Predictors and subsequent decisions of physical therapy and nursing students to work with geriatric clients: an application of the theory of reasoned action

Department of Physical Therapy, Idaho State University, Pocatello 83209-8002, USA.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE. In this study, the theory-based model of Ajzen and Fishbein was used to identify factors that influence physical therapist and registered nurse (RN) students' intentions toward working with elderly individuals. A follow-up identified actual job selection. SUBJECTS. Accredited physical therapist and RN education programs in the Northwest and California were surveyed. Two hundred one students responded; 176 survey questionnaires were usable. METHODS. A survey instrument was developed based on Ajzen and Fishbein's theory-based model to assess student intention to work with elderly individuals and factors influencing this intention. Graduates were later contacted to determine whether job selection matched intention. RESULTS. For all students, factors influencing intention were student attitudes and student perceptions regarding their families' expectations about the student working with elderly persons. Intention had a positive correlation with job selection. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION. Important underlying beliefs influencing student attitudes, which could be emphasized in academia, include the advantages of getting to know elderly patients and their families and having pleasant patients to work with. Faculty are encouraged to positively reinforce these beliefs throughout the curricula. Results of this study support using a theory-based model to identify predictors of job selection among physical therapist and RN graduates.

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