Preferences and expectations of graduates in nursing towards lifelong learning (Bulgaria, 2016-2019)

Abstract

Abstract Background Nurses have a vital role to play in provision of high quality and safety health care in a global perspective. This is extremely valid for Bulgaria with the lowest nurses to doctors’ ratio 1.1. The future nursing generations should be motivated for lifelong learning (LLL), irrespectively of scarce human and financial resources in health care. The aim of the study was to explore preferences, expectations and motivation of graduates in nursing towards LLL. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 174 bachelors in nursing (152 women and 22 men) before their graduation in 2016-2019 at the Faculty of Health Care in MU-Pleven. Anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information about graduates’ work preferences, expectations and motivation for LLL (response rate 95%). Data processing was performed by SPSS v.24 using descriptive statistics and correlations. The accepted level of significance was p < 0.05. Results Most of the graduates prefer high-technology clinics with only 13.2% for outpatient care and community centres; 50% plan to get higher educational degree; 81.5% will need a clinical mentor to start practicing. LLL is appraised by 82% as ultimate for nursing. It should be directed to developing skills and knowledge for effective team work (29.9%), capacity for self-directed practice and adaption to innovations (24.1%), skills to cope with critical situations (14.1%). The first motivating factors for LLL are professional development (44.3%) and better payment (37.4%). The most common demotivating factors: financial reasons (37.9), health problems (21.3), absence from home (13.8%), employer permission (13.8%). All the results have p=.000 for one sample x2 test. Conclusions The graduates understand the crucial role and have realistic expectations of LLL for their professional development. Prevailing motives and demotivating factors correlate to the whole Bulgarian health system problems. Key messages The graduates in nursing at the Faculty of Health care in Pleven Medical University highly appreciate the role of LLL for their professional development and prestige. The schools in nursing should continue working to further motivation for LLL as indispensable requirements for contemporary effective and efficient nursing care delivery.