ORCID

Abstract

AbstractBackground:There is a worldwide shortage of nurses, so an increase in the supply of graduating nurses is needed. Little is known about nursing students' career choices and the reasons why certain jobs, specialties and locations are chosen. Gaining a better understanding of these choices could help healthcare employers to plan the nursing workforce of the future.Aims:The study explored the career choices of nursing and midwifery students.Methods:A convenience sample of 163 final-year nursing, midwifery and nursing associate students responded to an online survey exploring career choices.Findings:Most students (87.1%; n=142) had secured their first job, with the vast majority staying in the region where they trained. Reasons for this choice included it being local, having a supportive team and having had a positive placement experience.Conclusion:This evidence provides a framework to build longitudinal data to help recruitment and retention strategies that support the ambitions of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.

Publication Date

2025-10-14

Publication Title

British Journal of Nursing

Volume

34

Issue

18

ISSN

0966-0461

Acceptance Date

2025-06-01

Deposit Date

2025-10-24

Embargo Period

2026-04-14

Funding

Funding: This study was funded by a grant from NHS England

Keywords

Career, Choice, Midwifery, Nursing, Nursing associate, Student, Humans, United Kingdom, Male, Universities, Young Adult, Students, Nursing/psychology, Career Choice, Surveys and Questionnaires, Female, Adult, Midwifery/education

First Page

938

Last Page

942

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