Development and psychometric testing of the perception of nursing profession instrument.

BACKGROUND: Perceptions of the nursing profession influence career choices in nursing. An unrealistic perception might lead students to drop out of nursing education programmes. Objective measurement of the nursing applicants' perceptions at the student selection stage could enhance their career choices in nursing. AIM: To develop and psychometrically evaluate the Perception of Nursing Profession Instrument (PNPI). DESIGN: Mixed method design. METHOD: Two versions of the PNPI were developed during the years 2016-2022. The first version was based on documents describing the nursing profession and the second version was based on an integrative literature review, a focus groups study and a document analysis of descriptions of the nursing profession. The meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesize the results and form a theoretical framework for developing the PNPI (60 items). Item content validity was evaluated by an expert panel of nurses (n = 7). The psychometric properties of the instrument were analysed using the item response theory approach. RESULTS: The development process resulted in the 40-item PNPI with the following subscales: the content of nursing work, the career in nursing, the nature of nursing work and the characteristics of a nurse. The psychometric analysis revealed unidimensionality and goodness of fit to the partial credit model; however, the item difficulty was not well matched with the participants' abilities. CONCLUSION: The PNPI is a novel instrument for objectively measuring perceptions of the nursing profession. For further development, item difficulty must be enhanced to improve the measurement accuracy of the nursing applicants' perceptions of the nursing profession. IMPACT: Perceptions of the nursing profession influence career choices, but there is a lack of objective assessment instruments that can be used in nursing student selection setting to measure the perception. The results of this study offer an instrument to measure perception, while also suggesting ideas for further development.

School Nurses' Experiences of Health Promotion for School-Age Asylum Seekers.

The number of school-age asylum seekers and refugees worldwide is increasing. Health promotion provided by school nurses can be crucial for the well-being of young asylum seekers, yet research on these nurses' experiences is limited. This qualitative study aims to describe school nurses' experiences of providing health promotion to school-age asylum seekers. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 school nurses, and inductive content analysis was then used. The results were grouped under the following themes: (1) difficulties in providing health services to school-age asylum seekers, (2) considering the vulnerable circumstances of asylum seekers, (3) the importance of family-centered health promotion, and (4) the importance of time management. School nurses face challenges that stem from individual asylum seekers' unique circumstances, nursing competency, and the school health care system. To deepen the existing knowledge, further research is needed from the perspective of asylum seekers.

Development and psychometric testing of Reasoning Skills test for nursing student selection: An item response theory approach.

AIMS: To develop and psychometrically test the Reasoning Skills (ReSki) test assessing undergraduate nursing applicants' reasoning skills for student selection purposes. DESIGN: A methodological cross-sectional design was applied for the psychometric testing. METHODS: The ReSki test was developed as part of a wider electronic entrance examination. The ReSki test included a case followed by three question sections assessing nursing applicants' reasoning skills according to the reasoning process. Item response theory was used for psychometric testing to assess item discrimination, difficulty and pseudoguessing parameters. The ReSki test was taken by 1056 nursing applicants in six Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (28 May 2019). RESULTS: In the development process, the expert evaluations indicated acceptable content validity. In the psychometric testing, the test reliability was supported by item variance, the theoretical structure was supported by the correlation coefficients and the applicant mean performance supported an acceptable overall test difficulty. The item response theory indicated variance between the items' difficulty and discrimination ranges. However, most of the wrong items failed at being functional distractors. CONCLUSION: The ReSki test is a new and valid objective assessment of undergraduate nursing applicants' reasoning skills. The item response theory provided item-level information that can be used for further development of the test, especially related to the revisions needed for the distractor items to achieve the desired level of difficulty. IMPACT: What problem did the study address? The assessment of nursing applicants' reasoning skills is suggested, but there is a lack of admission tools. What were the main findings? The results provided support for the reliability and validity of the ReSki test. Item response theory indicated the need for further item-level improvement. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? The results may benefit higher education institutions and researchers when developing a test and/or student selection processes.

