Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40437475›Full record

ArticleBMC nursing2025

Students' motives for enrolling in the master of nursing program in Croatia despite degree recognition uncertainties: a cross-sectional study.

Andrea Vuksa, Vesna Mijoc, Ivica Matic, Marta Civljak, Marin Cargo, Snježana Cukljek, Kata Ivanisevic, Mario Marendic, Zrinka Puharic, Natasa Skitarelic and 6 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC nursing, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

16 authors.

Andrea VuksaDepartment of Health Studies, Sibenik University of Applied Sciences, Sibenik, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0001-6278-052X
Vesna MijocCenter for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 244, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7236-3036
Ivica MaticCenter for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 244, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4334-1158
Marta CivljakCenter for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 244, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6211-0174
Marin CargoCenter for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 244, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0189-4168
Snježana CukljekUniversity of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6435-5818
Kata IvanisevicFaculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5830-2640
Mario MarendicUniversity Department of Health Studies, University of Split, Split, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2968-1175
Zrinka PuharicFaculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2274-8293
Natasa SkitarelicDepartment of Health Studies, University of Zadar, Zadar, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7155-8648
Sanja ZoranicDepartment of Nursing, University of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3686-2353
Marijana NeubergDepartment of Nursing, University North, Varazdin, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1850-3808
Dijana MajstorovicFaculty of Medicine, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Pula, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2933-7497
Alen BrecekUniversity of Applied Sciences Ivanic-Grad, Ivanic-Grad, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0004-4450-0901
Ivana BaracFaculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7539-2019
Livia PuljakCenter for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 244, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia. livia.puljak@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8467-6061

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDespite global recognition of Master of Nursing (MN) degrees for career advancement, less than a quarter of MN graduates in Croatia hold MN-specific roles, and salary incentives are limited. Yet, MN programs remain popular among Croatian students. This study aimed to explore students' intentions and motives for enrolling in the MN program in Croatia despite the uncertainties regarding degree recognition in the healthcare sector.

methodsAn observational, cross-sectional study. Data were collected from June to September 2024 via an online survey targeting current Bachelor of Nursing (BN) and MN students from all Croatian higher nursing education institutions.

resultsThe study included 1,548 students (1,129 BN and 419 MN). Among BN students, 39% intended to enrol in MN studies, citing personal and professional development as key motives. Most BN and MN students, while cognizant of the limited MN-recognized roles, were primarily motivated to enrol in MN programs to deepen knowledge (94%) and advance career opportunities. Key motivators were improved working conditions (93% BN, 87% MN) and higher salaries (93%). Compared to MN students, BN students demonstrated significantly stronger personal motivation to expand nursing knowledge and engage with the academic community. They were also more professionally motivated to pursue leadership roles, work abroad, and open private institutions. Additionally, BN students expressed greater interest in continuing their education and student life opportunities, while MN students reported less motivation driven by fears of job insecurity. Students expressed optimism (89% BN, 84% MN) about the long-term value of an MN degree despite current market limitations. Most participants considered the MN degree would increase their competencies and should lead to a higher salary coefficient. Qualitative responses revealed dissatisfaction with degree recognition, concerns about overproduction of MN graduates, a desire for specialization and practical training, and growing intent to seek employment abroad.

conclusionDespite currently limited roles recognised for MN graduates in Croatia, BN and MN students remained highly motivated by a desire to expand their knowledge, career advancement, improved working conditions, and higher salaries. Aligning Croatia's educational and healthcare systems to recognize and utilize MN graduates effectively could strengthen the nation's healthcare workforce. CLINICAL

trial registrationNot applicable. This study was not a clinical trial.

Indexed as

Graduate nursesMotivational factorsNurse educationNursing students

Identifiers

PMID40437475
PMCPMC12121186

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.