Decrease in motivation of nursing students: A qualitative study

Motivation has been known as a most important factor in directing people for doing activities. Lack or low of motivation affect all domains of human functions and caused negative effects. The aim of this study was identifying perception of nursing students from decrease in theirs motivation to nursing. This study done with qualitative approach and using thematic analysis method. Twelve nursing students from the Fasa University of Medical Sciences were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed in three focus group interview. After data collection, all interviews were transcribed and reviewed and themes extracted. Then a list of themes prepared and similarity in meaning and concept were reviewed and based on centralization arranged in a sub-category. Then with reviewing again relevant sub-categories arranged in a category. Using analysis of transcribes a significant number of preliminary themes and 6 main themes that each having few other sub-themes were extracted. The main themes included Socio-cultural, educational, managerial, research, communicational and contextual. The results of this study revealed that communication problems with students are the most important factor in lack or low motivation toward nursing. It is recommended that nursing instructors and managers considered above items for promoting motivation of students toward nursing.