FUTURE JOB PREFERENCES AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF MCNP BSN STUDENTS

Abstract

Nurses play a crucial role in global healthcare, providing patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention. Healthcare sustainability is threatened by a shortage of 10.6 million nurses by 2030. A COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this shortage, increasing moral distress and burnout among healthcare professionals. To ensure a well-prepared and resilient nursing workforce, students must be supported in their professional development. Aligning nursing education with industry demands requires understanding career preferences and motivations. Nurses are available in different healthcare settings. Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines (MCNP) examines BSN students' career preferences and job preferences. This descriptive-inferential study involved 345 BSN students from all year levels. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Career-influencing factors, such as compensation, professional growth opportunities, and work environments, are also gathered. One-way ANOVA, frequency distributions, and weighted means were used to assess significant career preference relationships. Students' career decisions were analyzed using statistical methods. Respondents chose emergency nursing, bedside nursing, and community health nursing as their top career choices. Job stability, career advancement opportunities, and alignment with personal interests influenced career preferences. Socioeconomic status and year level differed. Students in their first year prioritized professional growth, while seniors focused on compensation and workplace conditions. Age and gender did not significantly affect career choices, but socioeconomic background and maternal occupation did. Additionally, as students progressed in their education, extrinsic factors such as financial stability and work conditions became increasingly important. Based on these findings, the study concludes that tailored career guidance programs are essential for nursing students. Self-awareness and strategic career planning are facilitated by understanding career motivations. Institutions can use these findings to design targeted interventions aligned with students' aspirations. A well-prepared workforce contributes to solving the global nursing shortage. To navigate their career paths, educational institutions must provide students with the knowledge, resources, and support they need. Nurses are exposed to various nursing specializations, mentored, and discussed industry trends. To align students' aspirations with future healthcare needs. By aligning nursing education with both student aspirations and healthcare demands, we can bridge knowledge gaps in nursing career preferences. There is a need for year-specific career guidance programs, additional support for students from low-income backgrounds, and increased awareness of diverse nursing specializations. Students can be exposed to different career paths through mentoring programs and partnerships with healthcare institutions. Student internships and hospital-based training can provide valuable hands-on experience. To meet industry expectations, nursing graduates must address these factors. Nurses will be more satisfied and retained with career support initiatives. Nurses who are well-informed and motivated improve healthcare services, reduce turnover rates, and prepare for the future. Policies and programs are needed to support nursing students' career development. Demand and supply will align in healthcare. Career guidance programs will study nursing graduates' job placement, satisfaction, and retention.