Gender and students’ vocational choices in entering the field of nursing

Moral distress, professional value, and vocational choice among senior nursing students: A cross-sectional study

During clinical placement, nursing students may experience unease and moral distress, which negatively impacts their professional values and vocational choices. However, no instrument exists to measure moral distress in nursing students. Thus, this study constructs measurement items for moral distress and explores the factors that influence the vocational choices of nursing students. The participants were recruited from three universities in South Korea Between September and October 2021. This study was adopted with a convenience sample of 270 Korean fourth-year nursing students who completed their clinical practice at tertiary general hospitals in three provinces in the North, Middle, and South areas of South Korea. Data were collected through a self-administered structured questionnaire. The study developed the items and subscales of the Moral Distress Scale using multistep methods following the recommendations of the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instrument. The study constructed 22 items of the three factors of Moral Distress Scale. The three factors of the Moral Distress Scale were "moral distress by low quality of care," "moral distress by a heavy workload and an insufficient workforce," and "unfair and distrust." The factors influencing the vocational choice of the nursing students were high professional values, intention not to choose nursing as a future career, lacking vision for choosing nursing, democratic family climate, and having at least one parent who was a medical professional. Moral distress in undergraduate nursing students may not influence their intention to choose the nursing profession. Fostering the professionalism and professional values of nursing students through university education curricula may help maintain their professional identity.

High - definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) alleviates occupational gender stereotypes

Occupational gender stereotypes are widely held misconceptions that individuals use to classify occupations according to gender. Alleviating occupational gender stereotypes would be beneficial for individuals to choose occupations more freely, without the influence of gender-based expectations. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown effectiveness in alleviating stereotypical beliefs. The present study aims to explore the positive effects of tDCS targeting the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) on occupational gender stereotypes and uses event-related potentials (ERPs) to investigate the neural correlates of tDCS in modulating occupational gender stereotypes. Participants (N = 60) were recruited and randomly assigned to either the anodal tDCS group (n = 30) or the sham tDCS group (n = 30). All participants were asked to complete the Implicit Association Test (IAT) in the pre- and post-stimulation, while EEG data were recorded simultaneously. The behavioral results showed a decreased D value and reaction time (RT) after the tDCS in the anodal group. However, no significant difference in ERPs were observed after tDCS between the two groups. This study contributes to our understanding of occupational gender stereotypes and provides further evidence supporting the use of tDCS. The findings highlight the importance of considering the mPFC in research on occupational gender stereotypes and pave the way for future investigations utilizing brain stimulation techniques to address stereotypes.

Self-esteem among nursing students at a public university in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Background

Self-esteem is a subjective assessment of one's own value and worth as a person. Self-esteem is recognized as an indicator of a person's mental health, with lower levels associated with mental conditions such as stress and depression. In the context of nursing education, self-esteem has been linked to student's academic performance, clinical competence, and overall well-being. Existing literature suggests that self-esteem among student nurses varies across countries and cultures. Assessing the self-esteem level among student nurses is essential for identifying students at risk of experiencing academic difficulties or mental health problems.

Objective

The study aimed to assess the self-esteem level among student nurses at Al-Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was employed and conducted with 346 nursing students conveniently selected at Majmaah University in Saudi Arabia in May 2023. A self-reported questionnaire utilizing the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) was employed. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics software, including descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.

Results

The findings revealed that 265 students (76.6%) had moderate self-esteem levels, 53 students (15.3%) had low self-esteem, and 28 students (8.1%) had high levels of self-esteem. Examination of self-esteem in relation to socio-demographic variables resulted in statistically significant correlations with the year of study, physical health, psychological health, and father's education (p <0.05).

Conclusion

The study's results offer valuable insights for nurse educators, which can serve as a compass for designing educational and awareness programs to boost self-esteem among student nurses. These initiatives hold significance in equipping students with the necessary attributes for their upcoming roles as professional nurses. Nonetheless, further investigations are warranted to delve into self-esteem and associated factors.

