Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) 2-Year Follow-Up Survey: 2004 Graduates

Transcription

1 Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) 2-Year Follow-Up Survey: 2004 Graduates Prepared for The College of Nursing of the University of Saskatchewan, the Nursing Division of the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, and the Department of Health Sciences of the First Nations University of Canada Final Report

2 This report was compiled by Insightrix Research Services Research Dr. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3R Project 1443 Corrin Harper, General Manager, Jessica Schnell, Director of Research Services, Jackie Chometa Keele, Project Manager, Alexandra Campbell, Data Analyst, For: Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan

3 Acknowledgments We wish to acknowledge the support and direction from the Deans of the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan: Acting Dean Joan Sawatzky College of Nursing University of Saskatchewan Dean Netha Dyck Nursing Division Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology Director Joyce Desjarlais Health Sciences First Nations University of Canada and the members of the Ad Hoc Advisory Team: Joan Sawatzky, College of Nursing Peggy MacLeod, College of Nursing Marlene Smadu, College of Nursing Norma Wildeman, Nursing Division, SIAST Netha Dyck, Nursing Division, SIAST Lois Berry, Nursing Division, SIAST Joyce Desjarlais, First Nations University of Canada We also wish to acknowledge the additional financial support from the following: Saskatchewan Health and Saskatchewan Learning Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association Saskatchewan Union of Nurses The final report prepared by Insightrix, Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) Two-year Follow-up Survey: Graduates from the Academic Year. Final Report. (August 2006) is available from the College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, or the Nursing Division, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology. These reports are available on the College of Nursing website at Project Coordination Team Linda Ferguson, (CofN), Gail Laing (CofN), Annie Meng (CofN), Marilee Lowe (SIAST), and Anthony de Padua (First Nations University of Canada)

4 Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGMENTS... II TABLE OF CONTENTS... III EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... I INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY... 1 SURVEY RESULTS... 3 Before Starting the NEPS Program... 3 Did you have any previous education in the health care field prior to starting the NEPS program?... 3 Please identify your previous education in the health care field (check as many as apply):.. 3 What was your highest educational achievement prior to starting the program?... 4 What was your major activity in the year before starting NEPS?... 5 Was this work in the health care field?... 5 Experiences During the NEPS Program... 6 What year did you start your NEPS program:... 6 What was your age when you entered the NEPS program?... 6 What was the program site at entry to the NEPS program?... 7 Please indicate if you experienced any of the following significant life changes during the NEPS program? (check all that apply)... 7 Did you work as a senior assistant during your NEPS program?... 8 Did you have a job while in the NEPS program?... 9 On average, how many hours a week did you work at your job? Did you receive any scholarships or bursaries during the program? What was the total dollar value of scholarships or bursaries you received during the NEPS program? Did you obtain any student or educational loans during the program? What was the total dollar value of your student or educational loans at completion of the NEPS program? What date did you complete your NEPS program? What was your program site at graduation from the NEPS program? Experiences in the First Year After Graduation At any time during the first year after graduation, were you: (check all that apply) What was the geographical location of your first job as a graduate nurse? Please specify whether the location of your first job as a graduate nurse was: Please rank the top 3 factors that influenced your choice of work location for your first job as a nurse, with "1" being most important, 2" being the second most important and "3" being the third most important: (1) Senior assisted at site.top 3 factors (combined): Top 3 factors (combined): How did your experience in finding your first job following graduation compare with your expectations? How long did it take you to obtain your first job after you started actively seeking employment following graduation? Did you get a job offer from a unit where you were employed as a Senior Assist? Did you get a job offer from a unit where you did your 4 th year senior practicum? What were the work hours of your first job as a graduate nurse? Was being employed on this basis your preference?... 28

5 To what extent did your first job meet your ideal preferences, where '1' is not at all to '5' being highly ideal? Location Client Group Responsibilities Shifts Work Environment When you started your first nursing job, what was the length of your orientation (including "buddy" shifts)? How did you feel about the length of your orientation for your first position? How well did your orientation program prepare you for your first position? What was lacking from your orientation? How many sites did you work at for your first job as a graduate nurse? What type of organization was the primary site at which you worked? What was your position? What was your main area of responsibility? In what area did you provide: Direct Care What type of organization was the secondary site at which you worked? What was your position? What was your main area of responsibility? In what area did you provide: What type of organization was the third site at which you worked? What was your position? What is your main area of responsibility? In what area did you provide: On average, how many hours per week did you work? Current Employment Situation What is your current employment status? Has your primary employment changed since your first job? Please indicate the MAIN reason you left your former primary employer? Where is the geographical location of your current job? Do you expect to return to Saskatchewan? Please specify whether the location of your current job is: What are your current work hours? Is being employed on this basis your preference? How many sites do you currently work at? The following questions are applicable to the Primary Site that you currently work at (i.e. the site where you have the most hours) What type of organization is the primary site at which you work? What is your position? What is your main area of responsibility? The following questions are applicable to the Secondary Site that you currently work at What type of organization is the secondary site at which you work? What is your position? What is your main area of responsibility? In what area do you provide: The following questions are applicable to the Third Site that you currently work at What type of organization is the site at which you work? What is your position? What is your main area of responsibility? In what area do you provide: On average, how many hours per week do you work? Please rank the top 3 factors that influenced your current choice of work location as a nurse, with 1 being most important and 3 being the least important? Top 3 factors (combined): How satisfied are you with your current primary job?... 64

6 How satisfied are you with your current gross annual salary for your primary job? What are the total annual earnings before taxes and deductions? Demographics Are you registered with any of the following associations? What is your gender? Where did you grow up? Do you hold Aboriginal status? You indicated that you are Aboriginal; please indicate if you are: What is your current marital status? Do you currently have any dependent children/adults? Graduate Satisfaction How satisfied were you with your educational experience in the NEPS program? How well did your educational program prepare you for nursing practice? Have you completed or are you currently enrolled in a graduate program? How satisfied are you with nursing as a career? APPENDIX A List of Tables Table 1 - Year started NEPS program... 6 Table 2 - Significant life changes by Program site at entry to NEPS program... 8 Table 3 - Worked as Senior Assist by Dependents... 9 Table 4 - Obtained student/educational loans by Site at entry to NEPS program Table 5 - Obtained student/educational loans by Received scholarships/bursaries Table 6 - Month of completion by Year of completion Table 7 - Program site at NEPS graduation by Program site at NEPS entry Table 8 - First job first influential factor Table 9 - First job second influential factor Table 10 - First job third influential factor Table 11 - First job influential factors summary Table 12 - Experience in finding first job to expectations by Length of time to get first job Table 13 - Prefer these hours by Hours of first job Table 14 - Average ideal ratings Table 15 - Opinion about length of orientation by Length of orientation Table 16 - First primary site organization Table 17 - First secondary site organization Table 18 - First third site organization Table 19 - First job average hours per week Table 20 - Prefer current hours by Prefer first job hours Table 21 - Current primary site organization Table 22 - Current secondary site organization Table 23 - Current third site organization Table 24 - Current average hours Table 25 - First influential factor for current job Table 26 - Second influential factor for current job Table 27 - Third influential factor for current job Table 28 - Current job influential factors summary Table 29 - annual earnings Table 30 - annual earnings comparison... 66

7 Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) 2-Year Follow-Up Survey: 2004 Graduates Prepared for The College of Nursing of the University of Saskatchewan, the Nursing Division of the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, and the Department of Health Sciences of the First Nations University of Canada Executive Summary August 2006

