The purpose of this study was to contribute to a better understanding of the potential market for nontraditional nursing students. The study analyzed the feasibility of recruiting nursing students from ancillary health care personnel. The problem was: Are ancillary health care personnel a potential source for nursing students?.

Subjects were ancillary health care personnel employed in the capacities of nurse aide, ward clerk, housekeeper, physical therapy aide, dietary aide, and "other" employment categories in six hospitals and six nursing homes located within Illinois Community College District 51.

The forced choice response questionnaire: (1) defined demographics of, (2) described level of interest or non-interest in a nursing career and reasons for interest level, and (3) identified educational needs of the subjects. The overall survey response rate was 40% (n = 326).

The findings indicated that ancillary health care personnel are characteristically young (64.9% $<$ 40 years of age), female (93%), white (91.1%), of low income (54.9% making $<

One hundred and thirty-two (40.4%) respondents were interested in a nursing career. One hundred and nine (66.7%) nurse aides and ten (43.4%) ward clerks were interested in nursing. Three major reasons for interest in nursing were identified: ability to help others, salary, and availability of jobs. Few housekeepers, dietary aides, and physical therapy aides were interested in nursing. Four major reasons for disinterest in nursing were identified: responsibility involved, educational requirements, types of job duties, and working hours.

Several educational factors were identified: "cost of schooling" would make returning to school most difficult; "financial assistance" would best facilitate returning to school; the "college campus" was preferred for classes; and little time could be devoted to weekly class attendance (most indicated "1-4 hours/week"), with a preference for "evening" classes.

The findings suggested nurse aides and ward clerks are potential nontraditional resources for nursing students. The feasibility of recruiting from these groups must take into consideration their diverse personal and educational needs.