The Effects on the Profession Choice of Nursing Students of the Reflectons of Nurses Working in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Obejective: The aim of the study is determine the effects of working of nurses in the COVID-19 pandemic process, with a reflections on the visual and written media, on the choices of nursing profession of nursing students. Methods: The sample of this descriptive study consists of 80 first-year nursing students from Kocaeli University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Nursing, who accepted to participate in the study in the 2020-2021 academic year. “Nursing Student Personal Information Form”, “Nursing Image Scale (NIS)” and “Scale of Vocational Choice in Nursing (SVCN)” were used to collect the research data. Results: The Median and Q1-Q3 SVCN score of the nursing students was found to be 91.5, (73.5-118). Professional fitness sub-dimension median and Q1-Q3 score was 63.5, (49-82) and vital causes sub-dimension median and Q1-Q3 score was determined as 27.5, (19,5-34,5). NIS median and Q1-Q3 score 73.0, (68-76), general appearance sub-dimension median and Q1-Q3 score was 15.0, (14-16), communication sub-dimension median and Q1-Q3 score was 16.0, (14-17), professional and physical qualities sub-dimension median and Q1-Q3 score were found to be 42.0, (40-43). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the median scores of the professional and physical qualities sub-dimension of those affecting the choice of profession were found to be significantly lower (p=0.033). Conclusion: It was concluded that the first-year nursing students' thoughts about the nursing impression were positive and they chose nursing willingly and the media reflections of nurses during the pandemic process increased their sense of helping people.

Gender and ethnicity's influence on first-year nursing students' educational motivation and career expectations: A cross-sectional study

AIM

Given the apparent link between gender and ethnicity, and the diversity and career opportunities in nursing, this study examined gender and ethnicity's influence on first-year nursing students' educational motivation and career expectations.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

METHODS

Through bootstrapped linear regressions, we analysed data on 504 Norwegian first-year nursing students' self-reported educational motivation and career expectations, from the StudData survey at the Centre for the Study of Professions (SPS) at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet).

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 67 (13%) male and 437 (87%) female nursing students. Female students were more motivated compared to male students by professional interest and to pursue a specialization, less likely to assume leadership positions in the future, and more likely to prioritize family and pursue positions in the traditional nursing field. In total, 425 (84%) respondents stated a Norwegian background. Respondents who stated that both of their parents were born in a country other than Norway made up the 79 (16%) students of immigrant background. Those with immigrant backgrounds were more motivated than other students by income, status and flexible working hours and less likely to pursue a specialization or future employment in the nursing field.

Validation of a Questionnaire to Analyze the Expectations of First-Year Nursing Students

AIM

The aim of this study was to design and validate a questionnaire to analyze students' expectations, along with their level of interest and overall satisfaction with their nursing studies.

BACKGROUND

The expectations of students on entering university are closely related to the level of interest that they have in their area of study and their general satisfaction with it. This is certainly a conditioning factor in their learning. In this regard, there are few quantitative instruments that measure the expectations of first-year nursing students.

METHOD

A mixed questionnaire was constructed using items validated in previous studies, along with new items formulated following a review of the literature. The questionnaire was validated with a sample of 339 first-year degree program nursing students.

RESULTS

The scales of expectations and degree of interest showed strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α > .7).

CONCLUSION

The questionnaire to evaluate the expectations and interest of students demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties.

The Validity and Reliability of Professional Self-Concept in Nursing in Accelerated Bachelor's and Master's Nursing Students

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Accelerated bachelor's and master's nursing students supported through the New Careers in Nursing program were surveyed (n = 3,506) using subscales from Arthur's Professional Self-Concept in Nursing Instrument (PSCNI). Reliability and validity of the instrument was assessed.

METHODS

Factor analysis using a random split-half design were conducted and differences investigated based on characteristics.

RESULTS

Four factors were revealed: leadership (α = .85), skill (α = .89), career positivity (α = .72), and career negativity (α = .72), with acceptable confirmatory fit. Gender and race/ethnicity differences were found in self-perceived leadership and skill and in career positivity by race/ethnicity. Accelerated bachelor's and master's students were different on skill and career positivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-perceived leadership, skill, career positivity, and career negativity are distinct PSCNI concepts.