8 Executive Summary This report summarizes the results of the Year Graduate Follow-Up Study for the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS). These respondents were a part of the graduating class. The survey has two major foci. Firstly, the survey includes an in-depth section on graduates employment and is broken into two main sections, employment in the first year after graduation, and current employment. to this section of the survey provide feedback on the graduates experience in the workforce. This report includes graphical comparisons to the 2-year follow-up surveys from the past two years, as well as tabular comparisons to the surveys from the past four years. Surveying the 2004 graduating class and comparing their responses to 2002 and 2003 graduates provides valuable information on the recent employment patterns and decisions after program completion. Secondly the survey obtains the reactions and advice of graduates to the program from which they graduated. Graduates have the opportunity to reflect on the outcomes of their University education, and are in a position to provide valuable feedback to the nursing program as well as to potential employers and policy makers. Response Rates Data were collected from June 15 to July 24, Of the 222 total graduates who completed the NEPS program in 2004, 207 agreed to be contacted and their contact information was provided to Insightrix. Of these potential respondents, 157 completed the entire survey (104 online and 53 by phone), representing a 75.8 completion rate and a 70.7 response rate overall. Who is the Nursing Graduate? Of the graduates surveyed, 90.4 are female and 9.6 are male. The majority of the graduates (94) grew up in Saskatchewan. Nearly 60 respondents were 20 years old or younger when they entered the NEPS program. The average age of the student entering NEPS was 21.8 years and the mode age was 18 (22.3). Of the total graduates, 6.4 identify themselves as Aboriginal. Over half (63) are married or common law and 22.3 graduates have dependents. Of the total graduates surveyed, 19.7 had previous education in the health care field, prior to starting the NEPS program, which is a slight increase from 15.1 in the previous year. Also, 61.1 respondents had some post-secondary education prior to starting NEPS, similar to 63.3 in the previous year. Overall, 58.6 respondents were going to school the year before starting NEPS. This number is an increase from the 51.1 reported in the 2005 study. Another, 38.9 respondents indicated that they were working the year before starting NEPS (compared to 43.9 in the 2005 study). Of those who worked prior to entering the program, 31.1 (19 respondents) had worked in the health care field. i

9 Experiences During the NEPS Program Overall, 63.1 respondents began their program in Another 22.9 began their program in 2001 or 2002, which means that they completed the program in less than 4 years. The remaining 14 respondents began their program in 1998 or 1999, which means that they took more than 4 years to complete their program. The majority (53.5) indicated that Regina was the program site of entry, an increase from 45.3 in the 2005 study, and 38.2 in the 2004 study. This is not a result of a change in admissions, but of an increase in response rate for Regina graduates and a decrease in response rate for Saskatoon graduates. Nearly 60 the respondents indicated that they had worked as a senior assistant during their NEPS program, which is a slight decrease from 65.5 in A senior assistant is a nursing student employed by a health region after the third year of the program. Graduates who do not have dependents are more likely than those with dependents to have worked as Senior Assists (64.8). Of the total graduates surveyed, approximately 70 indicated they worked while enrolled in the NEPS program. The mean number of hours worked per week is 16.2, which is similar to the average of 16.3 hours per week reported in the 2005 study. Overall, 73.9 respondents indicated they had received bursaries or scholarships during the program. This has increased from graduates. The average value of scholarships or bursaries received is $6,014, compared to $3,936 in the previous year. The percentage of respondents receiving student or other educational loans increased slightly from graduates to graduates. Respondents who began their program in Regina are more likely than those who began in Saskatoon to have received student or educational loans during their program. Overall, 59.2 respondents received scholarships or bursaries, as well as student or educational loans. Another 19.1 received only student or educational loans, and 14.6 received only scholarships or bursaries. Only 7 respondents did not receive either type of funding. The mean total dollar value of student or educational loans at the completion of the NEPS program has decreased slightly from $25,100 in the 2005 survey to $23,871 in The three major life challenges most commonly experienced by respondents during the NEPS program were moving (42.7), death or illness of a family member or friend (38.9), and uncertainty of Nursing as their profession (38.9). Respondents who started their program in Regina were more likely to have moved during the NEPS program (50), compared to 34.2 those who started in Saskatoon. The majority (52.2) indicated Saskatoon as their program site at graduation, while 47.8 indicated Regina as their program site at graduation; compared to 37.4 in Regina and 62.6 in Saskatoon in the 2005 survey and 31.9 in Regina and 68.1 in Saskatoon in the 2004 survey. Again, these changes are a reflection of response rates. Nine respondents (5.7) started their program in Regina and completed it in Saskatoon. ii

10 Experiences in the First Year after Graduation Hiring Of the 157 respondents, 155 (98.7) indicated they were employed as a nurse within the first year after graduation, with the remaining two respondents citing family or community commitments as the main reason they were not employed. Nearly half of the respondents who were employed as nurses found their experience in finding their first job the same as they had expected (48.1). Another 30.5 said that it was less difficult than they expected, and 20.8 thought it was more difficult. Of the total graduates surveyed, 59.1 were invited to their job before they had actively started seeking employment, which is a slight increase from 56.5 in the 2005 study, but is still lower than 65.7 in the 2004 study. Of the respondents who worked as a senior assistant during the NEPS program, 59.1 received a job offer from a unit in which they were employed as a senior assistant, similar to 57.8 in the 2005 study, but still less than 65.9 in the 2004 study. Overall, 54.5 graduates received a job offer from the unit where they did their 4th year practicum, which is similar to 56.5 in the 2005 study and down from 65 in the 2004 study. Location Of the total graduates employed as nurses, 92.2 indicated that their first job was in Saskatchewan. Another 4.5 worked in Alberta or BC for their first job and only 3.1 worked elsewhere. The majority (85.7 respondents) indicated their first job was in an urban setting. In terms of choosing a location for their first job, the most frequently cited factor influencing the decision was family and community commitments, with 59.7 respondents saying that it was one of the top three factors. The second most common factor was familiarity with the hospital where a practicum was completed (44.2), followed by geographic location (35.7), and position and client group (31.8 each). Orientation Overall, 42.9 respondents indicated that their orientation lasted between 6 and 15 days, while 26 said between 16 and 30 days. In total, 62.3 percent felt that the length of their orientation was about right. Another 37.7 indicated that the length of orientation was too short, which is an increase from 31.2 in the 2005 study and 23.1 in the 2004 study. Also, 81.2 respondents said that their orientation program prepared them at least satisfactorily for their first position, which is a slight decrease from 87 in Another 18.8 respondents said that they were either not very well prepared or very poorly prepared, which is an increase from 13 in iii

11 Profile of First Job The majority (83.1 respondents) indicated that they worked at one site for their first job as a graduate nurse. Another 12.3 respondents indicated they worked at two sites, and 4.5 worked at three or more sites. In terms of working hours, 66.2 respondents worked regular full-time hours during their first job as a graduate nurse, which is lower than in the 2005 study (72.5). Another 20.8 worked casual full-time hours, which is higher than in 2005 (15.2). Another 6.5 worked regular part-time hours and 6 worked casual part-time hours; these percentages are about the same as in Overall, 77.3 respondents indicated that their primary work site was a general hospital with over 100 beds. This has increased from 70.3 in the previous year. Another 19.5 respondents worked in a general hospital with less than 100 beds in their primary site. All respondents indicated that they were employed as a staff nurse at their primary site and that their main area of responsibility at the primary site was direct care. Overall, 64.9 respondents indicated that their area of service at the primary site was medical or surgical, 16.9 indicated pediatric, and 13.6 indicated maternity care. Respondents were asked to rate the extent to which certain aspects of their first job met their expectations, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being highly ideal. The following table shows the average ratings from each of the studies for each attribute. While still fairly high, the average ratings for most attributes have decreased steadily since the 2004 study, with the exception of location. Respondents were most satisfied with the location of their fist job as a graduate nurse, and least satisfied with the shifts and working environment. Attribute Location Client Group Responsibilities Shifts Work Environment Current Employment of Graduates Of the total graduates surveyed, all but one indicated they are currently employed as a nurse (99.3). This includes 7.6 who are currently on leave. The one respondent who is not employed is currently in school. In terms of changing employment since the first year after graduating NEPS, 35.7 respondents indicated that they were in the same position with the same employer, which is substantially less than in the 2005 study (58). Another 36.4 indicated that they are working for a new employer and 27.9 indicated they were working for the same employer but different position. Respondents who left their first employer did so iv

