Thesis Format
Integrated Article
Degree
Master of Science
Program
Nursing
Supervisor
McIntyre, Amanda
Abstract
Background: In Ontario, Canada, nursing rates remain critically low per capita, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced recruitment, retention, and support for local baccalaureate nursing students.
Research Question: This study examined how occupational coping self-efficacy (OCSE) and stressors in student nurses (SISN) relate to their professional satisfaction, preparedness, and intentions.
Method: A sample of Ontario nursing students (n = 367) completed a survey exploring
demographics, OCSE, and SISN.
Results: While no significant differences were found in OCSE or stress scores related to career plans or preferences, students with greater OCSE and less stress reported greater preparedness (pp<0.001).
Conclusions: Greater satisfaction and perceived preparedness are linked to higher OCSE and lower stress in Ontario baccalaureate nursing students Further research should continue to explore how confidence and stress impact nursing students’ career decisions and professional commitment.
Summary for Lay Audience
Ontario, Canada is facing a severe nursing staffing crisis exacerbated by an aging population, increased workloads, burnout, and stress among nurses. Research indicates that nursing students often perceive a gap between their theoretical knowledge and practical experience, leading to concerns about their preparedness for the registered nurse (RN) role. Self-efficacy, often equated with confidence and perceived clinical ability, has been explored in nursing education as influencing students’ professional identity, career intentions, stress and coping. With the pandemic further complicating nursing students’ training and perceptions of the nursing role, it was crucial to explore how self-efficacy and stressors impact their professional satisfaction, preparedness, and intentions. This study examined how nursing students’ ability to cope with job demands (occupational coping self-efficacy) and their stressors impact their professional satisfaction, preparedness, and career intentions. An electronic survey was conducted with 367 baccalaureate nursing students across Ontario. Results indicated no significant link between students’ self-efficacy or stress levels and their future plans to work as RNs, pursue further education, or their preferred work setting. However, students with higher OCSE and lower stress levels were more satisfied with their career choice. Similarly, those who had greater OCSE and lower stress felt more prepared for nursing roles. To address these findings, it is essential to improve nursing education by boosting students’ confidence and managing stress. Strategies such as mentorship programs, better support systems, and improved working conditions could enhance career satisfaction and commitment. Future research should continue to explore how confidence and stress affect nursing students’ career decisions and readiness for the profession, helping to address the ongoing nursing staffing crisis in Ontario.
Recommended Citation
Basso, Madison K., "Exploring the Impact of Occupational Coping Self-Efficacy and Stressors on Career Choice Satisfaction, Preparedness, and Professional Intentions Among Ontario Baccalaureate Nursing Students" (2024). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10557.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10557