Patient participation in shared decision-making in palliative care - an integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Shared decision-making is a process where the decisions regarding patients' care are done in collaboration with the patient, the patient's family and a healthcare professional or an interdisciplinary team. Shared decision-making is considered to be a part of patient centred care, and it enables patient autonomy which is a cornerstone of palliative care. In the past, research on the experiences of palliative care patients' participation in shared decision-making involving a nurse has been limited as the focus has mainly been on specific medical interventions, rather than holistic palliative care. OBJECTIVES: To synthesise research findings on patient participation in shared decision-making in palliative care. RESEARCH DESIGN: An integrative literature review. METHODS: The literature search was conducted by searching computerised databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsychINFO and COCHRANE). The search resulted in 12 articles. The quality of the included articles was evaluated with JBI checklist, and the data analysis was done using inductive content analysis. Reporting was done according to a PRISMA checklist. FINDINGS: Patients do participate in shared decision-making and desire to participate in everyday nursing care decisions, treatment-related medical decisions and end-of-life decisions. The prerequisites for patient participation in shared decision-making are interdisciplinary teamwork, open communication, good patient-healthcare professional relationship, a favourable environment and mutual information. CONCLUSION: Palliative care patients do participate and desire to participate in decisions that cover a much broader range of topics than just medical interventions and this should be addressed in future research and in practise. The main responsibility for successful patient participation in shared decision-making lies with the healthcare professionals and the organisations providing palliative care. There is a need to conduct more research from the patient's perspective and explore the meaning of participating in shared decision-making from the patient's point of view.

Cancer patients' experiences of realization of relatives' participation in hospital care: a qualitative interview study.

BACKGROUND: Relatives' participation in the care of patients with cancer in hospital is essential to both patients and relatives. Although the meaning of relatives' participation has been recognized, knowledge about how patients experience this participation is rare. AIMS: To describe the experiences of patients with cancer of the realization of relatives' participation in the hospital care. MATERIALS & METHODS: A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews of patients with cancer (n=21) were conducted. Data was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified among patients' experiences: Relative as part of the patient's care, Relative supporting patient's coping process, and Hospital enabling or preventing relatives' participation. The relatives were available for patients in seeking information and in the decision-making process. They helped with the daily needs of the patient, and supported patients emotionally and by managing everyday life at home. The behavior and attitudes of the healthcare professionals and the special nature of the hospital played a central role in the experiences. CONCLUSION: The role of relatives is an important part of the coping process and care of patients with cancer in the hospital.

Nurses' required end-of-life care competence in health centres inpatient ward - a qualitative descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Studies of nurses' required competence in EOL care in health centres are rare. It is important to produce information about experienced nurses' perceptions of the competence they consider important in their practical work. AIM: The aim of this study was to describe nurses' required competence in EOL care in health centre inpatient wards as experienced by nurses. METHOD: A descriptive qualitative study using four semi-structured group interviews (20 nurses) and inductive descriptive content analysis. RESULTS: Five categories describing nurses' required competence in EOL care in a health centre inpatient ward were identified: (1) ethics and courage in action, (2) support for the patient, (3) support for the family, (4) care planning and (5) physical care. Factors promoting nurses' competence in EOL care comprised two categories: (1) professional development in EOL care and (2) an organisation that supports EOL care. CONCLUSIONS: End-of-life care in health centre inpatient wards requires wide and complex competence from nurses. Nurses' experiences of required competence are associated with holistic care of the patient, encountering the family and multiprofessional cooperation. Nurses' competence in EOL care could be enhanced with postgraduate education, and educational planning should be given more attention in the future.

