Abstract
Introduction. Professional aspirations appear to be the key factor, which motivates individual to take actions as well as to further self-development. According to medical professions, professional aspirations seem to be crucial because they motivate nurses and midwives to continuing education – what is believed to be the fundament of vocational professionalism.
Aim. The aim of the research was to show the professional aspirations of the graduates of bachelor degree in nursing and midwifery.
Material and methods. The research was conducted with the diagnostic survey based on the questionnaire composed by the authors, within a period from April to June 2017. The research consisted of 158 graduates of bachelor studies.
Results. The majority (89.2%) of the graduates of bachelor studies in nursing and midwifery is planning to improve their professional qualifications. Their main motives are: the desire for being a professional (69.6%), the desire for professional development (52.5%) and the desire for financial situation improvement (47.5%). The MSc studies are most frequently chosen as a way for professional qualifications improvement.
Conclusions. The graduates of the Faculty of Health Sciences express the desire for further professional development. The aspirations, which the examined graduates of bachelor studies in nursing and midwifery are led by, may have a positive impact on their carriers through the strengthening the appropriate moral attitudes, professional development and the sense of professional autonomy.
Review of Snieguolė Vaičekauskienė’s Doctoral Thesis “Moral Attitudes of 5th–6th Form Learners and Their (Self-) Development Strategies”