Purpose
Nursing colleges are continuously being expanded to solve the problem of imbalance among regions, but the outflow of the provincial brain-drain to metropolitan regions continues. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the influencing factors on the regional outflow intention of nursing students.
Methods
This study employed a mixedmethod design, and 214 nursing students in the Honam region filled out a self-administered questionnaire. Eight participants recruited through random sampling were interviewed in depth. Data were analyzed using a t-test, x² test and logistic regression.
Results
Among the total respondents, 161 students (75.2%) had intent to regional outflow. Influencing factors were significantly correlated with employment in tertiary general hospitals (OR=3.32, 95% CI=1.35~8.16), perception of job opportunities in the province (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.31~0.87), intrinsic job values (OR=2.43, 95% CI=1.14~5.22), and voluntary employment preparation behaviors (OR=2.75, 95% CI=1.05~ 7.19). Through the interviews, themes related to regional outflow intentions were drawn into the following three categories: “recognition of working environment by region”, “aspiration for professional growth”, and “expectation for self-development and rich experience”.
Conclusion
This study’s results are expected to be used as strategic data for establishing plans for nurturing regional human resources and improving the local nursing workforce in non-metropolitan areas.