J U N E 2014 T HREE-YEAR S URVEY SURVEY REPORT Bachelor s Degree in Nursing Program 5 www.excelsior.edu
Report of Survey Results: Three-year Survey Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Report Generated: June 20, 2014 For All Graduates between December 17, 2009, and December 17, 2010
Table of Contents General Information... 1 Three-year Survey Results... 2 Sample...2 Employment and Professional Affiliations...2 Future Educational Plans...6 Work Performance Abilities...7 Abilities and Excelsior College s Contribution to Growth...8 Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Program Outcomes... 10 Overall Impression of College, Program and Career... 12 Open-Ended Items... 12
General Information This report presents results from the three-year survey. Three-year Survey: The three-year survey collects information regarding the graduates employment status, future educational plans, income status, beliefs about how well Excelsior College prepared them for work and continuing education, abilities in work-related competencies as compared to their peers, professional activities since graduation, abilities in areas related to intellectual and personal growth and goal clarity, achievement of program outcomes, and overall satisfaction with Excelsior College. The survey also solicits graduates perceptions of program strengths, suggestions for change, and additional comments. Questions related to the survey or to the design and production of this report may be addressed to the Director of Institutional Effectiveness. Interpreting Results: Care should be taken in interpreting survey results. Survey results can be affected by self-selection bias, in which persons with certain characteristics or opinions are more likely to respond. Particular caution should be taken when the numbers of responses are small because results may be skewed. Please consider the following guidelines when interpreting survey data: Notes: Means: When results are expressed in a chart or table of means, please note the range of values and their meanings, which are listed in a footnote below the chart or table. In general, mean values of 4 or higher on a 6-point Likert scale are considered positive. Similarly, a mean value of 5 or higher is considered positive on a 7-point scale. Throughout the report, means are calculated only for Likert-type items that received five or more responses. Standard deviations: Wherever mean values are presented, please also consider the standard deviations (SD) that accompany them. Standard deviation is a measure of variability in the response to a survey item, such that a small SD indicates less variation (more agreement) among respondents. Frequency tables: As noted above, means are calculated only for Likert-type items that received five or more responses. If fewer than five were received, responses will be displayed in frequency tables, with a numerical count provided for each response. Where charts display survey items in pairs (such as ratings of program outcomes), both items will be displayed in a frequency table if either received fewer than five responses. The graduation dates appearing on the cover of this report represent the requested report period. The dates appearing in the Sample section on page 2 indicate the range of graduation dates among actual survey respondents. The following symbol may appear in this report: ^ Denotes that one or more survey items displayed in a chart or table expired during the report period and so were not asked of all respondents. An explanatory footnote to this effect has been included beneath charts and tables where this symbol may appear. 6/20/2014 1
Three-year Survey Results Sample The three-year post-graduation survey was sent to 90 Bachelor's Degree in Nursing graduates. A total of 12 responded, resulting in a response rate of 13.3%. Respondents to the survey graduated between December 2009 and December 2010. Gender: (N = 12) Female 100.0% Ethnicity: (N = 12) White 83.3% Black or African American 8.3% Two or More Races 8.3% Employment and Professional Affiliations Are you currently employed? (N = 12) Yes, full time 66.7% Yes, part time 16.7% No, but seeking employment 8.3% No, and not seeking employment 8.3% Are you working in a field related to your selected area of study at Excelsior College? (N = 10) Yes 90.0% No 10.0% Have you received a promotion in your job? (N = 10) Yes 60.0% No 40.0% 2 6/20/2014
In which of the following ranges does your personal income fall? (N = 11) Over $120,000 18.2% $85,000 to $99,999 $70,000 to $84,999 36.4% $55,000 to $69,999 $45,000 to $54,999 Less than $24,999 18.2% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Have you achieved any honors, awards, or special recognitions since graduating from Excelsior College? (N = 12) Yes 33.3% No 66.7% Graduates identified the following honors, awards, or special recognitions: ETP Grant recipient of $250,000 to develop an education program for training New Graduate Registered Nurses Special Recognition: Developed, implemented, researched, educated the new Denials Management Program for my hospital. Are you a member of any professional organizations? (N = 12) Yes 75.0% No 25.0% Graduates identified the following organizations: American Nurses Association / Onondaga County Bar Association 6/20/2014 3
