Career Intentions of Nursing Students and New Nurse Graduates: A Review of the Literature

Laureen J. Hayes, University of Toronto
Carole A. Orchard, University of Western Ontario
Linda McGillis Hall, University of Toronto
Vera Nincic, University of Toronto
Linda O'Brien-Pallas, University of Toronto
Gavin Andrews, McMaster University

Abstract

This paper highlights findings from a literature search to examine the role of nursing education in preparing nurses to meet healthcare demands. The review focused on nursing students’ perceptions of nursing and whether these views change during their nursing studies and impact workplace preferences. Nursing students often enter their program with preconceived ideas of where they want to work following graduation. Large urban hospitals were favored over community care because of the perceived opportunities for support. Of particular importance were the negative views relating to care of elderly patients. Unless attitudes are changed during their nursing studies, they may affect initial job selection. Implications for nursing education include provision of educational experiences that foster an optimistic career outlook in areas where there is a growing need for nursing services. More research is needed to determine how to enable appropriate learning experiences when there are limited resources and practice placements.