Reconnecting with Your Passion: An Action Research Study Exploring Humanities and Professional Nursing
Open Access
- Author:
- Snyder, Melissa J
- Graduate Program:
- Adult Education
- Degree:
- Doctor of Education
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- February 20, 2012
- Committee Members:
- Edward W Taylor, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor
Edward W Taylor, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Elizabeth Jean Tisdell, Committee Member
Cheryl A Dellasega, Committee Member
William Dryden Milheim, Committee Member
Julie Kearney, Special Member
Gary Kuhne, Committee Member - Keywords:
- Nursing
Adult Education
Humantities
Action Research
Transformative Learning
Professional Development
Career Satisfaction - Abstract:
- ABSTRACT The purpose of this action research study was two-fold. The first purpose was to examine the process of how nurses engaged in a professional development program that drew upon reading and creative writing related to their lives and work as nurses. Secondly, this study examined the nurses’ perspectives on how their involvement in the process and professional development program related to changes in their personal and professional lives. Transformative learning theory provided the theoretical framework for the study which considered the views of nurses regarding the use of reading and writing strategies. The action research study involved eleven registered nurses from a variety of practice specialties and levels of career satisfaction who were enrolled in an eight session professional development program. The findings of this study were based upon the data collected from pre and post participation semi structured interviews, field notes, journal entries and creative writing pieces completed throughout the program. The findings of the study were focused on three key areas including the nurses’ views of reading, writing and group work, the most useful reading and writing strategies used to assist nurses in reconnecting with their professional values and ideals, and the influences of participation in this action research study on the nurses’ career satisfaction and well-being. The findings suggest that specific humanities based strategies can effectively assist nurses in identifying their core professional values and ideals while also helping to improve career satisfaction and well-being. Additionally, the study provides insight into the process of action research as a methodology while also supporting the role of transformative learning theory in the professional development of nurses.