Would hardiness training be beneficial to current associate degree nursing program directors? Part I

Abstract

As noted in recently published studies, the position of the associate degree nursing (ADN) program director has become increasingly more stressful and subject to increasing turnover. Previous published studies have suggested that hardiness training was a positive and useful intervention for hospital nurse managers. Funded by the National Organization of Associate Degree Nurses Foundation, this study assessed hardiness levels of current ADN directors to determine whether offering hardiness training could be a useful intervention to assist with stress levels and turnover issues. The Dispositional Resilience Scale-15-Hardiness was used, and background data were also collected. Half of the directors exhibited high hardiness, and half exhibited low hardiness. Secretarial support and use of assistant directors in relation to hardiness is also reported. Intervention strategies are suggested.