Reasons and decision-making processes for applying to nursing school among nurses showing delayed professional development

Objectives: The characteristics of nurses who leave the profession after completing nursing school have not been examined sufficiently. Therefore, we examined the reasons for applying to nursing school and the process of arriving at the decision to apply among nurses showing delayed professional development. Methods: Participants were eight junior nurses showing a delay in their growth as nurses, who were working at two teaching hospitals. We utilized semi-structured interviews, and the transcripts were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. Results: A frequency analysis of the reasons identified in the transcripts revealed twelve primary reasons for applying to nursing school, such as attraction to the nursing profession, selection from among the different options in the medical field, scholastic aptitude for post-high-school entrance examinations, and academic interest. A qualitative analysis of the process by which participants decided to apply to nursing school yielded three themes: tendency to depend on others, superficial consideration of their own aptitude for the nursing profession, and obtaining a nursing license as a means of accomplishing another purpose. Conclusions: We revealed a number of reasons why newly qualified nurse exhibit delayed professional development as well as three characteristics of their decision-making to apply to a nursing school. The practical implications for the interview process in selection of applicants, effective usage of role model, and coaching are indicated for future nursing education.