Table 1 The categorization of non-traditional practical nurse students’ study motives
Motive category | ABB. code | Prevalence | Brief description | Data examples (translated from Finnish to English) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Vocational qualification | QUA | 71.2% (N = 94) | Obtaining a vocational qualification Completing a previously started vocational qualification Meeting qualification requirements Vocational retraining | I would finally get myself a vocational title I am already in training in the field and want to continue to complete the qualification Considering current staff requirements, I need qualification to work in family homes’ staff strength |
Career and work | CAR | 54.6% (N = 72) | Employment Increased work opportunities, job security Career in the field, career versatility Characteristics of work Professional reorientation, change of working field | I aim for a wide and diverse career in the field of care I am motivated by the number of jobs after graduation and the opportunity to work in the field without interruption |
Personal factors | PER | 53.8% (N = 71) | Personal characteristics, abilities, preferences, and life circumstances suitable for studying and working in the field Personal experiences Health issues | I am social, gentle, and conscientious by nature—my urge to care is at a high level I am already a professional in the field with personal experiences For health reasons, I cannot continue in my previous job or in positions that correspond to my education |
Human orientation | HUM | 40.2% (N = 53) | Working with people and specific target groups | I want to work in a human oriented field I would like to work with the elderly and/or disabled, either at home or in care homes |
Competence development | COM | 39.4% (N = 52) | Competence development Studying and learning Further education Personal development | I want to develop into an expert in the field Studying and learning new things motivates me when applying to this field Through this, I could also continue to higher education if I want |
Interest | INT | 39.4% (N = 52) | Personal interest Interesting work Interesting topics | I am really interested in this field Work in the area of substance abuse and mental health in the area is of great interest |
Altruism | ALT | 26.5% (N = 35) | Helping and caring for others Influencing people’s well-being Considering the interest of others | What motivates me is that I get to help people and be really present The well-being of the elderly concerns me and I would like to be able to influence their well-being, for my part |
Calling | CAL | 18.9% (N = 25) | Professional calling A long-term dream Meaningfulness and correspondence of work to one’s personal values Possibility for self-actualization | I feel that after graduation I could get employed to my dream job I get to do a job that has purpose and great significance A calling to the field motivates me to study and through the information from qualification I get to actualize myself by working in the field |
Family influence | FAM | 4.6% (N = 6) | Family influence and support Family tradition Admiration for close ones in the field | My husband works in the field of social and health sector. From him, I’ve gotten more and more desire to go into this field Since I was a child, I have admired my mother who is already a retired nurse. Through her, and especially after the birth of his own child, the idea of entering the field of care became stronger |