What Motivates People to Start a Graduate Entry Nursing Programme: An Interpretive Multi-Centred Case Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Graduate Studies
• Health Workforce Development

Background:

• Graduate entry nursing programs are emerging in New Zealand and Australia, offering alternative pathways to Registered Nurse (RN) qualification.
• These programs cater to a growing interest in nursing as a career among graduate students.
• They aim to address demands within the healthcare workforce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the motivations of students selecting a Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) graduate entry degree.
• To understand why these students chose a graduate entry pathway over traditional undergraduate nursing programs.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative, longitudinal single case study design was employed.
• Ten students enrolled in MNSc programs across four institutions (3 in NZ, 1 in AU) participated.
• Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke's approach, was used for interview data.

Main Results:

• Three primary motivational themes emerged: the inherent attraction of the nursing profession.
• Clarity regarding career progression within nursing was a significant factor.
• The intensive design of the graduate entry program itself was a key motivator.

Conclusions:

• Student motivations for choosing MNSc programs are complex, deeply considered, and influenced by role models.
• Prospective nursing students reflect on their career status and future values when selecting graduate entry programs.
• Participants perceive nursing as a secure, sustainable career offering new opportunities, informing recruitment strategies.