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Undergraduate nursing students' perceptions of the graduate application process: A qualitative exploration

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 09:50 authored by Beggs, RL, Danny SidwellDanny Sidwell, Rattray, ME, Neville, GE, Zimmerman, P-AP

Background: Nursing students’ perceptions and preparedness can impact their ability and motivation to engage with graduate program application processes. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore nursing students’ perceptions about their preparedness/work readiness for the graduate process and to identify barriers and enablers which may inform education processes.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews, underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, were undertaken with third-year students enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing course in 2018. Data was recorded and transcribed before inductive thematic analysis was performed.

Findings: Three themes were found to impact student perceptions of and preparedness for the graduate program: (i) Standing out from the crowd, (ii) Preparedness for the application process, and (iii) Applying; considering strategic, desirable and personal factors.

Discussion: Student perceptions were primarily affected by the self-evaluation of their ability to “stand out” in a competitive graduate environment. Student preparedness appears as a deficit as they have not considered what an employer wants from potential employees.

Conclusion: The findings have implications for students, higher education providers, and employers, begging the question, who is responsible for students being prepared for the graduate recruitment process?

History

Publication title

Collegian

Volume

29

Pagination

213-219

ISSN

1322-7696

Department/School

School of Nursing

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Place of publication

Netherlands

Rights statement

Copyright 2021 Australian College of Nursing Ltd.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Workforce transition and employment; Nursing

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