Instruments for assessing nurses' palliative care knowledge and skills in specialised care setting: An integrative review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine the content and reported psychometric properties of instruments for assessing nurses' palliative care knowledge and skills in specialised healthcare units. BACKGROUND: Knowledge of palliative care, and competence in the delivery of care, is essential. Assessment of competence is an important means of evaluating the knowledge and skills of practitioners in order to improve the quality of care provided for patients and their families. DESIGN: An integrative review. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in November 2018 in five databases: CINAHL, PubMed (Medline), Cochrane, Scopus and Web of Science. The quality assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. The data were analysed using content analysis. PRISMA guidelines were followed to ensure explicit reporting. RESULTS: Overall, 5,413 studies were identified and 23 met the inclusion criteria. Nurses' knowledge and skills, as assessed by the instruments, were as follows: (a) care for the patient, (b) care for the patient's family and (c) professional requirements. Ten instruments were identified assessing nurses' knowledge and skills through knowledge tests and skill evaluation self-tests. The psychometric properties of the instruments were reported to varying degrees, mainly focusing on internal consistency and content validation. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses' knowledge and skills were seen to contribute to the holistic care of the patient and his or her family, and the possession of adequate information and skills is essential when dealing with death and dying. The instruments are commonly available and potentially reliable, although reliability must be determined with caution, so validation studies in other cultures are recommended. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These results could be utilised to improve the quality of palliative care by evaluating the knowledge and skills of nursing staff or when considering the needs of palliative care education.

Factors related to privacy of Somali refugees in health care.

BACKGROUND: Privacy is one of the key principles in health care and requires understanding of the cultural aspects of patients' privacy. In Western cultures privacy is focused on the individual, however, in some non-Western cultures, privacy is linked to the collectivism of the community or religion. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to describe the factors related to the realisation of privacy of Somali refugees in health care by describing the factors related to the patient, healthcare professional and interpreter. RESEARCH DESIGN: The data were collected from Somali refugees (N = 29) using a qualitative questionnaire and were analysed by deductive content analysis based on factors related to the patient, healthcare professional and interpreter. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION: Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Turku, and research permissions were obtained from all participating institutions. FINDINGS: Factors related to the patient were as follows: privacy was realised when the patient had self-determination; was able to act according to Somali culture; had knowledge and understanding of treatment; and trusted the healthcare professional. Factors related to the healthcare professional were as follows: the healthcare professional was expected to be of the same gender as the patient, act professionally, focus on the health issues, and to have knowledge and understanding of the Somali culture. Factors related to the interpreter were as follows: the presence and Somali background of the interpreter decreased privacy; the interpreter was expected to be of the same gender as the patient; to have competence and to behave professionally. DISCUSSION: Gender congruence, professionalism and caring attitude and common understanding between the Somali patient and Finnish provider increase the privacy of Somali patients. CONCLUSION: Somali patients' privacy can be improved by increasing healthcare professionals' understanding of Somali culture, acknowledging the importance of gender concordance in relation to healthcare professionals and interpreters, and the effect of the presence of the interpreter on patients' privacy.

Perception of nursing profession - focus group interview among applicants to nursing education.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore nursing applicants' perceptions of the nursing profession and to identify the factors influencing their perceptions. BACKGROUND: Perceptions guide the career choice in nursing and the retainment in the profession. Perceptions of nursing profession are said to be outdated and unrealistic among public. Therefore, more information is needed about the perceptions of nursing applicants. DESIGN: Exploratory qualitative design using focus group interviews. METHODS: Three focus group interviews (n = 18) were conducted among applicants to undergraduate Bachelor of Science (BSc) nursing programmes. The focus group interviews were recorded transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis. In this study, the ethical principles set by Finnish law and the National Advisory Board on Research Ethics were followed. FINDINGS: Applicants perceived nursing through characteristics of a nurse, content of nursing work, nature of nursing work and career possibilities in nursing. According to applicants, nursing requires suitable attitude and character with knowledge, theoretical competence and good general education. Nurses were seen to work in multi-professional teams and tasks of a nurse were described through caring role of a nurse. The decision-making in nursing was regarded limited. Nursing was considered as secure job with versatile career options although the career options or the further educational possibilities were not fully recognised among applicants. Personal factors, family and friends, media and career counselling at school influenced applicants' perceptions. CONCLUSIONS: Applicants' perceptions of the nursing profession are one-sided and partly unrealistic. Future research should concentrate on planning interventions aiming to change the public image of the nursing profession.

Structure and Content of a New Entrance Exam to Select Undergraduate Nursing Students.

