Looking to the future: nursing as a career goal

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Career Development
• Geriatric Care

Background:

• Understanding nursing students' career aspirations is crucial for educators and professional bodies.
• Previous research indicates a need to explore influences and motivations behind career path selection in nursing.
• The prevailing negative image of nurses may impact career choices and perceptions of specialty areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the career goals of final-semester nursing students.
• To explore factors influencing these career goals.
• To assess the perception of aged care as a viable career option among nursing students.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted.
• Ford's (1986) taxonomy of human goals served as the theoretical framework.
• A questionnaire was administered to 25 final-semester nursing students.

Main Results:

• Students' future practice goals were predominantly limited to midwifery and pediatrics.
• Elder care was not perceived as a viable career option by the majority of participants.
• Negative perceptions of the nursing profession persist among students.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights a narrow focus in career aspirations among nursing students.
• There is a significant gap in the consideration of aged care as a nursing specialty.
• Positive promotion of all nursing career options is vital to ensure comprehensive community care and improve the profession's image.