A CONFIRMATORY FACTOR-ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURE OF TACIT KNOWLEDGE INNURSING

The purpose of this study was to examine the structure of tacit knowle dge in the nursing profession. Using research in implicit learning and practical intelligence as a theoretical framework, a paper-and-pencil measure of tacit knowledge for nurses was developed and refined. Five models, each representing an established theory of traditional intell igence, were compared in terms of fit to the data. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis suggest that Model 3, a hierarchical mode l of intelligence, was the most plausible representation of tacit know ledge in nursing. The results indicate that the portion of managerial decision making learned implicitly on the job is mainly accounted for by managing tasks and others. Suggestions for nursing education includ e teaching effective strategies for managing tasks, such as handling i ncreased workloads, establishing priorities, and delegating responsibi lity.