Social Work Student Interest in Nursing Home Employment: A North American Study |
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| Authors: | Kelsey Simons Robin Bonifas |
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| Institution: | 1. Baycrest, Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit;2. Factor–Inwentash Faculty of Social Work , University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada ksimons@klaru-baycrest.on.ca;4. School of Social Work , Arizona State University , Phoenix, Arizona, USA |
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| Abstract: | Nursing homes (NHs) are a primary setting for gerontological social work; yet, little is known about social workers' career interest relative to this setting. This article reports the findings of an online survey of social work students (177 US and 91 Canadian) that sought to identify personal characteristics and beliefs that influence NH employment intentions. Students who were enrolled in bachelors programs, lacked previous practice experience, and had already had a NH field placement or wanted this experience were more likely to express employment intent. The implications of these findings for social work education and research are discussed. |
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| Keywords: | Nursing homes students gerontology aging workforce long-term care social work education career choices field placement gerontological social work |
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