Investigation of the relationship between self-actualization obstacles and career choices of nursing students

Aim: The study aims to investigate the relationship between self-actualization obstacles and career choices of nursing students. Materials and Methods: In the study, the Relational Screening Model was used. The study population consisted 1130 students, studying at the Atatürk University Faculty of Health Sciences Nursing Department in the 2015-2016 academic year. The sample of the study consisted of 824 students, who agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected during the spring semester using the Personal Information Form, Self-Actualization Obstacles Screening Inventory (SAOSI), and Career Choice Scale for Nursing (CCSN). Descriptive statistics, mean, t test, variance analysis, Kruskal Wallis and Pearson Correlation analysis were used in the evaluation of the data. Results: It was found that the average age of the nursing students was 20.17±1.68, 75.6% of them was female, 30.7% was sophomore, 58.9% was living in the city center, 97.7% was single, 49.3% was Anatolian high school graduate, 46.2% was participating in leisure activities as spectators, and that 88.1% had moderate familial socio-economic level. In the study, the mean Self-Actualization Obstacles Screening Inventory score was 95.22±38.94, and the mean Career Choice Scale for Nursing score was found to be 97.66±25.66. Although there was a statistically significant and positive correlation between total Career Choice Scale for Nursing score and total Self-Actualization Obstacles Screening Inventory score and need for security and respect sub-scales (p-0.05), there was no statistically significant correlation between the Career Choice Scale for Nursing and physiological needs and belonging-love sub-scales (p>0.05). Conclusion: The rate of nursing career choice increases as the self-actualization obstacles of the students decreases. Keywords: Career choice, nursing, self-actualization, student