Factors Influencing the Intent to Migrate in Nursing Students in South Korea

Abstract

Purpose: To identify Korean nursing students’ level of intent to migrate and the factors influencing their intention to migrate. Method: Using a cross-sectional correlational design, data were collected from 886 nursing students in two nursing schools. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and hierarchical multiple regressions with SPSS version 18. Results: Nursing students had moderate levels of intent to migrate. Variables that were independently associated with intention to migrate were class year and having previously considered the possibility of overseas employment on admission to nursing school. The full model accounted for 45.1% of the variance in intention to migrate. Conclusion: The most significant predictor of intent to migrate by nursing students was the possibility of overseas employment on admission to nursing school. To more positively manage the intent to migrate, appropriate strategies to enhance the nursing work environment should be investigated.