Differences in Nursing Career Choices among Parent and Non-Parent Nursing Students

Natan MB1*, Zedler-Dvash L2 and Goren I2

1Pat Matthews Academic School of Nursing, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
2Tel Aviv University, Israel

^*Correspondance to: Merav Ben Natan 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3609

Abstract

Background: In Israel, many nursing students are parents. Parenting may affect one’s perceptions and life choices. Being a parent probably affects nursing students’ career choices. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine whether being parents might be associated with students’ nursing career choices, and whether there are differences between parent and nonparent students in the factors affecting this choice. Design: The study is a cross sectional study. Participants: The participants were 101 final-year nursing students, 56 non-parents and 45 parents. Methods: The participants were 101 final-year nursing students, 56 non-parents and 45 parents. The participants completed a questionnaire that explored their preferred field of nursing work after graduation and the potential role of the clinical placement, clinical preceptor, and self-efficacy in this choice. Results: A difference was found in the nursing career choice of parent and non-parent students. The factors that most affected students’ career choice was their clinical placement (81%), perceived self-efficacy (80.2%), and clinical preceptor (66%), and no differences were found between the two groups of students (p>0.05). Nonetheless, students who were parents reported higher self-efficacy than non-parent students. Moreover, differences were found between the two groups of students in their perception of the clinical placement as a positive experience in several training settings, and in their satisfaction with the clinical preceptor. Conclusion: The research findings show that it is necessary to take into account students’ status as parents when providing career guidance. The research findings may help nursing policymakers plan policy concerning guiding and channeling nurses to fields with a shortage of nursing staff. Self-efficacy, clinical preceptors, and clinical placement can be used as tools to attract students to fields of nursing practice, including those less in demand. However, adaptations must be made for students who are parents.

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Cite the article

Natan MB, Zedler-Dvash L, Goren I. Differences in Nursing Career Choices among Parent and Non-Parent Nursing Students. Clin Surg. 2023; 8: 3609..