Dream Day

Abstract

<p>The purpose of this project was to examine the result that a career fair could have on the self-determination of the student members of the Tribe.</p> <p><strong>Problem:</strong> The problem is that there is a lack of diversity among the health care personnel at Tribal hospitals which is contributing to poorer health outcomes.</p> <p><strong>Intervention:</strong> This project utilized Self-Determination Theory to guide the process for practice improvement with the student members of the Tribe using an interventional career fair called Dream Day.</p> <p><strong>Measures:</strong> The survey measured the impact of Dream Day using 10-item Self-Determination Scale on the student&rsquo;s perception of their own determination. There were two 5-item subscales on their awareness of self and perceived choice. The pre and post survey scores were compared to see if there was an improvement in self-determination, awareness of self, and/or perceived choice after the event in comparison to before the event.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> The sample size was five student members of the Tribe. Dream Day showed an increase in self-determination scores, and both dependent variables of awareness of self and perceived choice.</p> <p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Dream Day did show an overall increase in self-determination scores, and both dependent variables of awareness of self and perceived choice which was the goal of the event. Although this study presents plausible conceptual design, this concept could be applied to other high school students to build their self-determination before moving on to college or careers.&nbsp;</p>