Thesis
An exploration of selector’s decision-making for nursing degree programmes at a Scottish HEI
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2024
- Thesis identifier
- T17165
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 201454746
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- This study focuses on selection decision -making for pre-registration nursing programmes in a Scottish Higher Education Institution. The study aimed to explore the decision-making processes applied by selectors following a group interview with applicants to adult and mental health nursing degree programmes. I am an academic in the study setting and this positioning brings practical knowledge to align with the theoretical insights developed. A case study approach was used with three main approaches to data collection to gather differing perspectives on the activity of selection. Twelve recordings of conversations held by selectors following group interviews and twelve semi-structured interviews with selectors, from the academic and the clinical practice community, collected both narrative and visual data. The decision-making process was conceptualised as a discrete activity influenced by internal and external factors. Analysis of the data was carried out applying Cultural-Historical Activity Theory, (CHAT), conceptual framework of mediating factors in the form of community, tools, division of labour and rules. Key themes from this initial analysis identified the importance of a shared identity for nursing, this embodied language indicating concepts of knowledge, values, ethics, and experience as primary influences on selection decisions. CHAT as a framework supported the development of rich description of the activity. A further analysis focused on identity theory as an explanatory route for selection decision-making was undertaken to complement this initial description. Findings indicate that selection decision-making is skewed to a shared identity of nursing and nurses caring attributes. Potential for candidates to cope with the scientific and technical demands of contemporary nursing is given little attention. Recommendations include a shift to a more holistic approach to selection and further study exploring nursing identity in the academic sphere and the value of practical knowing as an indicator of future success in nurse education.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Wall, Kate
- Beck, Anna
- Resource Type
- DOI
Relations
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PDF of thesis T17165 | 2024-12-10 | Public | Download |