Perception of nursing profession – focus group interview among applicants to nursing education

Employing a serious game intervention to promote adolescent school children's perceptions of nursing and midwifery professions

AIM

To test a serious game intervention about nursing and midwifery perceptions among adolescent school children.

BACKGROUND

Nursing and midwifery professions face challenges in recruitment, with persistent gender stereotypes and a lack of clarity regarding the roles contributing to this issue. This study addresses the need for innovative approaches to reshape perceptions and encourage career exploration in adolescent school children.

DESIGN

Employing a pre/post-test design, this study involved 137 post-primary students aged sixteen or seventeen in the United Kingdom.

METHODS

Data collection occurred between November 2022 to April 2023, involving three post-primary schools. Participants engaged with a digital serious game designed to address misconceptions and promote a more accurate understanding of nursing and midwifery. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, including an adapted version of the Nursing as a Career Choice Questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and independent groups t-tests.

RESULTS

The serious game intervention resulted in statistically significant improvements in students' perceptions across multiple domains. Overall, participants showed higher mean post-test scores (M = 139.57, SD = 15.10) compared to their mean pre-test score (M = 131.06, SD = 14.73) on the questionnaire. The domains of self-efficacy (p < .001), job prospects (p < .001) and social influences (p < .001) exhibited the most substantial positive changes. Female participants showed higher perceptions than males in pre- and post-tests and students from all-girls schools consistently scored higher than those from all-boys and mixed-gender schools.

CONCLUSIONS

A serious game about the nursing and midwifery professions appears to be capable of changing perceptions of self-efficacy and job prospects related to nursing and midwifery professions. The study suggests that a serious game intervention may have the potential to change adolescent perceptions of nursing and midwifery professions which may lead to their considering of these when making future career choices.

Nursing applicants' desire to work in nursing and related factors: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The desire to work in the nursing profession has recently been identified as an important aspect to consider in the selection process of nursing students but very little is known about nursing applicants' or students' desire to work in nursing.

AIMS

The study aimed to describe and explain the desire of undergraduate nursing applicants to work in nursing.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study design.

METHODS

The Desire to Work in Nursing Instrument was used to collect the data. All nursing applicants (N = 974) who took part in an entrance examination organised in six Universities in October 2018 were eligible to participate. Eight Hundred and Forty-one applicants (response rate 86%, 102 males) participated in the study. Statistical analysis included the use of descriptive statistics and linear regression was used to assess if dependent variables explained the observed outcomes.

RESULTS

A strong desire to work in nursing was demonstrated in all the four areas. The most common reason to desire this work was suitability to nursing and the nature of work, and the least common was the career opportunities. Gender, previous education, and a realistic image best explain the desire.

CONCLUSIONS

The assessment of desire to work in nursing may assist career choice of nursing applicants, and may enhance recruitment and retention in nursing education. Applicants need to be more aware of the career development possibilities. Further studies are needed to investigate if the desire to work in nursing is different to men than to women to inform recruitment strategies.

Factors Influencing Generation Z Bachelor of Nursing Students' Decision to Choose Nursing as a Career: A Pilot Study

Introduction

Despite nurses representing the largest healthcare professional group, the number is not enough for global health coverage. Understanding Generation Z students' intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, internal and external influences, and beliefs in choosing nursing education is crucial. This knowledge empowers universities to enhance nursing program enrollment through targeted promotion and recruitment strategies.

Objective

The aim was to understand why Italian students of Generation Z choose the Nursing Degree Course.

Methods

In this pilot study, a cross-sectional design was used. A survey with closed and open answers analyzing demographics, opinions, and motivations among new enrolled nursing students was administered on the first day of the Bachelor of Nursing Degree course. Descriptive statistics were used. Quantitative data were analyzed with Chi-square and ANOVA tests and qualitative data underwent content analysis and coding. Correlation analysis explored relationships between qualitative and quantitative results.

Results

Forty first-year students (85% female, average age 22) completed the questionnaire. The choice of the degree pathway, as the first or second option, is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, the student's opinions, and family and social influences. Significant positive and negative associations were evidenced. Negative factors affecting choice included location and the responsibility for nursing care, while positive factors included role models, family advice, passion, curiosity for healthcare, the desire to help others, and family influences on decision-making.

Conclusions

Among Italian generation Z students, the choice of the nursing degree pathway is influenced by social models, family advice, passion, the desire to help others, and curiosity. Universities should be more proactive in their recruitment and promotion efforts, transforming these events into vibrant meeting points for professionals from diverse nursing specialties. They should also implement robust information policies that highlight career possibilities spanning clinical practice, management, education, and research areas within the field.

