Transition to work and the career destinations of double degree nurses

Abstract

One third of undergraduate nursing students in Australia are studying nursing concurrently with another undergraduate degree. This study examined the career preferences of double degree (DD) nursing students and the career destinations of graduates to gain an understanding of the reasons why nursing is chosen or not chosen. The design was a sequential mixed methods explanatory study. Questionnaires and interviews collected information during the final year of the DD, on commencement of work, and after 2 years in the workforce. Results revealed less than half of final year students indicated a preference for nursing, but 60-73% were employed in nursing after graduation. Career decisions were influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic rewards unique to nursing but also the other discipline. Practicum experiences and location of work were also important factors. Strategies are needed to avoid losing potential nursing graduates to other disciplines at a time of nursing staff shortages.

What Motivates Students to Pursue a Career in Paramedicine?

“…Another Australian study found that double degree students that chose a career as a paramedic over nursing after course completion, were enticed by intrinsic factors such as exciting and challenging work, and extrinsically by more attractive working conditions (8). Students' clinical experiences also had a major impact on their decision (8).…”

“…Although this study identified that some students chose to study paramedicine due to the attractiveness of 'high stress, dangerous work' and work that varied on a daily basis, it was not definitive in determining the underlying motivation behind choosing a course in paramedicine over other university courses (1). Another Australian study found that double degree students that chose a career as a paramedic over nursing after course completion, were enticed by intrinsic factors such as exciting and challenging work, and extrinsically by more attractive working conditions (8). Students' clinical experiences also had a major impact on their decision (8).…”

Remaining Connected with our Graduates: A Pilot Study

“…However, the location was also determined by the prevailing culture of the workplace and by positive clinical placement experiences gained by the students. Similarly, Hickey et al (2013) concluded that the experiences at the workplace, particularly the support available to students, influence career development and decision-making. In addition to practicum experiences, the location of work was also an essential factor.…”

“…Nurses opt to pursue postgraduate studies for various reasons including higher income and opportunities, as well as increase network and professional development. Hickey, Sumsion, and Harrison (2013) commented that intrinsic and extrinsic rewards influenced career development and decisions of undergraduates to pursue education and that work experiences such as prior clinical placements and employment support were noteworthy considerations. In the case of generalist nurses practising in rural and remote settings, continuing education was essential as they cared for clients with a wide variety of conditions, including critical care and emergency conditions.…”

Why Quitting Double-degree Programs: Students’ Perceptions in China

“…Across the world, researchers proved that a second degree can bring more opportunities in employment sectors as well as a higher earning (e.g., Del & Hersch, 2008;Hemelt, 2010;Roksa, 2005). Other researchers tried to discover the career destination (Mannix, Harrison, & Sumsion, 2013), program design (Hunger, Werner, & Ekadiyanto, 2013) and identity construction of students (Baldry, Mä rtsin, & Eivers, 2018) in terms of double-degree education.…”