Freshmen in nursing: Job motives and work values of a new generation

This study aims to identify the features young nurses are looking for in their job (job motives) and the features they are looking for in work in general (work values). In view of the shortage of appropriately educated and motivated nurses, a study of the motivational profile of the new generation nurses may provide additional insights. In a survey 344 newly graduated Belgian nurses were questioned. Results indicate that many of the traditional attractions are still important, with the recurrent issue of altruism. Furthermore, men are found to be more attracted by career opportunities, executive powers and autonomy, while women tend to attach more importance to interpersonal characteristics. When considering the new generation nurses, budget cuts and restructuring must be handled with prudence, due to the risk of crowding out the altruistic and interpersonal work features, which determine the specificity of the nursing job.