Factors affecting nursing students' intention to work as a geriatric nurse with older adults in Turkey: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

The need for nurses specialized in geriatrics continues to increase with the aging world population. However, nurses and nursing students mostly do not consider geriatric nursing as a possible career in nursing. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence such a career preference is crucial to encourage geriatric nursing. The current study is cross-sectional and aims to investigate nursing students' intention to work as a geriatric nurse with older adults and the factors influencing those intentions. A total of 688 nursing students enrolled in the second, third, and fourth-years of the Bachelor of Nursing program in two universities were recruited. Data were collected using a questionnaire form developed by the researchers and the Kogan Attitude toward Old People Scale. Results indicated correlations between the fourth year in the program, living with older adults, taking a separate course on geriatric health, experience in providing care for older adults, and evaluating geriatric nursing as a possible career in nursing (P < 0.05). Additionally, the study demonstrated that students avert from a career in geriatric nursing due to the lack of knowledge and skills and negative experiences during internships and practice. In conclusion, nursing programs should include courses designed to focus on gerontology to improve nurse students' willingness to work with older adults.