Aim The aim of this study was to develop an evidence-based structure and content for the new nursing entrance examination. Background The purpose of the student selection process is to ensure that those admitted have the required aptitude, motivation and potential to successfully complete studies. Methods The literature reviews were collected using systematic searches in five electronic databases on the assessment of learning skills, social skills/ emotional intelligence and certainty of career choice of nursing applicants. Three focus group interviews (n = 26) were conducted. Data were analysed inductively. The structure and content of the entrance examination was formed by two data sets synthesis. Findings Nursing student selection should involve the assessment of five categories in learning skills, three in social skills and four categories in certainty of career choice. Conclusion Comprehensive assessment can ensure that those admitted are suitable for the profession and have the capability to succeed in their studies.

Planning focus group interviews with asylum seekers: Factors related to the researcher, interpreter and asylum seekers.

The aim of this article was to discuss factors related to the researcher, interpreter and asylum seekers when planning focus group interviews with asylum seekers. Focus group interview is one of the basic data collection methods in descriptive nursing and health research. It has been used in multicultural research, allowing an opportunity to participate without literacy and to have linguistic and cultural support from other participants. Asylum seekers form a specific, vulnerable group, and the growing number of asylum seekers increases the need for research related to them. A culturally, methodologically and ethically high-quality focus group interview is based on the researcher's special knowledge and skills, acknowledgement of asylum seekers as both individuals and part of cultural and communal groups, and careful planning of the interpreter's role during the interviews.

Somali asylum seekers' perceptions of privacy in healthcare.

BACKGROUND: Privacy has been recognized as a basic human right and a part of quality of care. However, little is known about the privacy of Somali asylum seekers in healthcare, even though they are one of the largest asylum seeker groups in the world. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe the content and importance of privacy and its importance in healthcare from the perspective of Somali asylum seekers. RESEARCH DESIGN: The data of this explorative qualitative study were collected by four focus group interviews with 18 Somali asylum seekers with the help of an interpreter. The data were analysed by inductive content analysis. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Research permissions were obtained from the director of the reception centre and from the Department of Social Services. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Turku University. FINDINGS: The content of privacy includes visual privacy, physical privacy and informational privacy. All contents can be shared with healthcare professionals. The importance of privacy includes respect, dignity and freedom. DISCUSSION: Privacy is strongly connected to the collectivism of Somali culture and religion. Unlike the Western cultures, privacy is not important only for the individual; most of all, it is seen to support collectivism. CONCLUSION: Even though all contents of privacy can be shared with healthcare professionals, it is important to recognize the cultural aspect of privacy especially when using interpreters with Somali background.

Practice environment and its association with professional competence and work-related factors: perception of newly graduated nurses.

AIM: To explore newly graduated nurses' (NGN) perception of their practice environment and its association with their self-assessed competence, turnover intentions and job satisfaction as work-related factors. BACKGROUND: The impact of practice environment on nurses' work is important. Positive practice environments are associated with positive organisational, nurse and patient outcomes. How this applies to NGNs needs further exploration. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive correlation design was used. Data were collected with PES-NWI and NCS instruments from 318 Finnish registered nurses, and analysed statistically. RESULTS: Newly graduated nurses' perception of their practice environment was mainly positive. Most positive perceptions related to collegial nurse-physician relations, and the least positive to staffing and resource adequacy. Positive perceptions were also associated with higher professional competence, higher perceptions of quality of care and lower intentions to leave the job or profession. CONCLUSION: The findings revealed strong and significant associations between practice environment and work-related factors. Practice environment is an important element in supporting NGNs' competence, retention and job satisfaction. Nursing management should pay attention to NGNs' perceptions of their practice environment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Management's ability to create and maintain positive practice environments can foster NGNs' professional development and job satisfaction, and consequently retain them in the workforce.

A real-time Excel-based scheduling solution for nursing staff reallocation.