Preparing Compassionate Nurses: Infusing School Mission and Values in Undergraduate Education

ABSTRACT

In preparation for a curriculum revision, a cross-sectional, descriptive mixed-method research study sought to describe senior-level students' perspectives of Mercy and Jesuit faith-based tradition values integration in a pre-licensure BSN program. Integration of values was examined in both clinical settings and didactic classes. Students strongly articulated the importance of the school's values and mission to their future role as professional nurses. However, although value integration is occurring, greater attention to mission and values is needed in the clinical area.

What motivates young Arab Muslim women to choose nursing as a profession: A cross-sectional study

AIM

This study examines the impact of nurse uniforms, the coronavirus pandemic, and the image of nurses and the nursing profession on the career choice of young Muslim Arab women in nursing, with a focus on policy implications.

BACKGROUND

The global nursing shortage poses significant challenges, including in Israel. Attracting young Muslim Arab women to nursing careers is vital. Understanding how nurse uniforms, the pandemic, and perceptions of nurses and the nursing profession shape their career decisions can inform policy interventions.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study utilized digital questionnaires administered to 200 Muslim Arab women aged 20-30 in Israel. The study adhered to the EQUATOR checklist for cross-sectional studies.

RESULTS

Only 29.2% of participants expressed interest in studying nursing. Findings revealed a positive correlation between the pandemic's impact and intention to pursue nursing. A linear regression analysis shows the impact of the white uniform, the image of nurses, and the image of the profession on the choice of a career in nursing.

DISCUSSION

The study emphasizes the significance of nurse uniforms, the image of nurses, and the image of the nursing profession in shaping young Muslim Arab women's career choices in nursing. Policy interventions should raise awareness about nursing roles, expand responsibilities, and highlight nurses' contributions to society.

CONCLUSION

Strategies to attract young Muslim Arab women to nursing careers should address nurse uniforms, the image of nurses, and the image of the nursing profession.

IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY

Policy interventions should prioritize diversity, promote positive images of nurses and the nursing profession, and raise awareness of nursing roles and contributions among young Muslim Arab women.

Development and psychometric testing of the perception of nursing profession instrument

BACKGROUND

Perceptions of the nursing profession influence career choices in nursing. An unrealistic perception might lead students to drop out of nursing education programmes. Objective measurement of the nursing applicants' perceptions at the student selection stage could enhance their career choices in nursing.

AIM

To develop and psychometrically evaluate the Perception of Nursing Profession Instrument (PNPI).

DESIGN

Mixed method design.

METHOD

Two versions of the PNPI were developed during the years 2016-2022. The first version was based on documents describing the nursing profession and the second version was based on an integrative literature review, a focus groups study and a document analysis of descriptions of the nursing profession. The meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesize the results and form a theoretical framework for developing the PNPI (60 items). Item content validity was evaluated by an expert panel of nurses (n = 7). The psychometric properties of the instrument were analysed using the item response theory approach.

RESULTS

The development process resulted in the 40-item PNPI with the following subscales: the content of nursing work, the career in nursing, the nature of nursing work and the characteristics of a nurse. The psychometric analysis revealed unidimensionality and goodness of fit to the partial credit model; however, the item difficulty was not well matched with the participants' abilities.

CONCLUSION

The PNPI is a novel instrument for objectively measuring perceptions of the nursing profession. For further development, item difficulty must be enhanced to improve the measurement accuracy of the nursing applicants' perceptions of the nursing profession.

IMPACT

Perceptions of the nursing profession influence career choices, but there is a lack of objective assessment instruments that can be used in nursing student selection setting to measure the perception. The results of this study offer an instrument to measure perception, while also suggesting ideas for further development.

Superheroes or Super Spreaders? The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Attitudes towards Nurses: A Qualitative Study from Poland

The social perception of the nursing profession in Poland is profoundly affected by social stereotypes that may discourage young people from entering the profession and lead to prejudice towards nurses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses gained visibility, which caused the social image of nurses to likewise grow. In this study, we explore nurses' experiences with respect to how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the social image of nursing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen hospital nurses. Three major themes emerged: (1) social attitudes towards nurses during the pandemic, (2) nurses' perception of the impact of the pandemic on the social image of the nursing profession and (3) the impact of the pandemic on nurses' mental health. Although the pandemic promoted the image of nursing to the general public, nurses were disappointed that in the face of the healthcare crisis and the constant threat, they had to struggle with difficult working conditions and professional, social and economic recognition. This study therefore stresses the duty of policy makers to undertake a systemic approach to improving the organisation of health care and increase nurses' safety by providing them with a safe working environment and prepare them better for the next health crisis.

