Educational Experiences and Career Aspirations of Final-Year Nursing Students at International Islamic University Malaysia

Abstract

Recognizing the career aspirations of nursing students is essential for designing educational programs that develop skilled healthcare practitioners. Personal choices in career fields, development opportunities, and education all influence these aspirations. This study explores final-year nursing students’ educational experiences and career aspirations at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). A qualitative descriptive approach was employed to conduct personal interviews with purposefully selected participants from the Kulliyyah of Nursing. The findings reveal that while students are keen to specialise in paediatrics and critical care, they encounter challenges such as academic pressure and a lack of clinical practice hours. Mentorship and clinical placements play a vital role in shaping their professional aspirations. Participants stressed the necessity for enhanced clinical practice and academic support to better equip them for their future roles. These findings underscore the importance of aligning nursing education with students’ career goals and addressing their challenges to improve their readiness for specialised healthcare positions. This study enhances the literature on nursing education by emphasising the importance of robust mentorship programmes that support students in their academic and professional growth. By focusing on these elements, nursing curricula can be refined to facilitate specialisation, thereby advancing the field of nursing education.