12 for a variety of reasons, including dissatisfaction with their former job (25), personal reasons (21), and family responsibilities (13). Location Of the respondents who are currently nursing, 87.5 are currently employed in Saskatchewan compared to 92.2 in their first job. Another 7.9 are employed elsewhere in Canada, and 4.6 are employed outside of Canada. Of the 18 respondents employed in nursing outside of Saskatchewan, 38.9 (7 respondents) intend to return to Saskatchewan. Of the respondents currently working, 81.2 indicated they are currently located in an urban area. Another 14.9 work in a rural area, and six respondents (3.9) said both. Of those who changed jobs, the most common factor in choosing their current job location is that it is their desired employment position, cited by 48.2 as one of the top three factors. The second most common factor was family or community commitments (44.6), followed by client group (39.3), and geographic location (35.7). Profile of Current Job The majority of those who are currently employed as nurses work at one site (84.4). Another 11 work at two sites and 4.5 work at three or more sites. Of the respondents presently working as nurses, 75.3 are working on a regular fulltime basis as compared to 66.2 respondents in their first job. Another 10.4 are working casual full-time, 9.7 are working regular part-time, and 4.5 are working casual part-time. Of the respondents presently nursing, 90.3 indicated that the amount of hours they are currently working is their preference, compared to 70.8 respondents in their first job. Overall, 72.7 those who were not working their preferred hours at their first job are now working their preferred hours. Of those currently working as nurses, 70.8 indicated that their primary work site is a general hospital with over 100 beds, compared to respondents and 80 of 2004 respondents. Another 16.9 work in a general hospital with less than 100 beds, compared to 30.4 from the previous year. At their primary site, 97.4 respondents indicated that they are working as a staff nurse. Of these, 95.5 indicated that their main area of responsibility at their primary site is direct care. Of those providing direct care, 52.4 indicated that their current area of service at the primary site is medical or surgical, followed by emergency care at 17. Compensation Overall, 83.8 respondents indicated that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their current gross annual salary, which is similar to the results from the 2005 study. Of the total graduates, 48.6 indicated that their total annual gross earnings are between $50,000 and $59,999. Another 27.1 said $60,000 or more, and 24.3 said less than $50,000. Respondents from this years survey are more likely to have a salary of $60,000 or more (27.1), compared to the 2005 and 2004 studies (12.6 and 9.4 respectively). v

13 Graduates Satisfaction In total, 57.8 respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with their current primary job. Of the graduates surveyed, 78.3 indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with their educational experience in the NEPS program (compared to 76.2 in the 2005 study and 80.5 in the 2004 study); while 19.8 indicated they were either very dissatisfied or dissatisfied. Also, of the total respondents, 65.6 indicated that the educational program prepared them well or very well for nursing practice, which is slightly less than in the 2004 and 2005 studies (69.4 and 71.2 respectively). Another 31.8 indicated they were not well prepared or poorly prepared. Of the total graduates surveyed, 84.1 indicated they are satisfied or very satisfied with nursing as a career, which is less than the 90.6 reported in the 2005 study. Another 10.8 indicated they are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. vi

14 Goals and Objectives Introduction and Methodology The purpose of this survey is to track the progress of students through NEPS and identify the career paths of Saskatchewan basic nursing education graduates. The goals include the following: Establish employment profiles of graduates and to identify trends over time Identify graduates perceptions of preparation and support for entry into the workforce Obtain basic demographic information about the graduates Ethics approvals for the individual phases of this project were obtained from the University of Saskatchewan Advisory Committee on Ethics in Behavioural Science Research. This report includes the results of the 2-Year Graduate Follow-Up Survey for the graduates of the academic year and compares them to the results of the previous NEPS 2-Year Follow-Up Surveys, completed in 2002, 2003, 2004 and Scope of Work The College of Nursing of the University of Saskatchewan, the Nursing Division of the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), and the Department of Health Sciences of the First Nations University of Canada contracted Insightrix Research Services to conduct data collection and analysis of the Year Follow-Up Survey of the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) graduates. Survey Design The questions were similar to the four previous NEPS 2-Year Follow-Up Surveys of 2002, 2003, 2004, and Survey questions were developed by the NEPS database Advisory Committee and were adapted for the survey instrument by Insightrix. Insightrix programmed the survey online and conducted the survey using a multimode approach, allowing respondents to complete the survey either by phone or by . Survey Distribution Insightrix received contact information for 207 graduates of NEPS from the academic year. Insightrix telephone researchers attempted to contact each individual at least four times. If the respondent preferred to complete the survey online, they were 1

15 sent an invitation with a link to the survey which allowed them to fill it out at their convenience. Insightrix utilized a technology specifically designed for graduate follow up surveys. This module called My Classmates is driven by data provided in the University of Saskatchewan Alumni database and used to locate hard-to-find graduates. Response Rates and Confidence Intervals Data were collected from June 15 to July 24, Of the 222 total graduates who completed the NEPS program in 2004, 207 agreed to be contacted and their contact information was provided to Insightrix. Of these potential respondents, 157 completed the entire survey (104 online and 53 by phone), representing a 75.8 completion rate and a 70.7 response rate overall. Given this response rate, we can be 95 sure that the results reported are within ±4.2 the actual population figures. Analysis Note Each question on the survey was analyzed by appropriate demographic variables including the locations of program entry and graduation. Interestingly, most results were consistent across all demographics and there were not many statistically significant differences. Any significant differences are reported. Also, instances where there is a significant difference between the different studies (2004, 2005, and 2006) are reported. For this report, chi-square tests (for cross-tabulations) and t-tests (for comparing means) were used; an alpha value of less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant. This means that there is less than a 5 chance that the results would have occurred by chance. 2

16 Before Starting the NEPS Program Survey Results Did you have any previous education in the health care field prior to starting the NEPS program? 19.7 respondents had previous education in the health care field prior to starting the NEPS program, which is a slight increase from 15.1 in the previous year. Figure 1 - Previous education in the health care field Yes No Please identify your previous education in the health care field (check as many as apply): Of the 31 respondents who had previous education in the health care field, 29 said that it was in health/home care. Another 16.1 said Lab tech/emt, 12.9 said LPN, and 6.5 (2 respondents) said volunteer program. Please see Appendix A for entries under other. Figure 2 - Type of previous education Entries under "Other": (4) Kinesiology (1) "O" level nursing. (1) Activity Worker (1) Bachelor of Science. (1) CPR instructor (1) Dental Assisting Level 1 (1) EMD (Emergency medical dispatch) (1) Massage therapist. (1) OTA/PTA (1) Pre Med at University of Regina (1) Secretarial medical specialty 3

17 What was your highest educational achievement prior to starting the program? 38.9 respondents indicated that their highest educational achievement prior to starting the program was high school. Another 37.6 indicated that they completed some university completed a Baccalaureate (undergraduate degree), 8.9 completed a SIAST diploma, and 3.2 completed some SIAST courses. Please see Appendix A for a complete list of degrees, diplomas, and certificates that respondents held prior to starting the NEPS program. Figure 3 - Highest educational achievement High school diploma SIAST/Technical Institute courses SIAST/Technical Institute diploma/ certificate Some university classes Under-Graduate degree Masters degree

18 What was your major activity in the year before starting NEPS? 58.6 respondents were going to school in the year before starting NEPS. Another 38.9 were working, and 2.5 (4 respondents) were taking care of household responsibilities. Figure 4 - Major activity in the year before starting NEPS The percentage of respondents who were working in the year before starting NEPS has decreased slightly from the 2005 study, after increasing steadily from 2002 to Table 1 - Major activity in the year before starting NEPS Major Activity Household responsibilities Going to school Working Was this work in the health care field? Of those who were working in the year before starting NEPS, 31.1 were working in the health care field, while 68.9 were not. We cannot conclude that the results of the 2006 study are significantly different from the results of any of the previous studies. Figure 5 - Was this work in the health field Yes No

19 Experiences During the NEPS Program What year did you start your NEPS program: Overall, 63.1 respondents began their program in Another 22.9 began their program in 2001 or 2002, which means that they completed the program in less than 4 years. The remaining 14 respondents began their program in 1998 or 1999, which means that they took more than 4 years to complete their program. Table 2 - Year started NEPS program Year started NEPS program Cumulative What was your age when you entered the NEPS program? 59.2 respondents were 20 years old or younger when they entered the NEPS program. Another 24.8 were 21 to 25 years old, 8.3 were 26 to 30 years old, and 7.6 were more than 30 years old. The average age at the start of the program was approximately 21.8 years. The mode age was 18 (22.3). Figure 6 - Age started NEPS program The average age of students entering the NEPS program has not changed significantly over the past five years. Table 3 - Age started NEPS program summary table Year Surveyed Average Median Mode Minimum Maximum

