This study investigates selected variables that foster or preclude the educational, geographical and occupational mobility of practical nurse graduates. The major variables investigated were age, sex, marital status, number of children, income, fringe benefits and the geographical mobility of the spouse of the practical nurse graduate. The data source for the study was comprised of males and females who graduated as practical nurses during the years 1970 through 1979, inclusive. Two hundred forty of them graduated from a rural community college and two hundred forty participants graduated from an urban community college. Each subject in the study was mailed a survey instrument which was completed and returned by them to the investigator. The findings of the study are presented separately by independent variables as they relate to the dependent variables.

Graduates from both the rural and urban community colleges present similar educational and geographical mobility patterns as described in the nursing literature. The graduates from both colleges studied chose practical nursing as a career because it seemed like an appropriate and good occupation, the training programs were readily accessible and their educational and career goals could be accomplished in a brief period of time. Generally speaking, this study showed that practical nurses are not geographically mobile unless they are single, from a rural area or are seeking training beyond their practical nursing education by entering registered nurse training. They will leave employment as a practical nurse for a number of reasons which include: to bear children, to move to a new location with a spouse, dislike of working conditions, low salaries and limited fringe benefits.

Practical nurses are similar to registered nurses in their mobility motivation. Both practical nurses and registered nurses receive employment within a few months after graduation. Nurses from both levels who are married and have school-aged children are highly immobile. Their mobility also decreases with age. In general, the more education in nursing obtained by practical nurses or registered nurses, the more likely they will remain employed in the health field.