Personal and Societal Influence in Career Choices and Pathways among Graduate Nurses in Low and Medium-Income Countries: A Case Study of Pwani University, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2023
Authors
Omwenga, S. N.
Amimo, F. A.
Mbuthia, N.
Ondieki, J. K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IPRJB
Abstract
Purpose: While nurses comprise a significant component
of human resource for health (HRH), their shortages,
especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs),
have greatly contributed to the persistent poor health
outcomes and poor progress towards attaining universal
health coverage. There is limited understanding of
personal and societal factors that influence graduate
nurses’ decisions when choosing a career path in nursing
after training, especially in LMICs. Understanding how
these graduate nurses decide on their career path is critical
in informing future policies on attraction and retention in
PHC.
Methodology: An empirical study established graduate
nurses' career choices and pathways trained at Pwani
University, Kenya. Quantitative and qualitative data
collection involved an online self-administered
questionnaire followed by individual in-depth interviews
of selected participants to better understand the
experiences behind their career choices.
Findings: From the study, there was a significant
statistical relationship between respondents’ university
entry status and current job (p= 0.02). Majority of those
who had direct entry were in private sector (42%) while
majority of those who upgraded were in public sector
(24%). The study results show that mentorship (58.9%)
and parental influence (33.9%) were significant factors
that influence career choices. Other factors that motivate
individuals to choose nursing include the love of the
physical nature of the profession, a desire to be part of a
noble profession, exposure to caregiving, relatives in the
nursing profession, and previous experiences with illness.
The study also showed that most nurses work in hospital
services and prefer urban locations due to the availability
of personal growth opportunities and job prospects.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy:
A unique finding in this study is that work location is a
strong determinant in attraction and retention especially
for graduate nurses working in public facilities. The study
therefore recommends offering personal growth
opportunities and incentives for nurses working in rural
and remote areas to increase nurse attraction and retention
in public healthcare. The current study further
recommends a longer cohort follow-up study to be
conducted, incorporating larger sample sizes from various
settings to compare pertinent influencing factors among
these groups.
Description
Article
Keywords
Personal, Societal, Career Choices, Pathways, Nurses
Citation
Omwenga, S., Amimo, F., Mbuthia, N., & Ondieki, J. (2023). Personal and Societal Influence in Career Choices and Pathways among Graduate Nurses in Low and Medium-Income Countries: A Case Study of Pwani University, Kenya. International Journal of Psychology, 8(3), 39–42. https://doi.org/10.47604/ijp.2082