Superheroes or Super Spreaders? The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Attitudes towards Nurses: A Qualitative Study from Poland

The social perception of the nursing profession in Poland is profoundly affected by social stereotypes that may discourage young people from entering the profession and lead to prejudice towards nurses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses gained visibility, which caused the social image of nurses to likewise grow. In this study, we explore nurses’ experiences with respect to how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the social image of nursing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen hospital nurses. Three major themes emerged: (1) social attitudes towards nurses during the pandemic, (2) nurses’ perception of the impact of the pandemic on the social image of the nursing profession and (3) the impact of the pandemic on nurses’ mental health. Although the pandemic promoted the image of nursing to the general public, nurses were disappointed that in the face of the healthcare crisis and the constant threat, they had to struggle with difficult working conditions and professional, social and economic recognition. This study therefore stresses the duty of policy makers to undertake a systemic approach to improving the organisation of health care and increase nurses’ safety by providing them with a safe working environment and prepare them better for the next health crisis.

Iranian nursing applicants' perception of the nursing profession: A qualitative study

AIM

This study was conducted to describe the perceptions of nursing applicants about their chosen profession and to explore the factors which influenced their understanding.

DESIGN

A qualitative study with a conventional content analysis design.

METHODS

Participants were 19 nursing applicants enrolling in nursing schools in three provinces of western Iran. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The content analysis of the interviews was done according to the steps proposed by Zhang and Wildemuth.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 20 years (SD = 2.5), and 11 of them (57.9%) were females. Participants understood the nature of nursing work to encompass only a limited level of independence; they viewed it as a feminine profession, and as a job with spiritual rewards. The perceived content of nursing work included providing help and patient care in the hospital with a focus on performing procedural tasks. Applicants' perceptions of nurses' characteristics included strong physical endurance, communication skills, emotional strength and low intellectual skills. The professional status of nursing was perceived simultaneously as having high job security but limited potential for career advancement and professional growth. The factors reported to influence applicants' perceptions were related to the media, academic-career counsellors, personal factors, and family and friends.

The Experience of Being Male Nurse: Exploring the Enhancing Factors and Barriers of Jordanian Nursing Students

Introduction

Despite advances in health care and education, males continue to be considered a minority in nursing programs. Little is known about the decision of Jordanian male nursing students to become nurses.

Objective

The purpose of this research was to explore the factors that encourage or discourage Jordanian male nursing students from pursuing a career in nursing.

Methods

A qualitative narrative approach was used for this study. Data were collected using semi-structured individual interviews. Purposive sampling was used in the research. In this study, interviews were conducted with a sample of 28 male college students.

Results

The current study discovered that the following six themes exemplified the male nursing students' lives: "helping and caring," "job security and economic stability," "parents and peer influence," "level of autonomy," "social stigma," and "long working hours."

Conclusion

The study's findings highlighted the importance of researching male nursing students' motivating and inhibiting factors.

The personality of newly graduated and employed nurses: Temperament and character profiles of Swedish nurses

Background

One of the challenges of the 21st century is the high turnover rate in the nursing profession due to burnout and mental illness. From a biopsychosocial perspective, an individual's personality is an important vulnerability-resilience factor that comprises four temperament traits (i.e., a person's emotional reactions) and three character traits (i.e., self-regulation systems). Indeed, different personality profiles are associated to different coping strategies and health outcomes.

Objective

We investigated and mapped the temperament and character of Swedish newly graduated and employed nurses' in relation to the Swedish general population and an age-matched sub-sample.

Design

In this cross-sectional study, nurses self-reported their personality (Temperament and Character Inventory) at the beginning of their employment.

Setting

The data collection was conducted at a hospital in the South of Sweden.

Participants

A total of 118 newly graduated and employed nurses (Mage = 25.95±5.58) and 1,564 individuals from the Swedish general population participated in the study.

Methods

We calculated T-scores and percentiles for all seven personality dimensions using the Swedish norms (N = 1,564). The profiles were calculated by combining high/low percentiles scores in three temperament dimensions (Novelty Seeking: N/n, Harm Avoidance: H/h, and Reward Dependence: R/r) and in the three character dimensions (Self-Directedness: S/s, Cooperativeness: C/c and Self-Transcendence: T/t).

