The main purpose of this study was to investigate, through interviews, the factors influencing the career choice, role perception, and job satisfaction of 15 college health service nurse managers working in New England state colleges. The secondary purpose was to categorize nurse managers according to their attitudes and to determine the relevancy of the American College Health Association job description. The conceptual framework of the study included socialization, role theory, and job satisfaction.
The 15 nurse managers who agreed to participate in the study comprise 75% of the potential subjects of this study. Interviews were conducted through the use of an open-ended interview guide. Qualitative analysis identified general themes from interview data. Selected segments of each audio taped interview were chosen by the interviewer to provide examples of key concepts related to career choice, role perception, and job satisfaction.
Discussion of these findings resulted in the following conclusions: (1) Nurses need to assume a leadership role in developing policies and determining the direction for the college health service nurse managers' role. (2) Channels of communication between nurse managers and administrators must be identified and maintained to clarify role expectations and perceptions and to eliminate discrepancies. (3) Advanced education at the master's level and certification as a nurse practitioner may provide the nurse manager with the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill her role.
Based on these findings, recommendations were made for future research.
