The job performance of nurses educated at the baccalaureate level was compared with nurses educated at the associate degree level. This descriptive study was conducted with the use of a Demographic Data Questionnaire and Schwirian's (1978) Six Dimension Scale of Nursing Performance which measured job performance in the areas of leadership, critical care, teaching/collaboration, planning/evaluation, communication and professional development. The only significant results of this study indicated that associate degree nurses self reported more leadership behaviors than did baccalaureate nurses. This finding did not support the conceptual frrunework and this researcher concluded that no inferences could be drawn. Further investigation in the area of job performance is recommended.

Abstract

The job performance of nurses educated at the baccalaureate level was compared with nurses educated at the associate degree level. This descriptive study was conducted with the use of a Demographic Data Questionnaire and Schwirian's (1978) Six Dimension Scale of Nursing Performance which measured job performance in the areas of leadership, critical care, teaching/collaboration, planning/evaluation, communication and professional development. The only significant results of this study indicated that associate degree nurses self reported more leadership behaviors than did baccalaureate nurses. This finding did not support the conceptual frrunework and this researcher concluded that no inferences could be drawn. Further investigation in the area of job performance is recommended.