ancc / american nurses association ANIA ASTNA, IAFCCP National League of Nursing New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association Have you attended professional meetings or conferences since graduating from Excelsior College? (N = 12) Yes 66.7% No 33.3% Graduates identified the following professional meetings and conferences: 2 Conferences in Columbus Ohio and one in Minneapolis Minnesota. American College Health Association Annual Meeting, multiple Harvard Medical Education Conferences AMTC AORN meetings Have you published any articles or manuscripts in your discipline since graduating from Excelsior College? (N = 11) Yes No 90.9% Graduates provided the following information on publications: None Reported Do you hold any professional registrations, licenses, or certificates? (N = 11) Yes 90.9% No Graduates listed the following registrations, licenses, and certificates: ancc APRN, FNP-BC CEN, CFRN, FPC, NREMTP 4 6/20/2014
CNOR Nursing License, Critical Care Registered Nurse certificate Registered Nurse (n=3) Registered Professional Nurse / Certified Legal Nurse Consultant Have you attended courses or training sessions since graduating from Excelsior College? (N = 11) Yes 81.8% No 18.2% Graduates identified the following courses and training sessions: Continued to update my CLNC Certification Coursework in Emergency Disaster Management graduate degree classes MSN / Have you served as a consultant on any professional projects since graduating from Excelsior College? (N = 11) Yes 36.4% No 63.6% Graduates provided the following information on consulting and professional projects: Hold a 2 year contract as a consultant for Hollister Inc. as a member of the Critical Care Advisory Board Work on a project in Nutrition at National Grid for employees. Worked as a consultant in Baltimore with a legal firm. Have you done any presentations or workshops at professional conferences since graduating from Excelsior College? (N = 11) Yes 18.2% No 81.8% Graduates provided the following information on presentations and workshops: Caregiver Wellness, We All Need it 6/20/2014 5
Future Educational Plans Do you have plans to seek additional education? (N = 12) Yes 83.3% No 16.7% How well do you think your Excelsior College experience, including your educational experiences prior to enrolling at Excelsior College, has prepared you to continue your education? (N = 12) Very well 50.0% Well 50.0% Please indicate whether you hold, are currently pursuing, plan to pursue, or do not plan to pursue each of the degrees listed below. (Bachelor s n = 11; Certificate n = 8; Master s n = 11; Doctorate n = 8; Professional Degree n = 7. Percentages are displayed only for degrees with five or more responses.) 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Bachelor's Certificate Master's Doctorate Professional Already hold Currently pursuing Plan to pursue Do not plan to pursue If you attended or are currently attending graduate school, what is the name of the educational institution? (N =6) American Public University Excelsior College Rivier College 6 6/20/2014
University of Phoenix university of south alabama Western Governors University Is or was the program online? (N = 9) Yes 77.8% No 22.2% Work Performance Abilities Please evaluate your abilities as compared to other individuals with a position and educational background similar to yours. (N = 12) Compared to other employees with a similar position, I: Mean SD Distinguish between credible and non-credible sources of information 5.92 1.08 Generate alternative solutions for problems 5.83 1.03 Accurately identify problems or issues 5.83 1.11 Analyze complex patterns of data to develop judgments 5.75 1.14 Question judgments made by others without fear 5.67 0.98 Analyze an issue or problem from more than one perspective 5.67 1.07 Distinguish statements of fact from value judgments 5.67 1.07 Generate reasonable hypotheses based on the synthesis of information 5.67 1.07 Make reasonable inferences from data 5.50 1.09 Compared to other employees with a similar position, I: Mean SD Would rate my overall performance as 6.00 0.85 Likert scale: 1 = Much worse, 4 = As well as, 7 = Much better 6/20/2014 7
Abilities and Excelsior College s Contribution to Growth Describe your current ability to demonstrate each behavior and how your Excelsior College experience contributed to your growth. (Mean ratings) Understand cultural differences 5.80 (n=10, SD=0.42) 5.50 (n=8, SD=0.53) Be self-reliant 5.80 (n=10, SD=0.42) 4.75 (n=8, SD=1.16) Exercise personal responsibility 5.70 (n=10, SD=0.48) 4.88 (n=8, SD=1.36) Think analytically 5.60 (n=10, SD=0.52) 4.88 (n=8, SD=1.13) Adapt to different social situations 5.60 (n=10, SD=0.52) 4.50 (n=8, SD=1.41) Develop the ability to learn on your own 5.60 (n=10, SD=0.70) 5.62 (n=8, SD=0.74) Develop openness to new ideas 5.50 (n=10, SD=0.53) 4.75 (n=8, SD=0.89) Develop interpersonal skills 5.50 (n=10, SD=0.71) 5.00 (n=8, SD=0.93) Develop the ability to formulate creative and original ideas 5.50 (n=10, SD=0.71) 4.88 (n=8, SD=1.36) Evaluate critically 5.50 (n=10, SD=0.71) 4.75 (n=8, SD=1.28) Function as an effective team member 5.40 (n=10, SD=0.52) 5.38 (n=8, SD=0.74) Prepare for life in a changing world 5.40 (n=10, SD=0.70) 5.25 (n=8, SD=1.39) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Current Ability Contribution to Growth 8 6/20/2014
