An enrolled nurse conversion course: does it make a difference?

Aim: This study set out to investigate the effect of a conversion course on the careers of enrolled nurses. Background: Funding has been made available for nurses to convert from second level to first level registration. Managers need to know the value of this initiative. Method: Questionnaires sent to a sample of 130 enrolled nurses and semi-structured interviews with eight nurses and one manager. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the questionnaires and themes identified from the transcripts of the interviews. Findings: One year after completion, participants identified changes in grade, job and further study. Interviews revealed a developmental change in their personal and professional life. The depth of perceived prejudice towards them remains very powerful. Conclusion: Converting to first level registration appears to have positive outcomes for most nurses in the study and has resulted in wider opportunities for their careers and professional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]