20 What was the program site at entry to the NEPS program? 53.5 respondents entered the NEPS program in Regina, which is a significant increase from 45.3 in the 2005 study and 38.2 in the 2004 study. This change is a reflection in the change in response rates, as can be seen in the appending table. The response rate for Regina has increased from the previous year, while the response rate for Saskatoon has decreased. Figure 7 - Program site at entry to the NEPS program Table 4 - Response rates by Program site at entry Admission Site Wascana (Regina Campus) Kelsey (Saskatoon Campus) Year Completed Year Surveyed Graduates Completed Surveys Response Rate Graduates Completed Surveys Response Rate Please indicate if you experienced any of the following significant life changes during the NEPS program? (check all that apply) 42.7 respondents moved during the NEPS program. Also, 38.9 experienced an illness or death of a family member, and 38.9 experienced uncertainty of Nursing as their profession. Other life changes experienced include a change in marital status (24.8), care giving to dependents (15.3) and personal illness (13.4). Figure 8 - Significant life changes Entries under "Other": (1) Balancing finances. (1) Domestic abuse. (1) Family crisis. (1) Gave up FT employment. (1) Relationship problems. (1) Student loan difficulties and having to work a lot. 7

21 It appears that respondents who started their program in Regina were more likely to have moved during the NEPS program (50), compared to 34.2 those who started in Saskatoon; however, we cannot conclude that this difference is significant. Table 5 - Significant life changes by Program site at entry to NEPS program Life Changes Change in marital status Birth of child Illness or death of family member or friend Personal illness Uncertainty of Nursing as your profession Home relocation Care giving for dependent children or dependent adults Other None Program site at NEPS entry Regina Saskatoon Did you work as a senior assistant during your NEPS program? 59.2 respondents worked as a senior assistant during their NEPS program; this is a slight decrease from 65.5 in the previous year. A senior assistant is a nursing student employed by a health region after the third year of the program. Figure 9 - Worked as senior assistant during NEPS program Yes No

22 Respondents without dependents are significantly more likely than those with dependents to have worked as a senior assistant during their NEPS program. Table 6 - Worked as senior assistant by Dependents Dependent children/adults Yes No Worked as senior assist during program Yes No Did you have a job while in the NEPS program? 70.1 respondents had a job while enrolled in the NEPS program, which is a slight increase from 67.6 in the previous year. Figure 10 - Had a job while in NEPS program Yes No

23 On average, how many hours a week did you work at your job? Approximately half of those who had a job while in the NEPS program worked 11 to 20 hours per week. Another 28.7 worked between one and ten hours per week and 22.2 worked more than 20 hours per week. On average, respondents who worked did so 16.2 hours per week, which is similar to the average in the previous year (16.3 hours per week). Figure 11 - Average work hours per week Did you receive any scholarships or bursaries during the program? 73.9 respondents received scholarships or bursaries during the program, which is a significant increase from 62.6 in the previous year. Figure 12 - Received scholarships or bursaries Respondents who graduated from the NEPS program in 2003 or 2004 were much more likely than respondents who graduated in 2000, 2001, or 2002 to have received scholarships or bursaries during the program. Yes No

24 What was the total dollar value of scholarships or bursaries you received during the NEPS program? Of those who received scholarships or bursaries, 34.5 received between $2,001 and $5,000. Another 28.3 received between $5,001 and $10, received $2,000 or less, and 14.2 received more than $10,000. The average amount of scholarships or bursaries that respondents received is $6,014, which is an increase from $3,936 in the previous year. Figure 13 - Amount of scholarships or bursaries Did you obtain any student or educational loans during the program? 78.3 respondents have received student or educational loans during the program, which is similar to the results from the previous year (76.3). Figure 14 - Obtained student or educational loans Yes No

25 Respondents who began their program in Regina are more likely than those who began in Saskatoon to have received student or educational loans during their program. Table 7 - Obtained student/educational loans by Site at entry to NEPS program Program site at NEPS entry Regina Saskatoon Received student/educational loans during program Yes No Overall, 59.2 respondents received scholarships or bursaries, as well as student or educational loans. Another 19.1 received only student or educational loans, and 14.6 received only scholarships or bursaries. Only 7 respondents did not receive either type of funding. Table 8 - Obtained student/educational loans by Received scholarships/bursaries Received scholarships /bursaries during program Yes No Received student/educational loans during program Yes No

26 What was the total dollar value of your student or educational loans at completion of the NEPS program? Of those who received student or educational loans, 31.3 received between $20,001 and $30,000. Another 28.7 received between $10,001 and $20, received $10,000 or less, and 27.8 received more than $30,000. The average amount of student or educational loans received is $23,871, which has decreased slightly from $25,100 in the previous year. Figure 15 - Amount of student or educational loans What date did you complete your NEPS program? Overall, 45.9 respondents completed their program in April Another 19.7 completed their program in October 2004, and 24.2 in December Three respondents stated that they completed their NEPS program in Table 9 - Month of completion by Year of completion Year completed program Month completed program October December April Other Entries under other ; (3) May (2) June (2) September (1) August (1) February 13

27 What was your program site at graduation from the NEPS program? The majority (52.2) indicated Saskatoon as their program site at graduation, while 47.8 indicated Regina as their program site at graduation; compared to 37.4 in Regina and 62.6 in Saskatoon in the 2005 survey and 31.9 in Regina and 68.1 in Saskatoon in the 2004 survey. Again, these changes are a reflection of response rates. Nine respondents (5.7) started their program in Regina and completed it in Saskatoon. Figure 16 - Program site at graduation from NEPS program Regina Saskatoon Overall, 94.3 respondents graduated from the same site that they entered the program. The remaining 5.7 (9 respondents) began the program in Regina, but graduated in Saskatoon. Table 10 - Program site at NEPS graduation by Program site at NEPS entry Program site at NEPS graduation Regina Saskatoon Program site at NEPS entry Regina Saskatoon

28 Experiences in the First Year After Graduation At any time during the first year after graduation, were you: (check all that apply) All but two respondents were employed as a nurse during the first year after graduation (98.7). The respondents who were not employed cited family or community commitments as the main reason for not being employed. Figure 17 - Employment one year after graduation Employed as a nurse Employed in a field other than nursing Not employed

29 What was the geographical location of your first job as a graduate nurse? Overall, 92.2 respondents had their first job as a graduate nurse in Saskatchewan. Another 4.5 worked in Alberta or British Columbia, while 3.1 worked elsewhere. Figure 18 - Geographical location of your first job as a graduate nurse Entries under "Other": (1) Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Saskatchewan Manitoba/Eastern Canada Alberta or BC USA Other

30 Please specify whether the location of your first job as a graduate nurse was: 85.7 respondents indicated that their first job as a graduate nurse was in an urban setting, which is a slight decrease from 88.4 in the previous year. Another 13 said rural and the remaining 1.3 worked in both urban and rural settings. Figure 19 - Setting of first job Rural Urban Both

31 Please rank the top 3 factors that influenced your choice of work location for your first job as a nurse, with "1" being most important, 2" being the second most important and "3" being the third most important: Ranked as first influential factor: The most commonly cited first influential factor is family or community commitments (38.3), followed by familiarity with the facility where practicum was completed (13), and having the clinical/client group that respondents wanted (11). Table 11 - First job first influential factor First Influential Factor Family or community commitments Familiarity with facility where Completed Practicum Clinical/client group I wanted hours I wanted Geographic Location Position I wanted Other Signing bonus Desire to travel Career planning Reputation of the Institution as a quality workplace College friends Salary Student loan assistance Entries under other : (3) Senior assisted at site. (1) Staff on ward were nice. 18

32 Ranked as second influential factor: Geographic location is the most common second influential factor (17.5), followed by having the clinical/client group that the respondents wanted (14.3), familiarity of the facility where practicum was completed (13.6), and family or community commitments (12.3). Table 12 - First job second influential factor Second Influential Factor Geographic Location Clinical/client group I wanted Familiarity with facility where Completed Practicum Family or community commitments Signing bonus Position I wanted hours I wanted Shift I wanted Salary Career planning Mentorship opportunities Reputation of the Institution as a quality workplace College friends Orientation program Student loan assistance Housing provided Other Entries under other : (1) Reputation of staff being supportive to new grads. 19

33 Ranked as third influential factor: Familiarity with the facility where practicum was completed is the most common third influential factor (17.5), followed by position (16.2), and geographic location (11). Table 13 - First job third influential factor Third Influential Factor Familiarity with facility where Completed Practicum Position I wanted Geographic Location Family or community commitments Signing bonus Other Clinical/client group I wanted hours I wanted Orientation program Reputation of the Institution as a quality workplace Shift I wanted Salary College friends Career planning Mentorship opportunities Desire to travel Student loan assistance Housing provided Entries under other : (2) Bursary provided. (1) Had a previous job at the hospital. (1) Hired there previously as LPN. (1) No choice. (1) Senior assisted at site. 20

