Clinical Ladder Nurses' Perceptions and Satisfiers

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure how nurses perceive the present clinical ladder program and to identify satisfiers for increasing participation. Background: The hospital clinical ladder program was developed in the 1970s to recognize registered nurses who chose to remain at the bedside and concentrate on expertise in clinical practice. Methods: A descriptive, nonexperimental design was used for this study. A modified Strzelecki clinical ladder assessment questionnaire was distributed. Results: This study identified what motivates nurses to participate in the clinical ladder program and provides information used to evaluate the present program. Conclusion: Nurses' perceptions of satisfiers for the clinical ladder included recognition on all levels which were with peers, personal satisfaction, professional growth, financial incentives, and administration.