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Early nursing career experience for 1994–2000 graduates from the University of Nottingham
Author(s) -
PARK JENNIFER R.,
CHAPPLE MARY,
WHARRAD HEATHER,
BRADLEY SUE
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2007.00675.x
Subject(s) - bachelor , graduation (instrument) , salience (neuroscience) , nursing , medical education , promotion (chess) , psychology , medicine , political science , geometry , mathematics , politics , law , cognitive psychology
Aim This paper reports the views of nurses graduating from the University of Nottingham School of Nursing, UK, 1994–2000, Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) course, concerning career aspirations, progress and reflections on their qualification. Background Alongside academic knowledge and practical skills, this four‐year Bachelor of Nursing course aimed to develop students’ critical thinking and research skills. The degree's effect on nurses’ career trajectories is unknown. Methods Self‐completion questionnaires employing open and closed questions were sent to graduates 9 months after graduation and at intervals over the next 6 years. Results Most respondents were confident and motivated in their nursing careers. Promotion, increased responsibility, further study, specialization and qualifications were career priorities. Recent qualifiers also focused on changing jobs, travel and working overseas. Conclusion The graduates’ experience has salience for nurse managers, especially when matching graduates against post outlines within the knowledge and skills framework, considering staff skill mix, and advising graduates about their development and assisting them to find satisfaction in their nursing careers.