Generation Z Nurses: Exploring Learning, Communication, and Support Needs
Disciplines
Nursing
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Recruitment and retention of nurses remain significant challenges in healthcare, particularly with the entry of Generation Z into the profession. This cohort, born between 1997 and 2006, represents a generation of "digital natives" who have also experienced education and life during the pandemic. Understanding their learning needs, communication styles, and support requirements is crucial for attracting and retaining nurses, thus improving patient outcomes.This study aims to identify the mentoring and support needs of first-degree nursing students, exploring measures that could be implemented to support their success both in nursing school and as registered professional nurses. Through a convenience sample of nursing students at Kennesaw State University, supplemented by outreach to other nursing schools participants will be invited to online audio focus groups. These focus groups will utilize an open-ended survey questionnaire to explore student success learning needs, including mentoring and support needs. The collected data will be qualitatively analyzed by the research team, identifying themes and patterns within the responses. Participants' identities will be protected through de-identification of transcripts. Inclusion criteria encompass nursing students born between 1997 and 2006, aiming for a diverse representation of male and female students. The findings from this study will provide valuable insights into the needs of Generation Z nurses, informing interventions and support measures that can enhance their success in nursing education and practice.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Margot Hedenstrom
Generation Z Nurses: Exploring Learning, Communication, and Support Needs
Recruitment and retention of nurses remain significant challenges in healthcare, particularly with the entry of Generation Z into the profession. This cohort, born between 1997 and 2006, represents a generation of "digital natives" who have also experienced education and life during the pandemic. Understanding their learning needs, communication styles, and support requirements is crucial for attracting and retaining nurses, thus improving patient outcomes.This study aims to identify the mentoring and support needs of first-degree nursing students, exploring measures that could be implemented to support their success both in nursing school and as registered professional nurses. Through a convenience sample of nursing students at Kennesaw State University, supplemented by outreach to other nursing schools participants will be invited to online audio focus groups. These focus groups will utilize an open-ended survey questionnaire to explore student success learning needs, including mentoring and support needs. The collected data will be qualitatively analyzed by the research team, identifying themes and patterns within the responses. Participants' identities will be protected through de-identification of transcripts. Inclusion criteria encompass nursing students born between 1997 and 2006, aiming for a diverse representation of male and female students. The findings from this study will provide valuable insights into the needs of Generation Z nurses, informing interventions and support measures that can enhance their success in nursing education and practice.