Results

Regarding T-scores, the nurses reported moderately lower Novelty Seeking (> 0.5 SD), slightly higher Harm-Avoidance (about 0.5 SD), moderately higher Persistence (> 0.5 SD) and Reward Dependence (> 0.5 SD), and extremely lower Self-Directedness (> 1 SD). The prevalence of the most common temperament profiles among the nurses (Swedish general population in brackets) were: 39.80% [10.90%] Cautious (nHR), 21.20% [10.90] Reliable (nhR), and 15.30% [16.50%] Methodical (nHr). The prevalence of the most common character profiles among the nurses were: 31.40% [4.90%] Dependent (sCt), 25.40% [14.40%] Apathetic (sct), and 19.50% [8.80%] Moody (sCT).

Conclusions

The analyses of the personality profiles showed that Low Novelty Seeking (79%), high Harm Avoidance (65%) high Reward Dependence (80%), low Self-Directedness (95%), and low Self-Transcendence (60%) were more prevalent among the newly graduated and employed nurses. This may partially explain newly graduated nurses' difficulties at work and high turnover rate. After all, a well-developed character is of special importance when working with patients with serious and terminal illness or under large global crises, such as the current pandemic. Hence, both education at universities and development at work need to be person-centered to reduce stress levels and promote positive self-regulation strategies.

Undergraduate versus graduate nursing students: Differences in nutrition, physical activity, and self-reported body mass index

ObjectiveThis study compared self-reported nutrition, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) in undergraduate versus graduate nursing students.ParticipantsRespondents included 233 undergraduate and 230 graduate nursing students in a Southeastern public university.MethodsThe study was an exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional comparison administered via online questionnaire including self-reported demographics, nutritional intake, physical activity, and BMI.ResultsUndergraduates reported exercising more than graduate students. Graduate students reported consuming significantly more vegetables than undergraduates; however, more graduate students self-reported BMIs in overweight and obese categories than undergraduates.ConclusionsFindings provide a foundational understanding that interventions or educational programs to improve self-care behaviors of nursing students should be tailored depending on the educational level of the students. Educators must establish self-care skills within nursing students at all levels to help them preserve their health in the fast-paced, strenuous, and stressful work of all echelons of nursing upon completion of the educational program.

Evaluation of the first Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program as a second career in Japan

BACKGROUND

The first Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program with a two-year educational period in Japan was developed in a nursing university in Tokyo in 2017 (i.e., 2017-ABSN two-year program or designated as program 1) for individuals aiming to pursue nursing as a second career. It replaced program 2, the second-year bachelor's degree transfer program which is a three-year program implemented from 1997 to 2016. The original and currently on-going four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is designated as program 3.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the 2017-ABSN two-year program from learners' perspective.

METHODS

We used a case-control study design. As cases, the subjects were third-year bachelor's degree transfer students of program 1 at the nursing university in Tokyo. As controls, second-year bachelor's degree transfer students of program 2 and four-year undergraduate students of program 3 in the same university were given a questionnaire when they graduated. The survey items were grouped into five scales: (1) The education you are receiving, (2) Studying nursing, (3) Stress level, (4) The highest score on the national nursing examination practice test, and (5) The vocational commitment. The mean score of each item was calculated and comparisons were conducted using the Mann Whitney test.

RESULTS

Responses from 77 students (program 1), 23 students (program 2), and 133 students (program 3) were analyzed. The program 1 students had a significantly lower mean score on (1) The education you are receiving item "There is time for preparation and review" (p = 0.01). The program 1 students had a significantly lower score on (2) The studying nursing item "I can get the job (role) I want" (p = 0.01). The program 1 students had a significantly higher score on (4) The best score in the national nursing examination practice test (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Shortening the academic period to two years in program 1 had no effect on the knowledge base of the students. However, the program 1 students had a significantly lower score in their identity as a nurse. It is often difficult to acquire a new nursing culture in a short period from a previous culture that has already been mastered. Educators need to fully understand the characteristics of learners and provide them with individualized and professional guidance to further improve their skills.

Chinese nurses' self-expression media image during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative media image analysis

Aim

To explore and describe nurses' self‐expression media image during COVID‐19 pandemic in China.

Background

Nurses play an important role in COVID‐19 pandemic. Although nurses were widely reported by the media, which included praise for nurses and nursing work, the researches on how nurses expressed their self‐images were limited.

Design

Qualitative media analysis.

