Comparison of graduating AD and baccalaureate nursing students' characteristics.

This study investigated differences between graduating seniors in two types of nursing programs--baccalaureate and associate degree--in self-actualization as measured by the Personal Orientation Inventory. The data were analyzed using t tests for the two major scales and by a repeated measures analysis of variance for the 10 subscales. The repeated measures model was used since many items appear in more than one scale. Baccalaureate graduates' means scores were higher on all scales. Significant differences (p less than .05 less than .001) were found in one major scale and seven subscales. All factors which earlier research associated with leadership showed a significant difference.