Factors Influencing Generation Z Bachelor of Nursing Students' Decision to Choose Nursing as a Career: A Pilot Study

Marzia Lommi; Simona Ricci; Dhurata Ivziku; Lucia Filomeno; Sondra Badolamenti; Ippolito Notarnicola; Alessandro Stievano; Gennaro Rocco; Roberto Latina; Noemi Giannetta; Giuliana Covelli; Gaetano Romigi; Gianluca Pozzuoli; Davide Bove; Barbara Porcelli

doi:10.1177/23779608241242246

Factors Influencing Generation Z Bachelor of Nursing Students' Decision to Choose Nursing as a Career: A Pilot Study

SAGE Open Nurs. 2024 Apr 4:10:23779608241242246. doi: 10.1177/23779608241242246. eCollection 2024 Jan-Dec.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.
² Department of Nursing, UniCamillus University, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy.
³ Department of Nursing, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
⁴ Department of Biomedical Sciences, Catholic University "Our Lady of Good Counsel", Tirana, Albania.
⁵ Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
⁶ Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
⁷ UOC Care to the Person, Local Authority Rome 2, Rome, Italy.

Abstract

Introduction: Despite nurses representing the largest healthcare professional group, the number is not enough for global health coverage. Understanding Generation Z students' intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, internal and external influences, and beliefs in choosing nursing education is crucial. This knowledge empowers universities to enhance nursing program enrollment through targeted promotion and recruitment strategies.

Objective: The aim was to understand why Italian students of Generation Z choose the Nursing Degree Course.

Methods: In this pilot study, a cross-sectional design was used. A survey with closed and open answers analyzing demographics, opinions, and motivations among new enrolled nursing students was administered on the first day of the Bachelor of Nursing Degree course. Descriptive statistics were used. Quantitative data were analyzed with Chi-square and ANOVA tests and qualitative data underwent content analysis and coding. Correlation analysis explored relationships between qualitative and quantitative results.

Results: Forty first-year students (85% female, average age 22) completed the questionnaire. The choice of the degree pathway, as the first or second option, is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, the student's opinions, and family and social influences. Significant positive and negative associations were evidenced. Negative factors affecting choice included location and the responsibility for nursing care, while positive factors included role models, family advice, passion, curiosity for healthcare, the desire to help others, and family influences on decision-making.

Conclusions: Among Italian generation Z students, the choice of the nursing degree pathway is influenced by social models, family advice, passion, the desire to help others, and curiosity. Universities should be more proactive in their recruitment and promotion efforts, transforming these events into vibrant meeting points for professionals from diverse nursing specialties. They should also implement robust information policies that highlight career possibilities spanning clinical practice, management, education, and research areas within the field.

Keywords: bachelor in nursing.; choice behavior; motivation; nursing students; undergraduate nursing education.