34 Top 3 factors (combined): Overall, 59.7 respondents indicated that family or community commitments were one of the top three factors that influenced their choice of work location. The second most common factor was familiarity with the facility where a practicum was completed (44.2), followed by geographic location (35.7), and position and client group (31.8 each). Figure 20 - Top three influential factors Family or community commitments 92 (59.7) Familiarity with facility where Completed Practicum Geographic Location Position I wanted Clinical/client group I wanted Signing bonus hours I wanted Other Reputation of the Institution as a quality workplace Shift I wanted Orientation program Salary College friends Career planning Mentorship opportunities Student loan assistance Desire to travel Housing provided 68 (44.2) 55 (35.7) 49 (31.8) 49 (31.8) 34 (22.1) 30 (19.5) 19 (12.3) 10 (6.5) 10 (6.5) 9 (5.8) 9 (5.8) 8 (5.2) 7 (4.5) 5 (3.2) 3 (1.9) 3 (1.9) 2 (1.3)

35 The following table shows the percentage of respondents who cited each factor as being influential in choosing their first job, over the past three years. Respondents from this year are more likely than those in the previous two years to cite familiarity with the hospital or the client group as one of their top three influential factors in choosing their first job. Also, respondents from this year are less likely than those from the 2005 study to cite geographic location as one of the top three factors. Table 14 - First job influential factors summary Influential Factors Family or community commitments Familiarity with Facility where Completed Practicum Geographic Location Clinical/client group I wanted Position I wanted Signing bonus hours I wanted Other Shift I wanted Reputation of the Institution as a quality workplace Salary Orientation program College friends Career planning Mentorship opportunities Desire to travel Student loan assistance Housing provided Grad school Assistance

36 How did your experience in finding your first job following graduation compare with your expectations? Slightly less than half of respondents said that finding a job following graduation was about as difficult as they expected it to be. Another 30.5 said it was less difficult and 20.8 said it was more difficult. In the four previous studies, significantly more indicated that it was less difficult. Figure 21 - Experience in finding first job compared to expectations More Difficult Same as expected Less Difficult

37 How long did it take you to obtain your first job after you started actively seeking employment following graduation? 59.1 respondents were invited to a job before they started actively seeking employment after graduation, which is a slight increase from 56.5 in the previous year. Another 33.1 took less than one month to obtain their first job, while 5.8 took 1 to 2 months and 2 (3 respondents) took more than 2 months. Figure 22 - Length of time to obtain first job Invited before Less than 1 month to 2 months to 5 months More than 6 months

38 As would be expected, the longer respondents took to find their first job, the more difficult they thought it was compared to their expectations. Table 15 - Experience in finding first job to expectations by Length of time to get first job Length of time to get first job after started seeking work Invited to a job before I started looking Less than 1 month 1 to 2 months 3 to 5 months More than 6 months Experience in finding first job compared to expectations More difficult than About the same as Less difficult than expected expected expected Did you get a job offer from a unit where you were employed as a Senior Assist? 59.1 respondents received a job offer from a unit where they were employed as a senior assist. Figure 23 - Job offer from unit where employed as senior assist Yes No

39 Did you get a job offer from a unit where you did your 4 th year senior practicum? 54.5 respondents received a job offer from a unit where they did their 4 th year senior practicum. This number has decreased steadily since the 2002 study. Figure 24 - Job offer from unit where completed 4 th year senior practicum Yes No

40 What were the work hours of your first job as a graduate nurse? Two thirds of respondents worked regular full-time hours during their first job as a graduate nurse, which is lower than in the 2005 study (72.5). Another 20.8 worked casual fulltime hours, which is higher than in the previous year (15.2). Another 6.5 worked regular part-time hours and 6 worked casual part-time hours; these percentages are about the same as in the 2005 study. Figure 25 - Work hours of first job Regular full-time Casual full-time Regular part-time Casual part-time Note: "Regular" reflects permanent employment, even though it may be time limited; "Casual" reflects the fact that the employment does not guarantee a fixed number of hours of work per pay period. (It also would include occasional, on call, on demand, or seasonal work.) 27

41 Was being employed on this basis your preference? Overall, 70.8 respondents worked on their preferred basis, while 29.2 would have preferred to work different hours. Figure 26 - Prefer these hours Yes No Respondents who worked on a regular full-time basis were most likely to be working their preferred hours (98), compared to 17.3 respondents who worked other hours. Table 16 - Prefer these hours by Hours of first job Work hours of first job as graduate nurse Regular full-time Casual full-time Regular part-time Casual part-time Hours worked at first job their preference Yes No

42 To what extent did your first job meet your ideal preferences, where '1' is not at all to '5' being highly ideal? Location With an average rating of 3.9 out of 5, 68 respondents said that the location of their first job was ideal or highly ideal, giving a rating of 4 or 5 out of 5. This is significantly lower than the average rating of 4.3 in the 2005 study. Another 17 said that the location was not ideal, giving a rating of 1 or 2. Figure 27 - Location Client Group With an average rating of 3.7 out of 5, 61 respondents said that the client group at their first job was ideal or highly ideal, giving a rating of 4 or 5 out of 5. This is lower than the average ratings of 4.0 in the 2004 and 2005 studies. Another 23 gave a rating of 3 out of 5; while 16 said that the client group was not ideal, giving a rating of 1 or 2. Figure 28 - Client group 29

43 Responsibilities With an average rating of 3.7 out of 5, 64 respondents said that the responsibilities of their first job were ideal or highly ideal, giving a rating of 4 or 5 out of 5. The average rating has been decreasing steadily since Another 19 gave a rating of 3 out of 5, while 16 said the responsibilities were not ideal, giving a rating of 1 or 2. Figure 29 - Responsibilities Shifts With an average rating of 3.5, 55 respondents said that the shifts of their first job were ideal or highly ideal, giving a rating of 4 or 5 out of 5. The average rating has decreased slightly from 3.6 in Another 23 gave a rating of 3 out of 5; while 21 said that the shifts were not ideal, giving a rating of 1 or 2. Figure 30 - Shifts 30

44 Work Environment With an average rating of 3.3 out of 5, 47 respondents said that the working environment of their first job was ideal or highly ideal, giving a rating of 4 or 5 out of 5. The average rating has decreased from 3.6 in Another 28 gave a rating of 3 out of 5; while 26 said that the working environment was not ideal, giving a rating of 1 or 2. Figure 31 - Work environment The following table shows the average ratings from 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 for each attribute. While still fairly high, the average ratings for most attributes have decreased steadily since the 2004 study. Respondents were most satisfied with location and least satisfied with their shifts and work environment. Table 17 - Average ideal ratings Attribute Location Client Group Responsibilities Shifts Work Environment

45 When you started your first nursing job, what was the length of your orientation (including "buddy" shifts)? 42.9 respondents had an orientation period of 6 to 15 days. Another 26 had an orientation period of 16 to 30 days had an orientation period of 5 days or less, and 1.3 (2 respondents) did not have an orientation period. Figure 32 - Length of orientation The length of orientation has not changed significantly since the 2002 study. Less than 1 day day to 5 days to 30 days Did not receive

46 How did you feel about the length of your orientation for your first position? 62.3 respondents felt that the length of their orientation was about right. Another 37.7 felt that it was too short; this percentage has been steadily increasing over the past three years. Figure 33 - Opinion about length of orientation Too long About right Too short Respondents whose orientation was less than 6 days in length are most likely to feel that it was too short (70.8), compared to 28.8 those whose orientation was between 6 and 15 days long, and 12.5 those whose orientation was between 16 and 30 days long. Table 18 - Opinion about length of orientation by Length of orientation Length of orientation 0 to 5 days 6-15 days days Felt about length of orientation at first job About right Too short

47 How well did your orientation program prepare you for your first position? Overall, 81.2 respondents said that their orientation program prepared them at least satisfactorily for their first position, which is a slight decrease from 87 in Another 18.8 respondents said that they were either not very well prepared or very poorly prepared, which is an increase from 13 in the 2005 study. Figure 34 - How well orientation prepared for first position Very poorly Not very well Satisfactorily Quite well Very well It appears that respondents whose first job as a graduate nurse was in Saskatchewan were more likely than those in other locations to feel that their orientation was too short; however, we cannot conclude that this difference is significant. Table 19 - Felt about length of orientation by Location of first job Location of first job as a graduate nurse Saskatchewan Other Felt about the length of orientation at first job About right Too short

