Role Perspectives of Joint Appointees

Authors

  • Sonia Acorn

Abstract

A continuing challenge for nursing education and nursing practice is to seek ways to bring the education of students and the clinical practice of nursing closer. The concept of joint academic/clinical appointments in nursing is one method of promoting collaboration and unity between education and practice. The past decade and a half have seen the growth of joint academic/clinical appointments in university nursing faculties, both in Canada and in the United States. The literature describing organizational models and personal experiences of joint appointees is positive, for the most part, although there are some acknowledged problem areas. Little research on the current trend toward joint appointments has been undertaken; there is a need to review the development of joint appointments and their effect on the individuals involved. The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive analysis of the role expectations of joint academic/clinical appointees in Canadian university nursing faculties. Role theory was used as the framework from which to review the role expectations of joint appointees who, by virtue of their obligation to report to two organizations, are in a multiple role situation. Relationships among the variables role negotiation skills, perceived con-gruency and job tension were assessed.

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Published

1988-04-13

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Section

Articles