Scholarlink

Background <p>In 2022, only 1.7% of nurses in Croatian healthcare were employed at a job defined as a Master of Nursing (MN) graduate. In the current labour market, most MN graduates in Croatia cannot hope for salary increases or better employment opportunities after graduation. Thus, it is unclear what motivates students to enrol in MN studies, and how they perceive their career possibilities after graduation.</p> Aim <p>To explore the motives of Croatian nursing students for enrolling in the MN program despite uncertainty regarding their future salary and career status.</p> Methods <p>A qualitative study was conducted. Thematic analysis was conducted on the narratives gathered from semi-structured interviews with full-time and part-time students in Croatia.</p> Results <p>We included 30 students of MN programs attending seven MN institutions. The main themes identified for both full-time and part-time students’ motivation to enrol in MN studies were a desire for personal and professional growth and various practical considerations. Optimism about future career prospects was a strong motivation for part-time students. Involvement in scientific work and education was the most common perceived benefit for future professional development with an MN degree for both groups of participants.</p> Conclusion <p>Our findings offer valuable insights into the motivating factors behind MN studies, especially in situations where the value of the MN qualification is under scrutiny, and immediate career or financial benefits may not be apparent upon graduation. Understanding these motivations allows educational and professional organizations to enhance their support for MN graduates looking to advance their careers. By aligning career pathways with their aspirations and motives, nurses can achieve personal fulfilment, even if financial compensation is not their primary motivation.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Croatian nursing students’ motives for enrolling in the Master of Nursing program despite limited career opportunities: a qualitative study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月12日

查看全文
  • Andrea Vukša,
  • Marta Čivljak,
  • Ivica Matic,
  • Marin Čargo,
  • Vesna Mijoč,
  • Kata Ivanišević,
  • Mario Marendić,
  • Zrinka Puharić,
  • Nataša Skitarelić,
  • Sanja Zoranić,
  • Marijana Neuberg,
  • Dijana Majstorović,
  • Karlo Ložnjak,
  • Mia Plenković,
  • Livia Puljak

摘要

Background

In 2022, only 1.7% of nurses in Croatian healthcare were employed at a job defined as a Master of Nursing (MN) graduate. In the current labour market, most MN graduates in Croatia cannot hope for salary increases or better employment opportunities after graduation. Thus, it is unclear what motivates students to enrol in MN studies, and how they perceive their career possibilities after graduation.

Aim

To explore the motives of Croatian nursing students for enrolling in the MN program despite uncertainty regarding their future salary and career status.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted. Thematic analysis was conducted on the narratives gathered from semi-structured interviews with full-time and part-time students in Croatia.

Results

We included 30 students of MN programs attending seven MN institutions. The main themes identified for both full-time and part-time students’ motivation to enrol in MN studies were a desire for personal and professional growth and various practical considerations. Optimism about future career prospects was a strong motivation for part-time students. Involvement in scientific work and education was the most common perceived benefit for future professional development with an MN degree for both groups of participants.

Conclusion

Our findings offer valuable insights into the motivating factors behind MN studies, especially in situations where the value of the MN qualification is under scrutiny, and immediate career or financial benefits may not be apparent upon graduation. Understanding these motivations allows educational and professional organizations to enhance their support for MN graduates looking to advance their careers. By aligning career pathways with their aspirations and motives, nurses can achieve personal fulfilment, even if financial compensation is not their primary motivation.