Career prospects of graduate Bachelor nursing degree programs - Results of a nationwide study in Germany

Abstract

Graduates of Bachelor nursing degree programs are available on the labour market for a few years. Currently, there is no empirical evidence or reports on different fields of these academically prepared nurses in Germany. Aim of this study was to assess the whereabouts of academically prepared nurses in the German labour market, their satisfaction with their current working conditions, and future prospects of the graduates. A cross-sectional design was conducted using an online survey to assess whereabouts of academically prepared nurses (n = 273) after graduation from all German Bachelor nursing degree programs. The majority of 77.6 % of participating nurses worked in direct acute settings or in elderly care. Those, working in direct patient care appeared to be significantly more dissatisfied with their working conditions in comparison to those in extended nursing practice (p = 0.000). High satisfaction scores were reported for qualification-adjusted activities, and working conditions in general. Positive perspectives for personal growth and development see 81.3 %. However, 31.1 % of this sample were enrolled in Master programs or plan to enrol in a further education study program into the next future. In order to become implicit, the process of academic nursing education needs to continue in all practice settings. However, innovative human resources development strategies are needed to use the benefit and full scope of practice in academically prepared nurses in Germany.