Professional resocialization of post-RN baccalaureate students by distance education.

Distance education is being used to increase access to post-RN baccalaureate education. One of the objectives of degree programs is the professional resocialization of post-RN students. Because of the limited contacts with the institution, faculty, and student peers, the effectiveness of professional resocialization by distance education may be questioned. In this qualitative study, the responses of 24 students who had taken distance courses in Nursing Issues from four universities were analyzed for evidence of professional resocialization. Two of the universities used a group-oriented approach to distance education; two used an individual approach. Responses of students from the four schools and the two approaches were similar. All reported more awareness of issues in nursing and most reported attitude changes reflecting a more professional orientation. Among the changes were attitudes toward baccalaureate entry to practice, nursing theory and research, and the place of nurses and nursing in society. Despite the limitations of distance education, distance courses can be influential in the professional resocialization of post-RN students.