Methods

Qualitative media analysis was conducted from January to April 2020, the researchers collected images and texts of 16 Chinese nurses who take care of COVID‐19 patients. These images and texts were published on WeChat Moments by themselves. After analysed each image and text, researchers identified the denotative and connotative elements in each image and summarized each image in narrative way.

Findings

This study analysed 219 pictures and 15 short videos of 16 nurses' self‐expression in WeChat moments. In this study, the media image self‐expression of nurses were mostly positive. The images expressed by nurses in this study included care image; hero image; soldier image; female image; hope image and team image. Nurses rarely showed negative images in the media; The negative nurses image were expressed in hidden way, which included exhausted nurses image and fragile nurses image. Moreover, the nurse self‐expression media image emphasized the nursing professionalism, but less showed the nursing connotation.

Conclusions

The positive media image self‐expression of nurses should be encouraged. Nurse Managers should pay attention to the deficiency of nursing image expression and guide nurses to show the essence and connotation of nursing.

COVID-19 pandemic impact on experiences and perceptions of nurse graduates

BACKGROUND

Transitioning from education to practice is stressful for new nurses and those entering new roles and can lead to workforce attrition and burnout. This dynamic is likely complicated when graduates are transitioning to practice during a pandemic.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe recent nurse graduates' perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their transition from education to practice.

METHODS

We conducted an online survey of BSN, RN-BSN, and DNP students who graduated between December 2019 and April 2020 (n = 82), including demographics, employment information, and free-response questions about the impact of the pandemic on their transition experiences, post-graduation plans, and perceptions of nursing. We used a qualitative descriptive approach to content analysis to synthesize and summarize the data.

RESULTS

Participants expressed three overarching concerns: 1) altered plans such as difficulty finding employment; 2) logistical, system-related stressors including licensing delays and chaotic onboarding; and 3) feeling pride in profession despite perceiving ambivalence in public discourse.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 exacerbated challenges often experienced by new graduates. Common stressors, intensified during the pandemic, could exert long-term effects on the workforce. Educators and healthcare organizations must work to ensure nursing graduates receive the necessary support for a successful transition.

The influence of mobile phone addiction and work procrastination on burnout among newly graduated Chinese nurses

PURPOSE

The study was conducted to explore the relationship between mobile phone addiction, work procrastination, and burnout among newly graduated nurses.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey involving 220 newly graduated nurses in China was conducted from June to July 2020.

FINDINGS

Approximately 60.9% of newly graduated nurses experienced occupational burnout; 72.7% of newly graduated nurses were characterized by moderate or greater procrastination and mobile phone addiction was at a moderate level. Mobile phone addiction and work procrastination were significant factors leading to emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Work procrastination was also an independent predictor of reduced professional efficacy.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Reducing the level of mobile phone addiction and work procrastination among newly graduated nurses might be effective for burnout prevention.

Perceptions of Slovenian elementary schoolchildren on nursing and nurses-Exploratory study

AIM

The research aimed to assess the perception on nursing and nurses among schoolchildren of Slovenian elementary schools.

BACKGROUND

Among the general public, nursing remains under-recognized as an occupation and a science. Especially young people have unrealistic perceptions of nurses.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional research design was undertaken.

METHODS

The study included 1984 eighth grade schoolchildren from 103 elementary schools. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

The research results revealed a positive general perception of nursing. Surprisingly, only 2.5% of respondents would consider a career in nursing. Girls had more understanding of nursing compared to boys (p < 0.001); having a nurse relative meant better understanding of nursing (p = 0.032). The influence of the traditional view of nursing and the biomedical model of care which describes nursing not as autonomous, but as subordinate to medicine, was considerate (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows that elementary school children do not express an interest in a career in nursing. They perceive the job of a nurse as female-dominated, they cling to the traditional perception of nursing being subordinate to medicine, and they indicated dominance of the biomedical model of care. Healthcare policy makers must remember that healthcare systems cannot function without nurses, so developing nursing is crucial. To increase interest in the profession, a national campaign promoting nursing programs and the nursing profession and presenting horizontal and vertical career opportunities is needed. Young people must have realistic information on nursing as an occupation and a science, its role in the healthcare system, and career opportunities. Activities aimed at changing public opinion on nursing must be planned.

Virtual Focus Groups as an Answer to Research During a Pandemic: Implications for Nursing Professional Development

Focus groups are a standard method of qualitative data collection and an excellent method for data collection in nursing professional development. Advances in technology, virtual health care, and the COVID-19 pandemic increase the opportunities to use virtual focus groups for rich data collection. In this perspective article, the authors promote virtual focus groups as an answer to challenging data collection, while exploring ways that privacy and confidentiality can be maintained in an online environment.