Be an active participant in a democratic society 5.40 (n=10, SD=0.70) 5.12 (n=8, SD=0.83) Prepare for graduate/professional school 5.40 (n=10, SD=0.70) 5.00 (n=8, SD=1.60) Prepare for continued growth after college 5.40 (n=10, SD=0.84) 5.38 (n=8, SD=0.92) Gain abilities directly applicable to a career 5.40 (n=10, SD=0.84) 5.12 (n=8, SD=1.64) Develop a clearer idea of career goals/plans 5.30 (n=10, SD=0.82) 5.12 (n=8, SD=0.99) Recognize general principles in specific events/conditions 5.30 (n=10, SD=0.82) 4.75 (n=8, SD=1.16) Understand scientific findings 5.30 (n=10, SD=0.82) 4.75 (n=8, SD=1.49) Exercise self-discipline 5.20 (n=10, SD=0.79) 5.12 (n=8, SD=0.83) Understand the interrelatedness of different fields of study Build a record of academic achievement that will enhance your future 5.20 (n=10, SD=0.92) 4.38 (n=8, SD=1.69) 5.10 (n=10, SD=0.88) 4.88 (n=8, SD=1.13) Possess clear personal goals 5.10 (n=10, SD=0.99) 4.62 (n=8, SD=1.41) Place current problems in historical perspective 5.00 (n=10, SD=0.94) 4.75 (n=8, SD=1.49) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Current Ability Contribution to Growth Likert scale: Current ability: 1 = Not at all able, 6 = Very able Likert scale: Contribution to growth: 1 = Very little, 6 = Very much 6/20/2014 9
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Program Outcomes Please rate the degree to which you have achieved each objective and how well your Excelsior College experience prepared you to demonstrate each objective. (Mean ratings) I use a variety of strategies to professionally communicate with diverse groups. 5.75 (n=8, SD=0.46) I am sensitive to differing values/beliefs of clients. 5.62 (n=8, SD=0.74) I can analyze and issue or problem from more than one perspective. 5.62 (n=8, SD=0.74) I can generate alternative solutions for problems. 5.62 (n=8, SD=0.74) I can readily provide a rationale in support of a judgment. 5.50 (n=8, SD=0.93) I use appropriate means of communication with clients and other members of the health care team. 5.50 (n=8, SD=1.07) I use critical thinking skills to identify problems and seek interventions. 5.50 (n=8, SD=1.07) I practice nursing within a legal, ethical, and moral framework. 5.50 (n=8, SD=1.07) I collaborate with members of the health care team to develop interdisciplinary plans. 5.38 (n=8, SD=1.19) I emphasize health promotion, risk reduction, and disease prevention across the life span. 5.70 (n=10, SD=0.67) 5.75 (n=8, SD=0.46) I incorporate client's values and beliefs in a collaborative plan of care. 5.70 (n=10, SD=0.67) 5.62 (n=8, SD=0.74) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Achievement Preparation 10 6/20/2014
I can distinguish between credible and non-credible sources of information. 5.70 (n=10, SD=0.67) 5.38 (n=8, SD=0.92) I use a holistic approach to design care with clients experiencing complex health care problems. 5.70 (n=10, SD=0.67) 5.38 (n=8, SD=1.41) I exhibit ethical behavior in all my professional contacts. 5.70 (n=10, SD=0.67) 5.12 (n=8, SD=1.64) I can assess the role of the physical environment on the health of populations. 5.70 (n=10, SD=0.67) 5.12 (n=8, SD=1.64) I establish a network of community relationships in order to provide continuity of client care. 5.60 (n=10, SD=0.70) 5.38 (n=8, SD=1.19) I am able to interpret research evidence to guide nursing care. 5.60 (n=10, SD=0.70) 5.38 (n=8, SD=1.19) I support client's effective coping behaviors. 5.60 (n=10, SD=0.70) 5.12 (n=8, SD=1.36) I can apply principles, theories and concepts from the sciences and humanities in the practice of nursing. I integrate management and leadership principles to allocate resources for the delivery of costeffective quality care to diverse and vulnerable 5.60 (n=10, SD=0.84) 5.00 (n=8, SD=1.41) 5.30 (n=10, SD=0.82) 5.12 (n=8, SD=1.36) I can articulate the contributions of professional nursing to health care. 5.30 (n=10, SD=1.06) 5.12 (n=8, SD=1.64) I can use health care technology effectively. 5.00 (n=10, SD=1.33) 4.50 (n=8, SD=1.77) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Achievement Preparation Likert scale: Achieved: 1 = Not at all achieved, 6 = Completely achieved Likert scale: Prepared: 1 = Very poorly prepared, 6 = Very well prepared ^ If this symbol appears next to a question above, the question expired during the report period. 6/20/2014 11
Overall Impression of College, Program and Career If you had it to do over again, would you: (Attend Excelsior n = 11; Same program n = 11; Same career n = 11) Attend Excelsior College? 81.8% Select the same program? 81.8% Pursue the same career? 81.8% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Yes Maybe No Open-Ended Items From your vantage point, what do you believe were the strengths of your educational process at Excelsior College? (N =5) Comments: For the most past, the materials. syllabus, and instruction in general was clear, and organized. I certainly appreciated the ability to work at my own pace, and with my own schedule. The material was both comprehensive, and relevant. While at times frustrating, I had to go outside of my comfort zone, to learn new technologies, and at times, deal with very challenging (unprofessional) people. Growth, without a doubt, came from those experiences. It allowed me to pursue my educational goals while still working full time and raising a child. Learning an online format, responsibility, accountability, self-discipline. Promotion of self-accountability, or the ability to attain goals when the self is the only person who really cares whether the goal is reached. The writing helped me to put down in concrete terms my thoughts on all of the courses. It was very helpful to do that. In a classroom setting I would not have done that. All of the teachers in the nursing courses were great. I did have a few controversies with non-nursing faculty. The 12 6/20/2014