What motivates students to enter nursing? Findings from a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

It is expected that future nurses have high levels of emotional intelligence and empathy, because of their everyday interaction with people in a clinical environment. Thus, nursing students must show interest in nursing studies and in work with people. Moreover, it is desired that they have good communication skills. On the other hand, students who choose nursing as their future career may have high expectations from nursing education. The aim of this study was to explore nursing students' reasons for pursuing nursing studies.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate nursing students in Slovenia and Croatia.

RESULTS

A total of 314 students participated in the study. General satisfaction with their studies is higher among those students who are satisfied with their chosen study programme. The most important reasons to enter nursing studies were interest in the subject and good employment possibilities. As the biggest disadvantage of studying nursing, Slovenian students listed crowded schedules, while Croatian students mentioned faculty organization. Students from both countries agreed that the biggest advantage is the ease of finding a job after graduation.

DISCUSSION

As there is a lack of workforce in the healthcare sector, particularly a lack of nurses, universities must adjust their demands and improve study conditions to gain students' attention. Therefore, it is important to notice that nursing students perceive more advantages of studying nursing than disadvantages.

CONCLUSION

There are many different reasons to enter nursing studies. Students perceive many advantages in studying nursing, such as ease of employment, getting many hours of clinical practice and the possibility for promotion. On the other hand, there are some challenges in studying nursing, such as the schedule and organization of lectures, seminars and clinical placement. There is a need for further research in the field of nursing student's motivation, especially due to their decreasing motivation during the studies.

Self-reported motivation for choosing nursing studies: a self-determination theory perspective

BACKGROUND

The nursing shortage is of worldwide concern, with nursing student retention acknowledged as a priority. As a fundamental step towards exploring factors that can guide the implementation of strategic approaches to retain undergraduate nursing students and prevent their attrition, the aim of this study is to examine the motivation for choosing nursing studies of first-year nursing students within the theoretical framework of self-determination theory.

METHODS

We conducted a study at the Medical School of the University of Palermo. A total of 133 first-year nursing students completed a two-part questionnaire: a measure of socio-demographic aspects and an open question about their motivation for choosing nursing studies. Students' responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Dimensional analysis was performed in order to verify an organization along one dimension, in agreement with the differentiation of the autonomous and controlled types of motivation of self-determination theory. A person-centred approach was utilised to define motivational profiles able to characterize clusters of students according to both quality and quantity of motivation.

RESULTS

A set of 18 categories was developed. The factor analysis has shown that nursing students' motivations can be organized along one dimension, in alignment with the differentiation of the autonomous and controlled forms of motivation of self-determination theory. Through adoption of a person-centred approach, four motivational profiles were identified: a) students with good quality motivation profile (high autonomous and low controlled); b) students with poor quality motivation profile (low autonomous and high controlled); c) students with low quantity motivation profile (low autonomous and low controlled); d) students with low quantity and poor quality motivation profile (i.e. prevalence of controlled motivation).

CONCLUSIONS

Importance of this research includes the possibility to interpret nursing students' reasons within the theoretical framework of self-determination theory, a well-grounded model able to offer useful information to academic nursing schools, in order to promote effective strategies to foster and support student motivation.

Differences in Gender-related Profile Characteristics, Perceptions, and Outcomes of Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Students

BACKGROUND

The New Careers in Nursing (NCIN) program provided scholarships and other supports to accelerated degree students at 130 nursing schools and collected data from the scholars at three time-points.

PURPOSE

The NCIN database was analyzed to identify gender-based differences in scholars' profile characteristics, program experiences, and post-graduation outcomes.

METHOD

An adaptation of Jeffreys's Nursing Universal Retention and Success Model guided the analysis. Gender differences were assessed after multiplicity adjustments for false positive rates.

