Graduate nurses in the United Kingdom: myth and reality

Abstract

This paper asks how far (if at all) the career patterns of nurses with degrees differ from those of other registered nurses. Lack of solid information generates myths, some of which are refuted in the light of the Edinburgh follow-up study of graduates of the BSc (Social Sciences/Nursing) programme. For instance, relatively few Edinburgh graduates fail to enter nursing or leave after a short time; few select non-clinical posts and few are instantly promoted into management. The failure of nurse graduates to enter senior positions in greater numbers is indeed a cause for concern. Nurse graduates themselves seem to accept slow career progression as inevitable, and to set their sights lower than their real abilities would justify. Yet their self-perceptions suggest confidence in problem-solving, research and application, and communication skills. Career development seems to be hampered by lack of guidance and advice and in some cases by the low status of part-time nursing work while bringing up children. Positive action seems to be needed to exploit the potential of this under-used resource for the profession. © 1987.