Values Identified in Different Groups of Air Force Nurses

摘要

Transition is a process of change that occurs throughout a person's lifetime in self-identity, life activities, and occupational choice and development. Fundamental personal values are reflected in the choices and decisions made in every aspect of our lives. The conceptual framework of transition by Schumacher and Meleis included recognition of personal values as an integral piece of the transition process. This descriptive study's purpose was to identify values held by Air Force nurses. Participants were a convenience sample of 224 active duty Air Force nurses stationed at four Air Force medical facilities in the United States. The values of the Air Force nurses were identified using Nevill and Super's Values Scale survey. Study results supported the values identified in the literature as important elements of transition. The study participants identified various combinations of these values in the categories of important or very important. Seven of the eight values were identified as important or very important across demographics of age, gender, educational level, military rank, marital status and classifications of years of Air Force or civilian nursing experience. The study results have potential for education of military managers, administrators and recruiters. Personnel using this education may ease the transition process from civilian to military nursing, facilitate job placement to positions reflecting personally held values, and provide valuable insight for Air Force nurse recruiters who have limited knowledge of the nursing profession. In all, this would promote job satisfaction and provide incentives for retention of military nurses in the Air Force.