RESULTS

Differences based on gender were found for profile characteristics, student affective factors, academic factors, professional integration factors, environmental factors, as well as academic, psychological and NCIN program outcomes. Results suggest that males were influenced by economic factors more than females when choosing nursing as a career. They had fewer concerns about financial aspects associated with being a student again yet secured employment sooner after graduation than female scholars. They did not view support services as important as did female students. They expressed confidence in their leadership competence more than their female counterparts.

CONCLUSION

Efforts are needed to better understand and address the nuanced gender-based perceptions and needs of nursing students who are male.

Nursing is for men: a descriptive phenomenological study

BACKGROUND

The reasons men come into nursing is because of career stability, career progression and financial security.

AIM

The aim of this study was to explore the lived-experience of a group of male nursing students as to the attraction of nursing as a career choice.

METHOD

A descriptive phenomenological approach using Colaizzi's seven step data analysis within the phenomenological empirical framework was used.

FINDINGS

The central theme developed from the transcripts was Nursing is for Men. Seven sub-themes were identified from the significant statements which included: Nursing is for me; wanting a new career; the jobs in the bag; striving to succeed; Men together; Family approval and Mate-ship realigned.

CONCLUSION

The men in this study found the decision to become a nurse and undertake their nursing education challenging. Moreover, it was reconciling with family, friends and work colleagues that many felt was the biggest obstacle.

Professional values and career choice of nursing students

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Professional values are abstract and general behavioral principles that provide basic standards to judge aims and actions, and these principles are formed by strong emotional loyalty of members of the profession. Research was conducted to compare the career choice and professional values of nursing students at two universities in the upper Midwest of the United States and in the middle of Turkey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A descriptive and comparative design was used. The participants of the study were comprised nursing students from a university in the upper Midwest of United States and a university in the middle of Turkey. The sample consisted of 728 students in all grades. Data were collected by a questionnaire, The Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised and Vocational Choices in Entering Nursing Scale. Number, percentage distribution, mean, standard deviation, t test, and one-way variance analysis were used in the analysis of data. Ethical considerations: Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Commission. Informed consent was received from the students.

RESULTS

The students' mean age for American students was 24.3 ± 5.6 years, while the mean age for Turkish students was 19.8 ± 1.7 years. Mean score of American students on The Vocational Congruency (a subgroup of the Vocational Choices in Entering Nursing Scale) was 38.5 ± 5.9 and Turkish students was 29.6 ± 8.9 (p < 0.05). Mean score of American students on The Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised was 109.2 ± 12.3 and that of Turkish students was 101.6 ± 17.0.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that the majority of nursing students had high professional values, and when students' scores were compared, American students had higher professional values, and in career choice, they considered primarily fitness of the profession to themselves and their goals, while Turkish students primarily thought of their living conditions.

Gender stereotypes in occupational choice: a cross-sectional study on a group of Italian adolescents

Background

Gender beliefs represent cultural schemas for interpreting or making sense of the social and employment world, as they can influence attitudes, career aspirations, and the vocational decision process of young people, especially the adolescence.

Materials and methods

This study examined the influence of gender stereotypes on the choice of career in adolescents. A group of 120 students were recruited to complete an ad hoc questionnaire, Scale of Perceived Occupational Self-Efficacy, and Semantic Differentials. The objectives of the study were to analyze the relationship between occupational self-efficacy and professional preference; to measure the influence of independent variables, such as age and gender, on the representation that students have of themselves and of the profession; and to identify the predictor variables of self-efficacy in the vocational decision.

Results

Data showed that the distance between professional identity and social identity increases with age. Results underline that males seem to perceive themselves more self-efficient in military, scientific–technological, and agrarian professions than females. Furthermore, the type of job performed by parents appears to be a self-efficacy predictor variable in the choice of professions in the services area.

Conclusion

Individuals’ perceived occupational self-efficacy, gender, age, and parents’ profession have implications for exploratory behavior. The conditions that make gender differences salient are more likely to favor self-representations of the career and consistent assessments with these representations.

