Abstract
The objective of the present study was to interview nurses who graduated from nursing schools and compare the life course of nurses who graduated during the 1970's (independent generation) and those who graduated after 1990 (self-actualization generation). Based on Glen, Elder, Janet and Giele's studies, life course was analyzed from the following four viewpoints: "temporospatial position (cultural factors)", "human behaviors (individual goal orientation)", "intertwined lives (social integration)" and "life timing (strategic adaptation)". The following results were obtained: 1. Regarding career selection, by reflecting the social circumstances of that time, the independent generation was influenced by economic conditions, while the self-actualization generation was influenced by the social value of nursing, which is social contribution. 2. Regarding individual goal orientation, the independent generation strived for independence and actively worked with the system, but could not challenge the system. Similar to the independent generation, the self-actualization generation also actively pursued the achievement of their goals despite some setbacks. 3. For the independent and self-actualization generations, career selection, continuation, and advancement were influenced by families, patients, coworkers, and nursing instructors. 4. The independent generation was in a professionally stable period and was trying to qualitatively enrich their professional lives, while the self-actualization generation was looking forward to their future and repeatedly facing short-term assignments and professional challenges.
