title: Talking realistically about nursing: a thematic analysis of nursing course selection interview discourse.
abstract: This study examines the dialogue within selection interviews for places on a graduate nursing programme. The analysis focuses upon the way in which a 'realistic' knowledge of nursing is tested for, and demonstrated through, particular discursive themes. These themes reflect a wider social acceptance of accountable rational decision-making. It is argued that applicants who are able to draw upon the interpretative resources necessary to justify their nursing course application in these terms are more likely to be evaluated positively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Business Studies, University of Abertay, Dundee, Scotland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moir
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Abraham
mesh_terms: D002321:Career Choice; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D012606:Scotland; D013338:Students, Nursing; D013637:Tape Recording