Aim This article describes the development and testing of an Excel-based scheduling solution for the flexible allocation and reallocation of nurses to cover sudden, unplanned absences among permanent nursing staff. Method A quasi-experimental, one group, pre- and post-test study design was used ( Box 1 ) with total sampling. Participants (n=17) were selected purposefully by including all ward managers (n=8) and assistant ward managers (n=9) from one university hospital department. The number of sudden absences among the nursing staff was identified during two 4-week data collection periods (pre- and post-test). Results During the use of the paper-based scheduling system, 121 absences were identified; during the use of the Excel-based system, 106 were identified. The main reasons for the use of flexible 'floating' nurses were sick leave (n=66) and workload (n=31). Other reasons (n=29) included patient transfer to another hospital, scheduling errors and the start or end of employment. Conclusion The Excel-based scheduling solution offered better support in obtaining substitute labour inside the organisation, with smaller employment costs. It also reduced the number of tasks ward managers had to carry out during the process of reallocating staff.

The use of electronic devices for communication with colleagues and other healthcare professionals - nursing professionals' perspectives.

AIM: The aim of the study is to describe nursing professionals' experiences of the use of electronic devices for communication with colleagues and other healthcare professionals. BACKGROUND: Information and communication technology applications in health care are rapidly expanding, thanks to the fast-growing penetration of the Internet and mobile technology. Communication between professionals in health care is essential for patient safety and quality of care. Implementing new methods for communication among healthcare professionals is important. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was used in the study. METHODS: The data were collected in spring 2012 using an electronic questionnaire with structured and open-ended questions. The target group comprised the nursing professionals (N = 567, n = 123) in one healthcare district who worked in outpatient clinics in publically funded health care in Finland. FINDINGS: Nursing professionals use different electronic devices for communication with each other. The most often used method was email, while the least used methods were question-answer programmes and synchronous communication channels on the Internet. Communication using electronic devices was used for practical nursing, improving personnel competences, organizing daily operations and administrative tasks. Electronic devices may speed up the management of patient data, improve staff cooperation and competence and make more effective use of working time. The obstacles were concern about information security, lack of technical skills, unworkable technology and decreasing social interaction. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, despite the obstacles related to use of information technology, the use of electronic devices to support communication among healthcare professionals appears to be useful.

Factors associated with nursing students' medication competence at the beginning and end of their education.

BACKGROUND: In previous studies, deficiencies in nursing students' medication competence have been highlighted. However, the focus of research has been limited especially to medication calculation competence and factors associated with it. In order to develop undergraduate nursing education and research, an understanding of the individual and learning environmental factors associated with medication competence from a broader approach is warranted. Our aim was therefore to evaluate the theoretical, practical and decision-making competence of nursing students and to identify factors associated with their medication competence at the beginning and end of their education. METHODS: We used a descriptive, correlational study design with a structured instrument including a set of potential associated factors, knowledge test, medication calculation test and patient vignettes. The participants were nursing students at the beginning (n = 328) and at the end of their education (n = 338). Data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: In the evaluation of theoretical medication competence, the students' mean score over the semesters was 72 % correct answers in a knowledge test. In the evaluation of practical medication competence, the mean score was 74 % correct answers in a medication calculation test. In the evaluation of decision-making competence, the mean score was 57 % correct answers on deciding the best action in the situation given in patient vignettes. At the end of their education, students were able to solve patient vignettes significantly better. Individual factors were most evidently associated with medication competence. At the beginning of their education, students' previous academic success had a stronger association with medication competence. However, at the end of the education students' abilities in self-regulated learning and study motivation were more significant factors. CONCLUSION: The core elements of medication competence are significantly interrelated, highlighting the need to provide integrated and comprehensive medication education throughout the undergraduate education. Students' learning style is associated with medication competence. There is a need for methods to identify and support students having difficulties to self-regulate their learning. To increase the safety of medication care of patients, research focusing on the development of effective teaching methods is needed. This study produced information for future nursing education research in this field, especially for interventional studies.

Nurses' perceptions of working with immigrant patients and interpreters in Finland.

