Early nursing career experience for 1994-2000 graduates from the University of Nottingham.
OBJECTIVE
This paper reports the views of nurses graduating from the University of Nottingham School of Nursing, UK, 1994-2000, Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) course, concerning career aspirations, progress and reflections on their qualification.


BACKGROUND
Alongside academic knowledge and practical skills, this four-year Bachelor of Nursing course aimed to develop students' critical thinking and research skills. The degree's effect on nurses' career trajectories is unknown.


METHODS
Self-completion questionnaires employing open and closed questions were sent to graduates 9 months after graduation and at intervals over the next 6 years.


RESULTS
Most respondents were confident and motivated in their nursing careers. Promotion, increased responsibility, further study, specialization and qualifications were career priorities. Recent qualifiers also focused on changing jobs, travel and working overseas.


CONCLUSIONS
The graduates' experience has salience for nurse managers, especially when matching graduates against post outlines within the knowledge and skills framework, considering staff skill mix, and advising graduates about their development and assisting them to find satisfaction in their nursing careers.
Park
Jennifer R
JR
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham School of Nursing, Nottingham, UK. jennifer.park@nottingham.ac.uk
Chapple
Mary
M
Wharrad
Heather
H
Bradley
Sue
S
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D002322:Career Mobility; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000592:standards*; D004651:Employment / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009042:Motivation; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D010563:Personnel Turnover; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014195:Travel