48 What was lacking from your orientation? When asked what was lacking from their orientation, 69 respondents felt it was too short, compared to 50 in the previous study respondents felt that a mentor was lacking from their orientation. Also, 37.9 felt that the content of the orientation was insufficient and 24.1 cited other things that were lacking. Figure 35 - Lacking from orientation Entries under "Content": (1) Gynaecology should have been more in depth. (1) I was doing the work instead of receiving orientation. (1) No formal job description, unsure of others role LPN. (1) Not able to cover everything. (1) Not enough hands on experience. (1) Not enough info on the client group and meds. (1) Poor consistency, teaching tools. (1) Skills/ documentation required. (1) The policies were not available, poor management. (1) Unprepared for work environment at the end. Entries under "Other": (1) Educator was too overwhelming, too much detail. (1) I asked for more buddy shifts and was denied. (1) Never worked with so many patients. (1) Only 2 buddy shifts. (1) Unorganized environment. (1) Unwritten protocols regarding how to do job. (1) Ward too busy for effective mentorship. Too short Lack of mentor/coach Content insufficient Other

49 How many sites did you work at for your first job as a graduate nurse? 83.1 respondents worked at one site for their first job as a graduate nurse. Another 12.3 worked at two sites, and 4.5 worked at 3 or more sites. Figure 36 - Number of sites worked at for first job 1 site sites or more

50 The following questions are applicable to the Primary Site you worked at during your first job as a graduate nurse (i.e. the site where you had the most hours). What type of organization was the primary site at which you worked? 77.3 respondents worked at a general hospital with at least 100 beds, which is an increase from 70.3 in worked at a general hospital with less than 100 beds, 2.6 (4 respondents) worked in community health, and one respondent worked at a long term care facility. Table 20 - First primary site organization Organization General hospital, 100 beds and over General hospital, less than 100 beds Community Health/ Health Centre Nursing Home/ Long Term Care Facility Other Mental Health Centre Nursing Stations (Outpost or clinics) Association/ Government What was your position? At their primary site, all respondents worked as a staff nurse. Table 21 - First primary site position Position Staff Nurse/ Community Health Nurse Other Clinical Nurse Specialist Nursing Practitioner

51 What was your main area of responsibility? At their primary site, all respondents worked as a staff nurse and provided direct care. Figure 37 First primary site main area of responsibility Area Direct Care Administration Education In what area did you provide: Direct Care Of those working in direct care at their primary site, 64.9 worked in the medical/surgical field. Another 16.9 worked in pediatrics, while 13.6 worked in maternity. Figure 38 - Direct care primary site Medical/Surgical Maternal/New born Pediatric Emergency care Geriatric/Long term care Oncology Rehabilitation Community Health Critical Care Psychiatric/Mental Health Several clinical areas Operating Room/RR Ambulatory Care Other Home care Occupational Health 26 (16.9) 21 (13.6) 18 (11.7) 17 (11.0) 11 (7.1) 6 (3.9) 6 (3.9) 6 (3.9) 5 (3.2) 5 (3.2) 4 (2.6) 4 (2.6) 2 (1.3) 2 (1.3) 1 (0.6) 100 (64.9) Other: (1)Orthopedics (1) Specialty 38

52 The following questions are applicable to the Secondary site that you worked at during your first job as a graduate nurse. What type of organization was the secondary site at which you worked? Of those who worked in more than one site, 57.7 respondents worked at a general hospital with at least 100 beds at their second site. Another 19.2 worked at a general hospital with less than 100 beds, while 7.7 (2 respondents) worked in long term care or community health. One respondent worked for an association/government and one respondent worked RPC. Table 22 - First secondary site organization Organization General hospital, 100 beds and over General hospital, less than 100 beds Community Health/ Health Centre Nursing Home/ Long Term Care Facility Association/ Government Other Mental Health Centre Private Nursing Agency/Private Duty Other: (1) RPC What was your position? All respondents who worked at more than one site worked as a staff nurse at their secondary site. Position Staff Nurse/Community Health Nurse Instructor/Professor/Educator

53 What was your main area of responsibility? Of the respondents who worked at more than one site, 96.2 worked in direct care at their secondary site, while one respondent worked in research. Figure 39 - Secondary site main area of responsibility Area Direct Care Research Education Administration

54 In what area did you provide: Direct Care Of the 25 respondents who worked in direct care at their second site, 40 worked in the medical/surgical field. Also 20 worked in geriatric/long term care and 20 worked in the mental health field. Figure 40 - Direct care secondary site Medical/Surgical 10 (40) Psychiatric/Mental Health Geriatric/Long term care 5 (20) 5 (20) Pediatric Community Health 3 (12) 3 (12) Other Emergency care 2 (8) 2 (8) Home care Several clinical areas Maternal/New born 1 (4) 1 (4) 1 (4) Other: (1) Orthopedics (1) Plastic surgery The following questions are applicable to the Third Site that you worked at during your first job as a graduate nurse. What type of organization was the third site at which you worked? Of the six respondents who worked at a third site, 4 worked at a general hospital with more than 100 beds and 2 worked at a general hospital with less than 100 beds. Table 23 - First third site organization Organization General hospital, 100 beds and over General hospital, less than 100 beds Mental Health Centre Community Health/ Health Centre Home Care Agency Nursing Home/ Long Term Care Facility Educational Institution Other

55 What was your position? All 6 respondents who indicated that they worked at a third site worked as a staff nurse. This is the same as in the previous four studies. What is your main area of responsibility? All respondents who indicated that they worked at a third site provided direct care. Figure 41 - Third site main area of responsibility Area Direct Care Administration Education Research

56 In what area did you provide: Direct Care Of the 7 respondents who worked in direct care at a third site, 4 worked in the medical/surgical field and 2 worked in geriatric/long term care. Figure 42 - Direct care third site Medical/Surgical 4 (57.1) Geriatric/Long term care 2 (28.6) Community Health 1 (14.3) Several clinical areas 1 (14.3) Rehabilitation 1 (14.3) On average, how many hours per week did you work? In total, when considering the hours worked at all jobs, respondents worked an average of 38.5 hours per week in their first job as a graduate nurse, ranging from 18 to 60 hours. Respondents in the 2005 study worked an average of 37.7 hours per week, ranging from 12 to 77 hours. Table 24 - First job average hours per week Hours/Week Minimum Maximum Average Primary Site Secondary Site Third Site

57 Current Employment Situation What is your current employment status? Of the total graduates surveyed, all but one indicated they are currently employed as a nurse. This includes 7.6 who are currently on leave. The one respondent who is not employed is currently in school. Figure 43 - Current employment status Employed as a nurse Employed as a nurse, but presently on leave Employed in a field other than nursing Not employed

58 Has your primary employment changed since your first job? 36.4 those employed as a nurse have changed their primary job, which is a significant increase from 21 in the 2005 study. Another 35.7 have not changed their primary employment, and 27.9 work for the same primary employer, but in a different position. Figure 44 - Has primary employment changed since first job Yes, I changed my primary job. Yes, I am working for the same primary employer, but in a different position. No, I am working for the same primary employer in the same position

59 Please indicate the MAIN reason you left your former primary employer? Of those who left their primary employer, 25 did so because they were dissatisfied with their job. Another 21 left due to personal reasons. Overall, 27 cited other reasons for leaving. Figure 45 - Main reason left former primary employer Entries under "Other": (2) Travel. (1) A position opened in area I was more interested in. (1) Boyfriend got a new job. (1) Closer to home, former primary job 1 hour drive away. (1) Day time hours were offered. (1) Did not want to work nights. (1) I denied training after the death of the child. (1) More pay, desire to travel. (1) Moved to Kentucky. (1) Relocation. (1) Travel Nursing. (1) Unit closed down. (1) Working critical care. (1) Wanted to work in area for years, better/more hours. Other Dissatisfied with former job Personal reasons Family responsibilities Found a permanent job New job pays better New position with better job security

