Factors Influencing Academic Motivation among Baccalaureate Nursing Students
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background: Nursing student motivation is an important factor in student retention in
nursing programmes. However, the challenges nursing students face could influence
their motivation and retention, which could in turn increase the shortage of nurses.
Therefore, this systematic review seeks to identify factors that impact nursing students’
motivation to continue their nursing studies.
Aim: To explore factors influencing academic motivation among baccalaureate
nursing students. Two research questions were used to accomplish this aim:
1- What factors influence baccalaureate nursing students’ academic motivation?
2- How do motivation and demotivation impact the non-continuation of
baccalaureate nursing students?
Methods: Nursing studies published from 2013 to 2019 and listed in health and human
sciences electronic databases, such as CINAHL, ERIC, Pub Med, Wiley Online and
Web of Science, were reviewed. Quality research that could answer the research
questions was sought. The search resulted in 3,338 total studies published in the
English language on this topic. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and underwent a
critical appraisal.
Findings: Factors influencing nursing students’ motivation were divided into intrinsic
and extrinsic motivators. Altruism, self-efficacy, self-esteem, perceptions, and the
religious beliefs were categorised as intrinsic factors. Extrinsic factors include teacher–
student relationships, parental involvement, educational environment, clinical training
and observation, job availability, social attitudes, and national laws. The findings of this
review indicate that these intrinsic and extrinsic factors have a significant impact on
nursing students’ motivation to continue or discontinue their education in nursing.
Conclusion: The intrinsic motivation of nursing students can be impacted by some
extrinsic factors such as clinical training. Therefore, working nurses must be aware of
the importance of supporting nursing students during clinical practice. Moreover,
improving communication among clinical professionals through hospital seminars and
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adjustments to nursing curricula would have a positive impact on nursing students’
motivation to complete their studies.
To further improve nursing students’ academic motivation, nursing instructors
must incorporate interesting and varied methods of instruction. The findings of this
review indicate that social media can also have a positive impact on nursing students’
motivation, but more research is needed to clarify the influence of social media on
nursing students’ motivation and on societies’ perception of nursing profession.