differences in the thinking of the school of nursing and the others schools were conflicting at times which were very frustrating at the time but showed me that some schools of thought are not as flexible and creative as the nursing art/science. My listening skills were good before but now I feel they are excellent when listening to a non-nurse person. In what areas could Excelsior College improve? (N =4) Comments: make classes 5-8 weeks in length instead of 15. Making the videos was very distressing. It did help though to persevere through the situation. / When courses are required or are electives they should be more cohesive with the nursing thinking. / The BSN program is good but I feel it should include clinical components for health assessment and community nursing. I also attended the ASN program at Excelsior and I don't recommend it for any student unless they have solid experience as a LVN/LPN. I really struggled at the beginning of my nursing career and almost left the field as I wasn't adequately prepared. While the material for the BSN program is rather straight forward, it seemed that the classes were structured to make things more difficult than necessary. I think Excelsior pushes the envelope with both the amount of material for each class, and the group think attempts at creating a classroom online. I personally, am autodidactic, and would have preferred an option to review materials, submit papers, take exams, and be done with each course. I understand not everyone would enjoy, or be able to complete courses in this manner, those of us who can, would benefit from the option. As a mother of two small children, I struggled with many issues within the framework of the course, and none of it was the actual academic material. Going forward, I would be more inclined to take on your MSN program, if I thought I would be able to move through the program at my own pace, and not have to deal with 10 other students, and odd IT problems with the online experience. Additional comments about Excelsior College? (N =3) Comments: Overall I was very happy with my Excelsior experience because I was able to accomplish my goal without having to leave the comforts of my home most of the time. I was able to do my school work and work at the same time. I was able to accomplish a long time goal that I probably would not have been able to accomplish if I had to go to classes away from home in all kinds of weather. / I am still paying off some of the financial costs of my education. I also am not working now as I have been laid off several times. I am hopeful though that soon I will have a position that I enjoy and will be able to do that until I do not want to work anymore. Overall, I feel online programs at Excelsior are good. It gives working adults opportunities for professional development that they might otherwise not achieve. However, when it comes to 6/20/2014 13
patient related degrees there needs to be a clinical component even though its an online program. Effective patient care cannot be achieved without true clinical hands-on practice. While I did make a good friend, and met some wonderful people while enrolled in the BSN program, I also dealt with many unprofessional, unfriendly, and at times hostile students. In an on- campus setting, you can avoid such people, but online with Excelsior, I had to interact with them regularly, as it was part of my grade; a large part. I am hopeful. that the MSN program will draw a more selective pool of students, but I am concerned that this may not be the case. On another note..i would like to see Excelsior offer graduate programs in psychology, sociology, nutrition, and other fields related to nursing, so that those students who wish to broaden or transition may do so without too much overlap, or repeating of courses. Certifications in natural health, holistic nutrition, and counseling would be of great benefit to those interested in learning more than what has traditionally been offered by the "Western Medical Model" health system. It is important for nurses to understand their long history of advocating for the people, regardless of popular consensus. The curriculum must reflect the need for nurses to question, and when needed, rebel against a system that may be doing harm. Nursing research must go further, and deeper into the real questions of safety and security for those in our care. Is that medication really needed? Is it proven effective and safe? By whom? Or, is the CDC really a good source of information? Do they have something to lose in revealing the truth about a specific disease, it's cause, cure, and prevention? There are many question that are not asked by nursing students out of fear. Just a few things to think on. 14 6/20/2014