The problem of this investigation was threefold: ascertaining differences in degrees of burnout as a function of registered nurses' educational tracks in Texas, ascertaining degrees of burnout for registered nurses as a function of job tenure, and examining certain demographic variables and their relationships with registered nurses' educational tracks. Nurses were classified by educational track (diploma, associate degree, baccalaureate degree) and employment (full time, part time, not active). The instrument employed comprised the Pines and Aronson Tedium-Burnout Diagnosis, for which reliability and validity were previously established, and a demographic questionnaire.

This study proposed to determine the reasons given by registered nurses for participation or nonparticipation in programs leading to a baccalaureate or higher degree. The purpose of this study was the following: identify the factors influencing registered nurses to return or not return to school for an advanced degree and to compare the needs (met or unmet) of the participants with the anticipated needs (met and unmet) of the nonparticipants.