Determining the Relationship Between Perceptions of the Nursing Profession and Attitudes towards Career Future of Nursing Senior Students: An Observational Study

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between nursing senior students' perceptions of the nursing profession and their attitudes toward their career future and to determine the factors affecting their career plans. The universe of the descriptive and relation-seeking study consisted of 143 senior students studying at the nursing department of a university. The study was completed with 105 students who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate. It was determined that CFI scores differed significantly according to the gender of the students, their readiness for the profession and the post-graduate employment statute. It was determined that there was a significant positive correlation between the CFI scale total score, career adaptability, career optimism sub-dimensions and the total score of PNPS. Also, it was determined that the sub-dimensions of age, gender, post-graduation work plan and PNPS were the variables explaining the students' career plans at 56%. It was determined that students' perceptions of the statute and the quality of the nursing profession were factors affecting their career plans. For this reason, it should be aimed to develop a positive professional perception by providing students with professional values ​​for the profession throughout nursing education.