Recruitment Examination Process for Public Health Nurses among Nursing Students

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the decision of public health nursing students to appear for recruitment examinations and the process of its successful completion.

Methods: A semi-structured interview survey was conducted with 10 fourth year students on the public health nursing course at University A, and a qualitative descriptive analysis was conducted.

Results: Five categories were extracted in the process of deciding to take the recruitment examinations: “determining aptitude for being a public health nurse,” “determining aptitude for being a nurse,” “influence on career choice of public health nurses’ supervising in practical training,” “seeking career choice,” “parental advice.” Seven categories were extracted from the process of passing recruitment examinations: “job search specific to public health nurse student,” “plenty of support in preparing for the examinations,” “positive preparation for the examinations,” “choice of examinations municipality,” “reconsideration of career path to other nursing professions,” “reassurance of recognizing the path to success,” and “confrontation with self.”

Discussion: It was found that the students were positively influenced and supported by their surroundings despite having an undecisive and wavering mind while deciding whether to continue to appear recruitment examinations. Faculty support is needed when students feel uncertain about their aptitude to become a public health nurse, in the choice of examinations municipality, and in the interview process.