Maintaining Equilibrium: Socialization and Gendered Identities of Iranian Male Nurses

The aim of this study was to explore the process of Iranian male nurses’ professional socialization and how they negotiate a gendered identity. A purposive sample of 22 male nurses was recruited from six public hospitals affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Study data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews. Data collection was continued until reaching data saturation. Totally, 25 interviews were conducted. Data analysis was carried out using Corbin and Strauss’s techniques for qualitative data analysis. The core category of the study, that is, the socialization process of male nurses who participated in the study, was “maintaining equilibrium.” Our participants’ strategies for socialization included informing, conforming, and self-establishing. The study findings can be used for developing effective strategies for male staff recruitment and retention.

Predicting factors of positive orientation and attitudes towards nursing: A quantitative cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have identified various reasons for students to choose a career in nursing. Students at the start of their programme hold a great variety of images and perceptions of nursing which can affect their orientation and attitudes towards their future profession.

OBJECTIVES

This paper aims to examine nursing students' orientation and attitudes towards nursing at the beginning of their educational programme, and to explore predictors of positive orientation and attitudes.

DESIGN

The study used a quantitative cross-sectional design.

SETTINGS

A survey was conducted among first-year nursing students at four nursing universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS

Questionnaires were administered to all students enrolled in a bachelor of nursing programme (n=1414) at these universities.

METHODS

Respondents completed a survey consisting of: 1) Nursing Orientation Tool, 2) Nursing Attitude Questionnaire, and 3) demographic data such as gender, living status, nursing experience, preliminary training, first-choice programme, and career choice. Kruskal Wallis tests, with post hoc Mann Whitney U tests, were used to compare group scores. Multiple regression was performed to investigate predictors of positive orientation and attitudes towards nursing.

RESULTS

Students in this study sample (n=1244) strongly agreed with statements related to caring, nursing expertise, professional nursing knowledge and the application of this knowledge. Predictors of positive orientation and attitudes towards nursing include having nursing/caring experience, indicating nursing as the first choice for study, preliminary vocational training, and a desire to make a career in nursing.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from this survey suggest a link between personal and environmental characteristics and motivations to select nursing as a career. Understanding which factors predict positive orientation and attitudes towards nursing could offer educators a tool in the recruitment and selection assessment of new students.

Men Choosing Nursing

In the nursing profession across the Western world, women outnumber men by a ratio of 10 to 1. The profession is often seen as being synonymous with being female and with femininity. This study aimed to illustrate the gendered aspects of career choice for men who choose to nurse and how a masculine identity can be negotiated within the profession. Using a qualitative interpretive approach, interviews were carried out with 18 male nurses. The findings indicate contradictions and difficulties for men in identifying with the profession and as men. Little encouragement is given to men to join the profession, and for men who have chosen to nurse, there is an attempt to distance themselves from traditional motivations for choosing nursing such as caring and vocationalism. This has implications for the recruitment and retention of men into the profession and also points to a need to examine the relationship of nursing to gendered concepts.

Do higher dispositions for empathy predispose males toward careers in nursing? A descriptive correlational design

PURPOSE

The purpose of this research was to understand male nursing students' empathy traits compared with other university students using the systematizing quotient and empathizing quotient questionnaires.

CONCLUSION

Female students have higher empathizing traits than male students. However, when male nursing students were compared with the general population of other male students, they revealed higher empathy traits 3.0 (p < .01) than other males.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION

Empathy plays a significant role in attracting men to a nursing career. Male nurses are not only caring individuals but also have high problem-solving skills in complex environments, demonstrating their strong systemizing characteristics to organize, plan, and implement care.

Factors Influencing Men Entering the Nursing Profession, and Understanding the Challenges Faced by Them: Iranian and Developed Countries’ Perspectives

Context:

Men entering the nursing profession have been investigated from several different perspectives. Due to male gender characteristics and existing public image, nursing is often not considered as a career choice by men. Whether nursing would benefit from increased number of men is a key question in the literature. The purpose of this integrative review of the literature was to identify factors influencing men to enter the nursing profession. In addition, it sought to understand the challenges they are confronted within this profession.

