AbstractsMedical & Health Science

The purpose of this replication study was to examine baccalaureate nursing students’ readiness for practice as a registered nurse. A convenience sample of 26 seniors at a local southern Colorado university was chosen to participate in the Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice Survey. Overall, participants rated a high level of readiness for practice, although areas of weakness included provider communication and caring for a dying patient. Participants felt uncomfortable performing chest tube care, code response, IV insertion and trach care. Sub-group comparisons were done and included previous work experience, previous degree, age range, elective clinical rotation participation and previous health care experience (Certified Nurse Assistant and student nurse externs). Statistical analysis using t tests, ANOVA, and Kruskal Wallis demonstrated no statistical difference between sub groups. This readiness for practice survey could be administered to subsequent graduating seniors to identify areas for improvement, gaps in curriculum and as information for employers to focus on during nursing orientation. Advisors/Committee Members: Rooney, Peg (advisor), Bradley, Daphne (committee member), Whetzel, Nancy (committee member).