Development of a Predictive Model for Role Strain in Registered Nurses Returning to School

This study identified the individual characteristics that are expected to predict and explain role strain in registered nurses (RNs) returning to school. A model was developed and tested to predict and explain role strain. The characteristics expected to predict role strain were personality, stage of career development, and marital status. Personality was assessed by the Comrey Personality Scales, stage of career development was assessed by the Career Concerns Inventory, and the criterion variable role strain was assessed by the Lengacher Role Strain Inventory. A convenience sample of 123 RN students were asked to participate in the study and 86 RNs volunteered. The data were analyzed using multiple stepwise regression analysis. Results of the stepwise regression analysis identified 13 variables as significant predictors of role strain. A double cross-validation regression procedure was completed to validate the results of the multiple regression analysis. In subsample A of the cross-validation analysis, six variables were found to be significant predictors of role strain, while in subsample B, 12 variables were significant predictors.