Abstract
AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of Kanter's theory of workplace empowerment in nurses' attitude toward returning to school.
BACKGROUND: Increasing the percentage of BSNs has a positive effect on outcomes, but few hospitals offer formal support systems beyond tuition reimbursement. Workplace empowerment theory may explain attitudes toward returning to school.
METHOD: A mixed-methods design was used with a cross-sectional survey and focus group.
RESULTS: Significant predictors of attitude toward returning to school (n = 162) were formal power (p = .003), access to support (p = .007), and access to resources (p = .050). Focus group themes (n = 3) were resources important to returning to school/manager support, timing, becoming aware of opportunities after enrolling, and intrinsic desire to return to school.
CONCLUSION: Exploring relationships between workplace empowerment and attitudes toward returning to school will guide hospital executives in building support systems for nurses returning to school.