60 Where is the geographical location of your current job? 87.5 respondents currently work in Saskatchewan, compared to 92.2 in their first job. Another 7.9 are employed elsewhere in Canada, and 4.6 are employed outside of Canada. Figure 46 - Geographic location of current job Saskatchewan Manitoba or Eastern Canada Alberta or BC USA Other Entries under "Other": (2) Australia (1) Nunavut

61 Do you expect to return to Saskatchewan? Of the respondents who currently work outside of Saskatchewan, 38.9 expect to return to Saskatchewan, while 61.1 do not. Figure 47 - Expect to return to Saskatchewan Yes No Please specify whether the location of your current job is: 81.2 respondents are currently employed in an urban setting, which is less than in 2005 (87). Another 14.9 are employed in a rural area, and 6 respondents are employed in both. Figure 48 - Setting of current job Rural Urban Both

62 What are your current work hours? 75.3 respondents work regular full-time hours, which is a slight decrease from 78.3 in Another 10.4 work casual full-time hours, two years after graduation. Also, 9.7 work regular part-time hours, and 4.5 work casual part-time hours. Figure 49 - Current work hours Regular full-time Casual full-time Regular part-time Casual part-time Note: "Regular" reflects permanent employment, even though it may be time limited; "Casual" reflects the fact that the employment does not guarantee a fixed number of hours of work per pay period. (It also would include occasional, on call, on demand, or seasonal work.) Overall, 54.8 respondents who worked casual full-time hours in their first job, and 70 respondents who worked regular part-time hours in their first job are now working regular fulltime hours. Work hours of first job as a graduate nurse Regular full-time Casual full-time Regular part-time Casual part-time Current work hours Regular Casual Regular Casual full-time full-time part-time part-time

63 Is being employed on this basis your preference? 90.3 respondents prefer the hours they are currently working, while 9.7 do not. Figure 50 - Current job hours are preferred Yes No Respondents who are currently working regular hours, either full-time or part-time, are most likely to prefer their current hours, while those working casual full-time hours are lest likely. Current work hours Regular full-time Casual full-time Regular part-time Casual part-time Prefer current hours? Yes No

64 Overall, 72.7 those who were not working their preferred hours at their first job are now working their preferred hours. Table 25 - Prefer current hours by Prefer first job hours Hours worked at first job their preference Yes No Hours worked at current job their preference Yes No How many sites do you currently work at? 84.4 respondents work at only one site, which is a decrease from 91.3 in Another 11 work at 2 sites and 4.5 work at three or more sites. Figure 51 - Number of sites currently work at 1 site sites or more

65 The following questions are applicable to the Primary Site that you currently work at (i.e. the site where you have the most hours). What type of organization is the primary site at which you work? At their primary site, 70.8 respondents work at a general hospital with at least 100 beds, compared to 62.3 in Another 16.9 work in a general hospital with less than 100 beds, compared to 30.4 in Table 26 - Current primary site organization Organization General hospital, 100 beds and over General hospital, less than 100 beds Community Health /Health Centre Home Care Agency Rehabilitation/ Convalescent Centre Mental Health Centre Nursing Stations (Outpost or clinics) Nursing Home /Long Term Care Facility Business/Industry/ Occupational Health Other Association/Government What is your position? At their primary site, 97.4 respondents work as a staff nurse or community health nurse. Of the four who are not employed as staff or community health nurses, one is a manager or assistant manager, one is a researcher, one is a nurse supervisor, and one is an acting CDC consultant and public health supervisor. Table 27 - Current primary site position Position Staff Nurse/Community Health Nurse Other Manager/Assistant Manager Researcher Clinical Nurse Specialist Chief Nursing Officer/ Chief Executive Officer Instructor/Professor/Educator Nursing Practitioner

66 What is your main area of responsibility? At their primary site, 95.5 respondents indicated that their main area of responsibility is direct care, and 3.9 said education. One respondent indicated that their main area of responsibility is administration. Figure 52 - Current primary site main responsibility Area Direct Care Administration Education Research

67 In what area do you provide: Direct Care Of those who work in direct care at their primary site, 52.4 work in the medical/surgical field. Also 17 work in emergency care, 13.6 work in maternal/newborn care, and 13.6 work in pediatric care. Figure 53 - Direct care current primary site Medical/Surgical Emergency care Pediatric Maternal/New born Critical Care Geriatric/Long term care Community Health Home care Rehabilitation Psychiatric/Mental Health Several clinical areas Other Oncology Ambulatory Care Operating Room/RR Occupational Health 25 (17.0) 20 (13.6) 20 (13.6) 16 (10.9) 16 (10.9) 8 (5.4) 8 (5.4) 6 (4.1) 5 (3.4) 5 (3.4) 5 (3.4) 4 (2.7) 4 (2.7) 3 (2) 2 (1.4) 77 (52.4) Other: (1) Dialysis (1) Infectious Disease Clinic (1) Orthopedics (1) Specialty (1) Ventilatory Specialty Education Of the six respondents who provide education at their primary site, five teach students, two teach clients, one teaches employees, and one provides education about immunization. The one respondent who provides administration does so in the area of service. Figure 54 - Education current primary site 54

68 The following questions are applicable to the Secondary Site that you currently work at. What type of organization is the secondary site at which you work? Of those who work at more than one site, 25 work at a general hospital with at least 100 beds at their secondary site. Another 20.8 work in a general hospital with less than 100 beds, and 16.7 work in a nursing home or long term care facility. Table 28 - Current secondary site organization Organization General hospital, 100 beds and over General hospital, less than 100 beds Nursing Home/ Long Term Care Facility Othe Community Health/ Health Centre Rehabilitation/ Convalescent Centre Association/Government Nursing Stations (Outpost or clinics) Home Care Agency Mental Health Centre Physician's Office/Family Practice Unit Private Nursing Agency/Private Duty Other: (2) Correctional facility What is your position? Of those who currently work at a secondary site, all but one respondent work as a staff nurse or community health nurse (95.8). The remaining respondent works as a Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Executive Officer. Table 29 - Current secondary site position Position Staff Nurse/ Community Health Nurse Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Executive Officer Instructor/Professor/Educator Nursing Practitioner Other Researcher

69 What is your main area of responsibility? Of those who work at a secondary site, 91.7 indicated that their main area of responsibility is direct care. One respondent said education and one respondent said administration. Figure 55 - Current secondary site main responsibility Area Direct Care Administration Education Research

70 In what area do you provide: Direct Care Of those respondents who provide direct care at their secondary site, 36.4 work in geriatric/long term care. Also, 22.7 work in the medical/surgical field, 13.6 work in mental health care, and 13.6 work in community health care. The respondent who provides education at their secondary site does so by teaching client, and the one who provides administration does so for forensics. Figure 56 - Direct care Geriatric/Long term care 8 (36.4) Medical/Surgical 5 (22.7) Community Health Psychiatric/Mental Health Pediatric Emergency care Several clinical areas Maternal/New born Critical Care Ambulatory Care Rehabilitation Other 3 (13.6) 3 (13.6) 2 (9.1) 2 (9.1) 2 (9.1) 2 (9.1) 2 (9.1) 1 (4.5) 1 (4.5) 1 (4.5) Other: (1) Ventilatory care The following questions are applicable to the Third Site that you currently work at. What type of organization is the site at which you work? Of the 7 respondents who work at a third site, 3 work at a general hospital with at least 100 beds, 2 work at a general hospital with less than 100 beds, one works at a community health centre, and one works at a nursing home or long term care facility. Table 30 - Current third site organization Organization General hospital, 100 beds and over General hospital, less than 100 beds Nursing Home /Long Term Care Facility Community Health/ Health Centre Home Care Agency Nursing Stations (Outpost or clinics) Other

71 What is your position? All respondents who work at a third site are employed as a staff or community health nurse. This is the same as the four previous studies. What is your main area of responsibility? All respondents who work at a third site indicated that their main area of responsibility is direct care. Figure 57 - Current third site main responsibility Area Direct Care Administration Education Research

72 In what area do you provide: Direct Care Of those who provide direct care at a third site, two respondents work in the medical/surgical field, and two work in several clinical areas. Also, one respondent works in each one of the following areas: critical care, emergency care, mental health care, and community health care. Figure 58 - Direct care current third site Several clinical areas 2 (28.6) Medical/Surgical 2 (28.6) Community Health 1 (14.3) Psychiatric/Mental Health 1 (14.3) Emergency care 1 (14.3) Critical Care 1 (14.3) On average, how many hours per week do you work? In total, when considering all sites, respondents currently work an average of 38.1 hours per week, ranging from 8 to 65 hours. Respondents from the 2005 study worked an average of 38 hours per week, ranging from 12 to 74 hours. Table 31 - Current average hours Hours/Week Minimum Maximum Average Primary Site Secondary Site Third Site

