Aim: To identify the features young nurses look for in their job (job motives) and the features they look for in work in general (work values).
Background: In view of the shortage of appropriately educated and motivated nurses, a study of the motivational profile of the new generation nurses may provide additional insights.
Method: In a survey, 344 newly graduate Belgian nurses were questioned.
Results and conclusions: Results indicate that many of the traditional attractions are still important, with the recurrent issue of altruism. Furthermore, men are found to be more attracted by career opportunities, executive powers and autonomy, while women tend to attach more importance to interpersonal characteristics.
Implications for nursing management: When considering the new generation nurses, budget cuts and restructuring must be handled with prudence, due to the risk of crowding out the altruistic and interpersonal work features, which determine the specificity of the nursing job.