2022 Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 1_21-1_28
This study examines awareness of second careers among head nurses who work at general hospitals. We conducted a questionnaire survey to determine their intention to continue working and their desired positions, locations, and employment status, as well as their nursing management skills that they could apply to their work. Of the total, 43.2% indicated that they wished to continue working in their current workplace. However, they expressed a preference for working as a member of a nursing staff on a part-time basis. The reasons for their desire to continue to work were classified into work enthusiasm and inevitable circumstances. Work enthusiasm answers included responses that they wished to use their experience to help others, and they liked to provide nursing work. The inevitable circumstances were mainly related to financial difficulties, such as the need to work for their living and concerns for their pensions.
This survey also revealed the head nurses' sense of insecurity related to reducing their responsibilities and position from a head nurse to a nursing staff level, as well as lack of confidence in their own nursing skills and ability to expeditiously and immediately begin working. This study indicates that it is necessary for employers to proactively disseminate information and provide nursing management education to deliver their technical trainings. This will enable head nurses to better apply their experience and skills in nursing management to broaden their options for second careers.
