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Undergraduate nursing students' perceptions of the graduate application process: A qualitative exploration

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Abstract
Background:Nursing students perceptions and preparedness can impact their ability and motivation to engage with graduate program application processes. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore nursing students perceptions about their preparedness/work readiness for the graduate process and to identify barriers and enablers which may inform education processes.Methods:Semi-structured interviews, underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, were undertaken with third-year students enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing course in 2018. Data was recorded and transcribed before inductive thematic analysis was performed.Findings:Three themes were found to impact student perceptions of and preparedness for the graduate program: (i) Standing out from the crowd, (ii) Preparedness for the application process, and (iii) Applying; considering strategic, desirable and personal factors.Discussion:Student perceptions were primarily affected by the self-evaluation of their ability to stand out in a competitive graduate environment. Student preparedness appears as a deficit as they have not considered what an employer wants from potential employees.Conclusion:The findings have implications for students, higher education providers, and employers, begging the question, who is responsible for students being prepared for the graduate recruitment process?
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: | Beggs, RL and Sidwell, D and Rattray, ME and Neville, GE and Zimmerman, P-AP |
Keywords: | nurse graduates, employability, work-readiness, graduate, nursing student, preparedness |
Journal or Publication Title: | Collegian |
Publisher: | Elsevier BV |
ISSN: | 1322-7696 |
DOI / ID Number: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2021.08.006 |
Copyright Information: | Copyright 2021 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. |
Item Statistics: | View statistics for this item |
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