Search Results

The aim of this study was to identify and compare the location and career preferences of students enrolled in single and transdisciplinary double degrees in a Bachelor of Nursing program at a rural university in order to identify what influences and motivates their choice of degree. The study involved 209 undergraduate students in all years of the Bachelor of Nursing (BN), Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) (BN/BCP), and Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching (BN/BECT). The main areas of focus were: demographics of participants; reasons double degree students enrolled in a nursing program; career location and career discipline preferences.

Students undertaking this rural based double degree nursing program are different to single degree nursing students in a number of important areas. Results showed that the majority of students in all three groups were from rural areas, but double degree students came from a higher socio-economic background, were younger and were more likely to be male than single degree nursing students. They also had different motivating factors for enrolling and many did not prefer nursing as a career. The lack of interest in a nursing career and a rural location by over half of these students is concerning. Targeted strategies are needed to reverse this loss of potential nursing graduates.

Edited excerpts from published abstract. Show less