over the Best-Foot-Forward technique. Keywords: Recruitment methods, realistic job preview, long-term care, nursing, LTC experience
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