Midwifery students' views and experiences of birth on mainstream factual television

OBJECTIVES

To investigate midwifery students' experiences of viewing childbirth on mainstream factual television and to explore implications for student career intentions and potential pedagogical uses of television excerpts in midwifery education.

DESIGN

Twenty-two undergraduate midwifery students at one of two universities took place in focus groups between February and June 2019. Ethical approval was obtained at both sites. Thematic analysis was employed to generate key themes from the data.

SETTING

Two UK universities based in the East Midlands and East Yorkshire regions of England.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-two midwifery students at any stage of their studies.

FINDINGS

Researchers generated four key themes from the data a) Changed Perspectives on Televised Childbirth, b) Representations of Midwives and Social Implications, c) Representation of Childbirth and Social Implications and d) The Role of Televising Childbirth in Midwifery Education.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

Midwifery students often experience a change of perspective on birth on television as they acquire new knowledge and skills. They recognise the potential social implications of how childbirth and midwifery are represented on television. Pedagogical use of televised birth has potential benefits but needs further investigation in the context of midwifery education.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Midwifery students are likely to begin their studies with pre-existing views and experiences around how birth is represented on mainstream factual television. They may need support to reflect on these to consider their expectations of the profession, to effectively support childbearing women and to potentially influence future production of media images of childbirth.

Emotional intelligence of nursing applicants and factors related to it: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Emotions influence patient care decisions and professional relationships. Emotional intelligence has been proven to predict nursing students' success in clinical practice and academic performance. Scarce amount of studies have assessed the emotional intelligence in the nursing student selection context.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the emotional intelligence of applicants to undergraduate (bachelor level) nursing education and the factors related to it.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional quantitative study.

SETTINGS

The data collection took place in four Universities of Applied Sciences in October 2016.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were nursing applicants (N = 529) who took part in the entrance exams of the four Universities. Overall, 430 applicants (response rate 81%, 75 males) gave permission to access their results for the study's purposes.

METHODS

The Rankein Scale measure of emotional intelligence was used. All of the nursing applicants undertook the same electronic entrance exam in supervised computer classrooms. Statistical analysis included the use of two independent samples tests to compare differences in emotional intelligence scores and ANCOVA models to investigate whether background variables explained the observed differences.

RESULTS

In this study, nursing applicants' level of emotional intelligence was found to be average (on a scale of below average, average, above average). However, total scores ranged between 102 and 160 (of 160). Approximately 4% of the applicants scored below the minimum score (<130) and therefore failed the emotional intelligence test. A statistically significant difference was found between the pass and fail groups in terms of the total score. Significant differences were also found in the three subscores and in the total score of admitted and not admitted applicants.

CONCLUSIONS

Nursing applicants enter their studies with differing EI skills. This finding may have a major impact on how nursing students experience emotions during their studies. More research is needed to establish the use of EI in student selection context.

Does student orientation improve nursing image and positively influence the enrolment of nursing students in the University? An observational study

Background and aim of the study:

Nursing has not yet received full social recognition and in general the public opinion does not have a completely positive perception of it, which regards it as an auxiliary profession to the medical profession. This study aims to investigate the image of the nurse among year 4 and 5 high school students.

Methods:

Two groups of students were interviewed, one at their institution without any previous orientation (n = 102) and one at the University of Bologna during orientation day (n = 388). A validated questionnaire (Nursing Attitude Questionnaire) of 30 items was delivered. Two additional questions were added to explore the possibility of advising relatives and acquaintances to become a nurse and therefore to choose the nursing degree course.

Results:

All areas of the NAQ scored significantly higher in the group where students attended the orientation day, especially the ones related to the professional role, stereotypes and professional value items. Female students ≥ 21 had a more positive image of the nurse. Both groups recognized that nurses are important figures for patients and that they are intelligent people, who must have a degree in order to carry out their work duties. Differences between the groups were recorded. Students in group 1 did not accept nursing autonomy while students in group 2 understood differences between nursing and medical careers, attributing to them the same value. A positive correlation between the positive image of the nursing profession and the interest in becoming nurses or advising others to undertake the nursing course was found. In conclusion, orientation is effective in helping high school students in the choice of their university courses. Regarding nursing, strategies to improve the image of the nurse and enrollment should be combined during orientation day with current up to date communication and learning tools, such as social media and simulation laboratories. Furthermore, it appears increasingly important to extend orientation and tutoring activities to junior high school students, families and teachers. (www.actabiomedica.it)