The Factors Affecting Nursing Students’ Career Preparation Behavior: Focusing on Participation in a Self-Leadership Program

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the factors affecting career preparation behavior among self leadership, self-efficacy, and college life adjustment in nursing students. Methods/Statistical Analysis: We conducted a survey of 254 students in nursing college from September, 2014 to October, 2015. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-tests, χ2-tests of independence, and hierarchical linear regression analyses using SPSS/Win 21.0 software. Findings: The study found a positive correlation and significant direct effects between self-leadership, self-efficacy, career preparation behavior and college life adjustment. Participation in self-leadership program variable explained 5.2%, self-leadership variable explained 14% and college life adjustment and self-efficacy variables explained 22.3% of career preparation behavior. Therefore, self-leadership of students can improve self-efficacy, furthermore, improve ultimately college life adjustment. Improvements/Applications: According to this study, to improve college life adjustment of nursing students, education program related to self-leadership training should be considered and reflected in nursing curriculum.