Evidence Acquisition:

A systematic search of the existing literature was performed using an Internet search with broad keywords to access related articles in both Persian and English databases. Finally, 34 studies (written between 2000 and early 2013) were selected and surveyed.

Results:

Most of the studies were conducted in developed counties. The review identified reasons why males choose nursing, and other challenges facing men entering and working in nursing. Themes that emerged from the literature include educational and societal barriers experienced by men in nursing, recruitment, career choice, and role strain.

Conclusions:

Regarding men’s influences on professional development, and also the importance of gender-based caring, policies for recruitment and retention of men in nursing must be followed hastily. However, there is a need for further research regarding the challenges faced by men entering nursing, in both Iran and other developing countries.

Motivations to nurse: an exploration of what motivates students in Pacific Island countries to enter nursing

The aim of this study was to explore the motivations of student nurses enrolled in nursing courses across a variety of Pacific Island countries. The image of nursing, the desire to help others, family and friends in the profession, personal experience, security, travel opportunities and flexibility have all been identified as motivators for people to enter nursing. To date, what motivates students in Pacific Island countries to enrol in a nursing course has not been investigated. An exploratory qualitative approach using focus group interviews with 152 nursing students was undertaken. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis, revealing four themes: (i) helping others; (ii) 'making a difference for my people'; (iii) following in the footsteps of others; and (iv) financial and professional gain. In a time of health and nursing workforce shortages, developing a deeper understanding of what drives people can be used to improve recruitment strategies in the future.

What predicts the selection of nursing as a career choice in 5th and 6th year school students?

Demand for nursing care, and nurses, is growing in the United Kingdom given an increasingly ageing patient population with long-term co-morbidities. An ageing nursing workforce and fewer school leavers entering nursing are key barriers to student nurse recruitment. This paper aims to identify the socio-demographic and correlates nursing as a career choice in 5th and 6th year school students. This cross-sectional descriptive study gathered self-administered questionnaires from a total cohort of 5th and 6th year school students (n=1059) in one educational authority in Scotland. A response rate of 100% was achieved, with 702 students expressing a career choice. Some 71.7% (n=503) of students providing a full data set would never consider nursing, even if they obtained poor grades. Only 28.3% (n=199) would ever consider nursing. Students cited nursing as a career choice if they were female, of average to below average academic ability/achievement, expressed a positive attitude to nursing as a degree subject which was shared by their career guidance teacher. Each additional higher reduced the likelihood of nursing as a career choice by 22%. Nursing is an unpopular career choice amongst school students. Strategies are required to improve the occupational image of nursing in secondary education.

The motivations to nurse: an exploration of factors amongst undergraduate students, registered nurses and nurse managers

AIM

To identify what motivates individuals to engage in a nursing career.

BACKGROUND

Recruitment and retention of nurses is a worldwide concern that is associated with several compounding factors, primarily the high attrition of its new graduates and an ageing workforce. Given these factors, it is necessary to understand why individuals choose to nurse, what keeps them engaged in nursing, and in what ways healthcare systems can support career development and retention.

METHOD

This paper presents initial interview data from a longitudinal multi method study with 29 undergraduate student nurses, 25 registered nurses (RNs), six Nurse Unit Managers (NUMs) and four Directors of Nursing (DoNs) from four hospitals across a healthcare organization in Australia.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis yielded four key themes that were common to all participants: (1) a desire to help, (2) caring, (3) sense of achievement and (4) self-validation.

CONCLUSIONS

These themes represented individuals' motivation to enter nursing and sustain them in their careers as either nurses or managers.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Managers need to be cognisant of nurses underlying values and motivators in addressing recruitment and retention issues. Strategies need to be considered at both unit and organizational levels to ensure that the 'desire to care' does not become lost.

