Determinants of the choice of occupation, level of aspiration and plans for the future of medical and nursing students of the Medical University of Bialystok

Introduction. One of the most important life decisions, as must make young people is associated with the choice of field of study, occupation
and workplace.

Aim of the study. Identification of the determinants of choice of profession medical students and nursing of the Medical University of
Bialystok, their aspirations and willing to continue learning in the context of occupational choice.

Material and methods. In this study 320 of students were included. We used the method of the diagnostic survey, using the author’s survey
questionnaire.

Results. Relationship with medicine had 53.8% of the students of a medical (sl) and nursing (sp). Course of study, it was consistent with the
aspirations among 97.5% and 81.3% sl sp. Before the study 30.6% of sl and 65.0% of sp sought to be admitted to a different direction. Almost
99.4% of sl and 88.8% of sp planned work. Nearly 86.3% of sl and 71.3% of sp took an independent decision to the field of the study. In the
choosing, a profession helpful is: the school — 67.5% of sl, and 60.0% sp, vocational counselor — 61.7% of sl, and 30.0% of sp and parents/
family — 61.3% of sl and 45.6% of sp. The choice of the degree program must decide: interest (90.0% sl, and 76.9% sp), character (65.0% and
49.4% sl sp), predisposition and capacity (56.9% sl, and 38.1% sp). The choice of pathways affected by the desire to work with people,
70.6% of sl, and 68.1% of sp. After graduation 72.5% of sl and 66.9% of sp planned to stay in the country. Almost 93.1% of sl, and 66.9% of
sp chosen the same course of the study.

Conclusions. A large impact on the choice of field of study was relationship students with medicine. Choice of occupation was an independent
decision rule, however, a considerable proportion of this had an impact on parents. Help in choose a profession should provide the
first school, vocational counselor and parents/family. The choice of studies and occupations were mostly dependent on the interests,
character and aspirations of the students surveyed. In the opinion of students, the most important factors specific to the medical profession,
could help others and work with people. Respondents in most of the work planned to take in the profession, which took up teaching. Most
students, after graduation declared to stay in Poland.

Nursing Topics 2011; 19 (1): 70–80
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