A Quantitative Correlational Study of Predictors of Nursing Preference for Job Location after Graduation

The purpose of this quantitative correlational-predictive study was to examine if, and to what extent, cultural competence, community orientation, communication skills, location of clinical placement for nursing practicum, and childhood residence location, predict preference for job location after graduation. Maslow's hierarchy of needs (Maslow, 1943) provided the theoretical framework as a guide for the study. A quantitative correlational-predictive regression analysis was conducted to answer the research questions. The research questions were developed to answer if the five predictor variables can provide a statistically significant prediction combined and/or individually. Three instruments were used to measure cultural competence (Nurse Cultural Competence Scale), community orientation (Student Attitude to Rural Life and Practice Questionnaire), and communication skills (Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale), along with three single-item questions to understand the distance from an urban center where the nurse grew up, attended clinical rotations, and prefer to practice location. The overall model provided a statistically significant F(5, 135) = 8.63, p < 0.001 prediction between the five predictor variables and the criterion. Interestingly, the location of the clinical placement [beta] = 0.131, p = 0.003, and the location of their childhood [beta] = 0.140, p < 0.001 provided an individual statistically significant prediction. The results of the current study can provide valuable information to nursing programs, higher education institutions, and rural community stakeholders for the recruitment of registered nurses to the areas. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]