Who enters nursing schools and why do they choose nursing? A comparison with female non-nursing students using longitudinal data

Understanding who enters nursing schools and why they choose nursing is essential for the nursing profession to recruit and retain their successors. This study was conducted to examine the characteristics of nursing students and factors influencing their career decision, as compared with non-nursing students. We used public databases of the Korean Education & Employment Panel that followed 4000 high school students in their final year of school. Out of those students, 2456 students entered a college or university and 40 students (39 females and one male) entered a nursing school. Nursing students were compared with 1011 female non-nursing students. Nursing students had lower household income. Nursing students had better high school academic achievement overall and in science. A more studious attitude and lower absenteeism were found among nursing students. For nursing students, employability (55%) followed by aptitude (20%) were the most influential factors in choosing a nursing major, while conversely, aptitude (48%) followed by employability (23%) were most important to non-nursing students. About half of nursing students answered "herself/himself" as the most influential person in choosing nursing, whereas three quarters of non-nursing students did. Nursing students had a higher rate (75%) of satisfaction with their major than non-nursing students (60%).

Men Who Care

Aufgrund des demographischen Wandels und des viel berichteten Pflegenotstands werden verstärkte Bemühungen, Männer für die Altenpflege zu gewinnen, notwendig. Die Tatsache, dass die Pflege als weibliche Profession mit schlechter gesellschaftlicher Reputation angesehen wird, macht dieses Unterfangen schwierig und erfordert eine eingehende empirische Betrachtung. Daher widmet sich die vorliegende Studie der Analyse von Berufswahlmotiven sowie potenziellen Barrieren für den Eintritt von Männern in die Pflege. Des Weiteren wird die Geschlechtsrollenorientierung weiblicher und männlicher Pflegekräfte beleuchtet. Dabei kommt ein Mixed Methods Design (qualitative Interviewstudie, n = 13; quantitative Fragebogenuntersuchung, n = 115) zum Einsatz. Es zeigt sich, dass für Männer die soziale Motivation, aber auch Überlebensmotive (z. B. Jobsicherheit) eine wichtige Rolle für die Berufswahl «Pflege» spielen. Negative Reaktionen aus dem Umfeld werden häufig berichtet. Mit dem Klischee der Homosexualität oder der Pflege als reinem Frauenberuf werden Männer in der Altenpflege konfrontiert. Entgegen der Vorstellung, dass männliche Pflegekräfte «entmännlichte Männer» sind ( Bartjes & Hammer, 2006 ), schreiben sich die Befragten maskuline Attribute in stärkerem Ausmaß zu als feminine. Die Ergebnisse können für Kampagnen zur Imageaufwertung und für Rekrutierungsmaßnahmen nutzbar gemacht werden.

Nursing students' expectations of the college experience

Nursing students' expectations of college have not received much attention in the empirical literature. These expectations may be important in better understanding nurses' motivations, role acquisition, and academic and professional success. The first study discussed in this article examined the reliability and construct validity of an instrument designed to assess students' (N = 95) expectations of their college experience. The results indicate good reliability and validity. The second study discussed in this article examined differences in expectations, comparing nursing and non-nursing students (N = 160) in an urban college setting. The results suggest expectations emphasizing practical and professional aspects (i.e., acquiring a profession, earning more money), followed by self-betterment and social life expectations. Nursing students differed from non-nursing students by reporting higher self-betterment and professional expectations but lower academic expectations. Implications for application and further research are discussed.

Choosing nursing as a career: a qualitative study

It is widely accepted that nursing as a career is viewed favourably by society in that it offers job security, mobility and career variety. The main reason for choosing nursing in the 21st century remains the desire to help and care for others, as this paper demonstrates. The findings presented here are part of an on-going longitudinal study which is exploring whether mode of selection into nursing has an impact on a number of variables, of which, career choice is one. The aim of this paper is to identify why non-mature under-graduate students choose nursing as a career and to determine what factors influence this decision. An exploratory-descriptive design, employing a qualitative approach was used. Following receipt of ethical approval, data were collected using focus group interviews and content analysis was employed. Participants were students on a general nursing programme delivered in a large Irish Higher Education Institute. Interviews took place within the first 3 months of the programme, prior to the first clinical placement. It emerged that although nursing was not everybody's first career choice, all participants had sought a career which involved caring. Family or friends in the profession played a role in influencing participants' career selection.