OBJECTIVES: To describe nurses' perceptions of the factors to consider when using interpreters in primary health care nursing with immigrant patients. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: This was a qualitative study using inductive content analysis. The participants (n = 8) were public health nurses working in one Finnish primary health care center with experience of the use of interpreters. MEASURES: Data were collected using individual interviews and analyzed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: The factors to be considered when using interpreters are related to the interpreter, to the nurse, and to the patient. Important criteria for interpreters are their professional knowledge, professional role, and personal character. Careful planning and realization of the appointment is essential for the proper use and cost-effectiveness. The patients' difficulties to understand the role of the interpreter, protection of patients' privacy, and patients' desires concerning the interpreter are factors to consider. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an interpreter is dependent on multiple factors. The interpreter supports the communication between the nurse and the patient. Interpreter use can increase the amount of work undertaken by nurses and make the relationship between the nurse and the patient more complicated, or even create ethical problems.

Do educational outcomes correspond with the requirements of nursing practice: educators' and managers' assessments of novice nurses' professional competence.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated weather educational outcomes of nurse education meet the requirements of nursing practice by exploring the correspondence between nurse educators' and nurse managers' assessments of novice nurses' professional competence. The purpose was to find competence areas contributing to the acknowledged practice-theory gap. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, comparative design using the Nurse Competence Scale was applied. SUBJECTS: The sample comprised nurse educators (n = 86) and nurse managers (n = 141). METHODS: Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the data analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Educators assessed novice nurses' competence to a significantly higher level than managers in all competence areas (p < 0.001). The biggest correspondence between educators' and mangers' assessments were in competencies related to immediate patient care, commitment to ethical values, maintaining professional skills and nurses' care of the self. The biggest differences were in competencies related to developmental and evaluation tasks, coaching activities, use of evidence-based knowledge and in activities which required mastering a comprehensive view of care situations. However, differences between educators' and managers' assessments were strongly associated with their age and work experience. Active and improved collaboration should be focused on areas in which the differences between educators' and managers' assessments greatly differ in ensuring novice nurses' fitness for practice.

Medication education in nursing programmes in Finland--findings from a national survey.

Medication management is one of the fundamental roles of nurses. Deficiencies in registered nurses' medication competence have been highlighted in previous research. It is important to ensure adequate medication competence to ensure safe practice upon graduation to nursing profession. Yet, little is known of the current medication education in undergraduate nursing programmes. This study aims to describe the current medication education in Finland. More precisely, we explored the curriculum content, teaching and evaluation methods. A national survey in which data was collected with two questionnaires was conducted: one targeted programme managers responsible for curriculum (n = 22) and the other one teachers (n = 136) involved with medication education. The data was analyzed statistically. The amount of medication education varied between the polytechnic schools involved. It appears that the content of teaching is quite comprehensive. However, we found under-emphasis on theoretical basis of medication care. This result is worrying since the understanding of the principles is essential for safe delivery of medication care. Also more emphasis on the use of self-treatment medications and therefore on patient education is warranted. The most often used teaching methods were lectures and skill laboratories. In all of the polytechnic schools, nurse students' medication competence was regularly evaluated. Based on previous research, there is scope for educational initiatives to improve nurse students' medication competence. Therefore, it is important to develop medication education to ensure that medication education with relevant content and with contemporary and evidence-based methods is provided during nurses' basic education.

Nursing applicants' desire to work in nursing and related factors: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The desire to work in the nursing profession has recently been identified as an important aspect to consider in the selection process of nursing students but very little is known about nursing applicants' or students' desire to work in nursing. AIMS: The study aimed to describe and explain the desire of undergraduate nursing applicants to work in nursing. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study design. METHODS: The Desire to Work in Nursing Instrument was used to collect the data. All nursing applicants (N = 974) who took part in an entrance examination organised in six Universities in October 2018 were eligible to participate. Eight Hundred and Forty-one applicants (response rate 86%, 102 males) participated in the study. Statistical analysis included the use of descriptive statistics and linear regression was used to assess if dependent variables explained the observed outcomes. RESULTS: A strong desire to work in nursing was demonstrated in all the four areas. The most common reason to desire this work was suitability to nursing and the nature of work, and the least common was the career opportunities. Gender, previous education, and a realistic image best explain the desire. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of desire to work in nursing may assist career choice of nursing applicants, and may enhance recruitment and retention in nursing education. Applicants need to be more aware of the career development possibilities. Further studies are needed to investigate if the desire to work in nursing is different to men than to women to inform recruitment strategies.