The Impact of Nursing Students’ Characteristics on Sustaining Career Decision-making Self-efficacy, Career Decision Level and Career Resilience: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify nursing students’ characteristic factors sustaining career decision-making self-efficacy, career decision level and career resilience over time.Methods: A longitudinal survey with the four-phase study design was conducted using self-reported questionnaires among 77 second-year students enrolled in BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program at a college in Daegu Metropolitan City. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, McNemar test, repeated measures ANOVA and linear mixed model.Results: The impact of subjects’ higher level of career decision-making self-efficacy, career decision level and career resilience in BSN 2nd year was continued until the end of BSN 4th year and 3 to 5 years post-graduation. The influence of career decision-making self-efficacy at a higher level carried on regarding higher satisfaction both in major and college life and the ICPP (individual career plan program) score of 70 or greater, career decision level underwent relating to higher satisfaction in major, and career resilience sustained concerning higher satisfaction both in major and college life and the ICPP score of 70 or greater in BSN 2nd year.Conclusions: Personal factors sustaining career decision-making self-efficacy, career decision level and career resilience over time were the successful experience regarding satisfaction of nursing major and college life, and the ICPP score in pre-clinical BSN year. The continuing career planning and development program of early-career nurses may be provided before entering 3 years nursing career to ensure sustainable career resilience and related variables.