The difference between professional image and job satisfaction of nurses who studied in a post-basic education program and nurses with generic education: a questionnaire survey.

To compare nurses' perceptions of the contribution of post-basic education (PBE) programs to nurses' professional image, job satisfaction, and clinical practice between two groups, nurses who had participated in PBE programs and nurses who had not. This is a cross-sectional study. A study conducted with 419 nurses employed in two major hospitals in Israel. Data were collected using structured questionnaires containing perception on professional self-image and clinical image, job satisfaction, and PBE contributions to nursing practice. Nurses who had completed a PBE in comparison to those who had not completed such a program rated higher the contribution of the program to independent decision making (40% and 50%, respectively, P < .001) as well as to specialized skills and proficiencies (38% and 55%, respectively, P < .01). Significant differences between the two groups were also found regarding professional image. Professional self-image and image of the clinical area were positively associated with professionalization. No differences regarding job satisfaction were found between the two groups. The study indicated that the model of PBE applied allows nurses to acquire greater self-confidence and improves professional self-image when making decisions. The model likewise helped nurses acquire greater authority to decide and intervene in clinical practice.