[The natural story of a mega selection for nurses: a case study]. / La storia naturale di un mega-concorso di area vasta per infermieri: studio di un caso.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In the Italian National Health Service, it has been documented recently a new phenomenon called 'mega-selection' where thousands of newly graduates submit their application and compete for the few positions available. However, scarce scientific information is available on mega - selections and their outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the nurses candidates profile attending the public selections, the factors affecting their likelihood of success and the duration of the entire selection process. METHODS: Administrative data of the public selection of nurses performed by 4-health trusts in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy) has been obtained the number and characteristics of the candidates admitted, as well as of those who passed the competition. RESULTS: Over 3.901 applications, 3.880 candidates were admitted to the selection; only 1.690 (43.3%) attended the public selection, 417 (10.6%) passed the first examination and 217 (7%) passed the competition (7%). The winners were, on average, 27 years old, graduated from approximately 1.5 years, lived and obtained their nursing degree in the northern Italian regions. CONCLUSIONS: With the hiring freezing documented in recent years in the health sector, a large number of candidates are expected in the public selections; however a limited number succeed in the selection process. Some recommendations are proposed to streamline the public selection process.