Factors that influence university students in choosing professional nursing roles

Abstract

Introduction: In Mexico, a degree in nursing opens the door to a wide array of jobs. However, graduates are more interested in jobs relating to assistance, leaving aside other roles (teaching, research, and administration). Goal: To identify the main factors that lead nursing students to choose one professional role over another. Methodology:Quantitative, non-experimental, correlational cross-study conducted at the Iztacala Faculty of Higher Studies, National Autonomous University ofMexico. The sample consisted of 100 undergraduate students selected randomly. Subjects completed a mixed self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS, version 24. Reliability was determined using Crombach's alpha (0.69). Results: 65% of the student body would like a job involving assistance for reasons relating to skills. Those prefering a research role gave as reasons for their decision accessibility to postgraduate studies (48%) and the possibilityof contributing scientifically and technologically to the profession (55%). Regarding the teaching role, the main factor for choosing this path wasinterest in training future professionals (45%, 0.125). 30% of students expressed disinterest in the administrative role. Discussion and conclusions: The assistance role clearly dominates the program of study, leading to students developing the skills necessary for its execution without learning about the teaching, administrative, and research roles.