title: Motivations of nursing students regarding their educational preparation for mental health nursing in Australia and the United Kingdom: a survey evaluation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There has been much debate by both academics and clinical agencies about the motivations and abilities of nurse graduates to work in mental health nursing. The aim of this study was to recruit student nurses from a dedicated mental health nursing program in the United Kingdom (UK) and a comprehensive nursing program in Australia and illuminate their motivations towards considering mental health nursing as a career choice.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study comprised of two UK and four Australian Schools of Nursing within Universities. A 12 item survey was developed for the purpose of this study and was checked for face validity by experienced mental health nurses. Convenience sampling was used and 395 responses were received.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The comprehensive program represented by the Australian sample, revealed a third of respondents indicated that mental health nursing was definitely not a career option, while only 8 % of the UK specialised program reported mental health nursing was not seven for them. In both groups a higher level of motivation to work in mental health emanated from personal experience and/or work experience/exposure to mental health care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A greater focus on clinical exposure in comprehensive programs could enhance professional experience needed to increase student motivations for mental health nursing.
authors.affiliation: Nursing Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, St Patrick's Campus, Melbourne, Locked Bag 4115, FITZROY, MDC 3065 Australia ; Nursing Research Unit, St Vincent's Private Hospital Melbourne, 59-61 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC 3065 Australia ; School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH UK.
authors.forename: Karen-Leigh
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Edward
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Federation University, Mt. Helen Campus, PO Box 663, Ballarat, VIC 3353 Australia.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Warelow
authors.affiliation: Mental Health, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH UK.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hemingway
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, St Patrick's Campus, Melbourne, Locked Bag 4115 FITZROY, MDC 3065 Australia.
authors.forename: Gylo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hercelinskyj
authors.affiliation: Mental Health Nursing, Assistant Dean Community Engagement, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health, CQUniversity Australia, 90 Goodchap Street, (PO Box 1128), North Rockhampton, Noosaville BC QLD 4566 Australia.
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Welch
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mary Seacole Building, Greater Manchester, Salford M6 6PU, UK.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McAndrew
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Statistics, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH UK.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stephenson
keywords: Curriculum; Mental health nursing; Motivation; Nursing education; Psychiatric nursing