Vuksa Andrea, Mijoc Vesna, Matic Ivica, Civljak Marta, Cargo Marin, Cukljek Snježana, Ivanisevic Kata, Marendic Mario, Puharic Zrinka, Skitarelic Natasa, Zoranic Sanja, Neuberg Marijana, Majstorovic Dijana, Brecek Alen, Barac Ivana, Puljak Livia
Department of Health Studies, Sibenik University of Applied Sciences, Sibenik, Croatia.
Center for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 244, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia.
BMC Nurs. 2025 May 28;24(1):609. doi: 10.1186/s12912-025-03261-z.
Despite global recognition of Master of Nursing (MN) degrees for career advancement, less than a quarter of MN graduates in Croatia hold MN-specific roles, and salary incentives are limited. Yet, MN programs remain popular among Croatian students. This study aimed to explore students' intentions and motives for enrolling in the MN program in Croatia despite the uncertainties regarding degree recognition in the healthcare sector.
An observational, cross-sectional study. Data were collected from June to September 2024 via an online survey targeting current Bachelor of Nursing (BN) and MN students from all Croatian higher nursing education institutions.
The study included 1,548 students (1,129 BN and 419 MN). Among BN students, 39% intended to enrol in MN studies, citing personal and professional development as key motives. Most BN and MN students, while cognizant of the limited MN-recognized roles, were primarily motivated to enrol in MN programs to deepen knowledge (94%) and advance career opportunities. Key motivators were improved working conditions (93% BN, 87% MN) and higher salaries (93%). Compared to MN students, BN students demonstrated significantly stronger personal motivation to expand nursing knowledge and engage with the academic community. They were also more professionally motivated to pursue leadership roles, work abroad, and open private institutions. Additionally, BN students expressed greater interest in continuing their education and student life opportunities, while MN students reported less motivation driven by fears of job insecurity. Students expressed optimism (89% BN, 84% MN) about the long-term value of an MN degree despite current market limitations. Most participants considered the MN degree would increase their competencies and should lead to a higher salary coefficient. Qualitative responses revealed dissatisfaction with degree recognition, concerns about overproduction of MN graduates, a desire for specialization and practical training, and growing intent to seek employment abroad.
Despite currently limited roles recognised for MN graduates in Croatia, BN and MN students remained highly motivated by a desire to expand their knowledge, career advancement, improved working conditions, and higher salaries. Aligning Croatia's educational and healthcare systems to recognize and utilize MN graduates effectively could strengthen the nation's healthcare workforce.
Not applicable. This study was not a clinical trial.
尽管全球都认可护理学硕士（MN）学位有助于职业发展，但在克罗地亚，只有不到四分之一的MN毕业生担任与MN专业相关的职位，而且薪资激励措施有限。然而，MN课程在克罗地亚学生中仍然很受欢迎。本研究旨在探讨尽管医疗保健领域学位认可存在不确定性，但克罗地亚学生报考MN课程的意图和动机。
一项观察性横断面研究。2024年6月至9月期间，通过在线调查从克罗地亚所有高等护理教育机构的在读护理学学士（BN）和MN学生中收集数据。
该研究共纳入1548名学生（1129名BN学生和419名MN学生）。在BN学生中，39%的人打算报考MN课程，称个人和职业发展是关键动机。大多数BN和MN学生虽然意识到MN认可的职位有限，但报考MN课程的主要动机是深化知识（94%）和增加职业机会。关键动机包括改善工作条件（BN学生中占93%，MN学生中占87%）和提高薪资（93%）。与MN学生相比，BN学生在扩展护理知识和参与学术社区方面表现出更强的个人动机。他们在追求领导职位、出国工作和开办私立机构方面也更有职业动机。此外，BN学生对继续教育和学生生活机会表现出更大兴趣，而MN学生因担心工作不稳定而产生的动机较少。尽管当前市场存在限制，但学生们对MN学位的长期价值表示乐观（BN学生中占89%，MN学生中占84%）。大多数参与者认为MN学位将提高他们的能力，并应带来更高的薪资系数。定性回答显示出对学位认可的不满、对MN毕业生生产过剩的担忧、对专业化和实践培训的渴望，以及越来越强烈的出国就业意愿。
尽管目前克罗地亚MN毕业生认可的职位有限，但BN和MN学生仍然受到扩展知识、职业晋升、改善工作条件和提高薪资愿望的强烈激励。使克罗地亚的教育和医疗保健系统有效认可和利用MN毕业生，可能会加强该国的医疗保健劳动力队伍。
不适用。本研究不是临床试验。