73 Please rank the top 3 factors that influenced your current choice of work location as a nurse, with 1 being most important and 3 being the least important? Ranked as first influential factor: Of the 56 respondents who have changed their primary job, the most commonly cited first influential factor in choosing their current job was family or community commitments (30.4), followed by clinical/client group (21.4), and the position itself (14.3). Table 32 - First influential factor for current job First Influential Factor Family or Community Commitments Clinical/Client group I wanted Position I Wanted Geographic Location Other Reputation of the Institution as a quality workplace Familiarity with Hospital where Completed Practicum Desire to Travel Career planning Shift I wanted Student loan Assistance Hours I wanted Salary Entries under other : (1) Ability for ACLS, PALS, emergency room certified (1) Boyfriend (1) Experience 60

74 Ranked as second influential factor: Of those who have changed their primary job, the most commonly cited second influential factor in choosing their current job was that it was the position they wanted (19.6), followed by geographic location (17.9). Table 33 - Second influential factor for current job Second Influential Factor Position I wanted Geographic Location Clinical/client group I wanted Hours I wanted Career planning Salary Shift I wanted Family or Community commitments Desire to Travel Other Grad school assistance College friends Entries under other : (1) Better management (1) Only place that offered full time hours with a schedule. Ranked as third influential factor: Of those who changed their primary job, the most commonly cited third influential factor was that it was the position they wanted (14.3), followed by career planning (12.5). Table 34 - Third influential factor for current job Third Influential Factor Position I wanted Career planning Familiarity with Hospital where Completed Practicum Geographic Location Family or Community commitments Hours I wanted Other Clinical/client group I wanted Salary Shift I wanted Reputation of the Institution as a quality workplace Desire to Travel Housing provided Entries under other : (1) Pick own schedule. (1) Try something new/ fun. (1) Unsure. 61

75 Top 3 factors (combined): Of those who have changed jobs, 48.2 indicated that one of the top three influential factors in choosing their current work location was that the position was one that they wanted. The second most common factor is family or community commitments (44.6), followed by the clinical/client group (39.3), the geographic location (35.7), and career planning (25). Figure 59 - Top three factors in choosing current job Position I wanted Family or community commitments Clinical/client group I wanted Geographic Location Career planning hours I wanted Salary Other Familiarity with Hospital where Completed Practicum Desire to travel Shift I wanted Reputation of the Institution as a quality workplace College friends Graduate school assistance Housing provided Student loan assistance 27 (48.2) 25 (44.6) 22 (39.3) 20 (35.7) 14 (25.0) 12 (21.4) 10 (17.9) 9 (16.1) 8 (14.3) 7 (12.5) 6 (10.7) 4 (7.1) 1 (1.8) 1 (1.8) 1 (1.8) 1 (1.8)

76 The following table shows the percentage of respondents who cited each factor as being influential in choosing their current job, over the past three years. Respondents from this year are more likely than those in the 2005 study to cite family or community commitments, the clinical/client group, or career planning as one of their top three influential factors in choosing their first job. Table 35 - Current job influential factors summary Influential factors Position I wanted Family or community commitments Clinical/client group I wanted Geographic Location Career planning hours I wanted Salary Other Familiarity with Facility where Completed Practicum Desire to travel Shift I wanted Reputation of the Institution as a quality workplace Student loan assistance Housing provided Graduate school assistance College friends Signing Bonus Mentorship Opportunities Orientation Program

77 How satisfied are you with your current primary job? Overall, 83.8 respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with their current primary job, which is a slight increase from79 in the 2005 study. The percentage of respondents who are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied has decreased from 19.5 in the 2005 study to 11 this year. Figure 60 - Satisfaction with current primary job Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied Unsure

78 How satisfied are you with your current gross annual salary for your primary job? 83.8 respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with their current gross salary for their primary job, which is similar to the 82.6 reported in the 2005 study. Another 14.9 are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied, and 2 respondents are unsure. Figure 61 - Satisfaction with current gross annual salary for primary job Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied Unsure What are the total annual earnings before taxes and deductions? Of those who gave an amount, 48.6 earn $50,000 to $59,999. Another 27.1 earn $60,000 or more and 24.3 earn less than $50,000. Table 36 - annual earnings annual earnings $20,000 to $24, $25,000 to $29, $30,000 to $34, $35,000 to $39, $40,000 to $44, $45,000 to $49, $50,000 to $54, $55,000 to $59, $60,000 to $64, $65,000 to $69, $70,000 to $74, $ or more

79 Respondents from this year s survey are more likely to have a salary of $60,000 or more (27.1), compared to any of the previous studies. Table 37 - annual earnings comparison Less than $50, $50,000 to $59, $60,000 and above Unsure

80 Demographics Are you registered with any of the following associations? 88.5 respondents are registered only with the SRNA; this number has increased steadily since Also, one respondent is registered with the RPNAS and the SRNA, and two respondents indicated other and named the SRNA along with other associations. This means that, in total, 142 respondents are registered with the SRNA (90.4). Figure 62 - Registration in associations Entries under "Other": (4) AARN (2) CARNA (1) SRNA and California Board of Nursing (1) California RN License (1) CRNBC (1) CRNM (1) Kentucky Board of Nursing (1) North Dakota Board of Nursing (1) NSW Board of nursing and SRNA (1) ONA, AARNA (1) RNABC (1) RNANT/NWT SRNA RPNAS Both Neither Other

81 What is your gender? 90.4 respondents are female and 9.6 are male. Figure 63 - Gender Male Female Where did you grow up? Overall, 32 respondents grew up in rural Saskatchewan, which is a significant increase from 23 in the 2005 study. Another 25 grew up in a town in Saskatchewan, 18 grew up in Regina, 15 grew up in Saskatoon, and 4 grew up elsewhere in Saskatchewan. 6 of respondents grew up outside of Saskatchewan. Figure 64 - Where did you grow up Entries under "Other": (2) Manitoba (1) Alberta (1) B.C., Ontario, Alta. (1) Grew up in Sask, high school in Ontario (1) Los Angelas (1) Nova Scotia (1) Philippines (1) Winnipeg, MB 68

82 Regina Saskatoon Town in Saskatchewan Rural Saskatchewan Outside Saskatchewan Other city in Saskatchewan Do you hold Aboriginal status? 6.4 respondents hold Aboriginal status. Figure 65 - Do you hold Aboriginal status Yes No You indicated that you are Aboriginal; please indicate if you are: All respondents who said they are Aboriginal indicated that they are Métis. Métis Status/Treaty Indian

83 What is your current marital status? Overall, 47 respondents are currently married. Another 32 are currently single, which is a decrease from 40 in the 2005 study. Figure 66 - Marital status Single Married Divorced Separated Common-law Widowed Do you currently have any dependent children/adults? 22.3 respondents currently have dependents, while 77.7 do not. Figure 67 - Have dependent children or adults Yes No

84 Graduate Satisfaction How satisfied were you with your educational experience in the NEPS program? Overall, 78.3 respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with their educational experience in the NEPS program, which is slightly more than in the previous year (76.2). Another 19.8 respondents are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their educational experience, which is slightly less than the 2005 study (21.6). Figure 68 - Satisfaction with educational experience in NEPS program Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied Unsure

85 How well did your educational program prepare you for nursing practice? Most respondents said that their educational program prepared them well or very well for nursing practice (65.1); which is less than in the 2004 and 2005 studies (71.2 and 69.4 respectively). Another 31.8 respondents indicated that they were not well prepared or poorly prepared for nursing practice, which is an increase from 27.4 in the 2005 study. Figure 69 - How well education prepared for nursing practice Very well Well Not well Poorly Unsure

86 Have you completed or are you currently enrolled in a graduate program? 6.4 respondents have completed or are currently enrolled in a graduate program (10 respondents). Figure 70 - Completed or currently enrolled in graduate program Yes No

87 How satisfied are you with nursing as a career? 84.1 respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with nursing as a career, which is a decrease from 90 in Another 10.8 are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied, which is an increase from 7.2 in Figure 71 - Satisfaction with nursing as a career Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied Unsure