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Willingness of nursing undergraduates to work in long-term care facilities: A qualitative study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the willingness and attitudes of undergraduate nursing students enrolled in a geriatric nursing minor program toward pursuing careers in long-term care facilities. METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted. Semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews were conducted with fourteen students minoring in geriatric nursing. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The analysis identified three primary themes: (1) Nascent Interest in Geriatric Care; (2) Perceived Deficiencies in Professional Competence for Geriatric Care; and (3) The "Government-Society-Family" Collaborative Geriatric Care Ecosystem Remains Underdeveloped. CONCLUSION: While nursing undergraduates recognize strong market demand for geriatric care professionals, their current career preferences favor hospital settings. This inclination is influenced by considerations of the social status associated with long-term care facilities, perceived misalignment between their skills and role requirements, limited career advancement pathways, and high labor intensity in long-term care.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0357086

Authors: Xiufang Hou, Yanglan Wang, Fangfang Wang, Qiuping Li

Institutions: University of Ngozi, Capital Medical University, Xuan Wu Hospital of the Capital Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,382