Influence of the perceived educational environment on future career planning among nursing students in Egypt

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine attitudes and knowledge regarding career planning after graduation, as well as the perceived educational environment of a pediatric clinical course, among nursing students at Menoufia University in Egypt. This study also investigated the influence of the perceived educational environment on future career planning among nursing students. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used, with a structured interview questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, a section that measured students’ attitudes and knowledge toward their career planning, and the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure Scale (DREEM). RESULTS: The mean total score for the DREEM scale was 109.61, and most students perceived many areas within the program as more positive than negative. However, they had low levels of knowledge regarding career planning. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, further efforts should be made to stimulate students’ interest in pediatric nursing, to integrate theoretical content with practice, and to improve their planning activities early during their study. It is important to engage students in discussions concerning their ideas and worries about factors they perceive as less enhancing and more threatening in clinical settings.