The Effect of Social Isolation and Self-Efficacy in Nursing Students on Career Identity in COVID-19

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of nursing students' social isolation and self-efficacy on career identity in the COVID-19 environment.The subject of this study were 204 nursing students in the 4th year of K University located in G province. Data collection was conducted using a Google form survey using a smartphone, and was conducted during the period from March 28 to April 8, 2022, during school attendance. For data analysis, t-test, ANOVA, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used using SPSS/WIN 23.0. Factors affecting the subject's career identity were found to be major satisfaction (t=4.01, p<.001) and career institution decision (t=2.13, p=.034) in general characteristics.Also, social isolation (t=-4.04, p<.001) was found to be a factor influencing career identity, and there was a negative correlation between career identity and social isolation (r=-.192, p=.006). In conclusion, it is necessary for universities to make efforts to reduce students' sense of social isolation.It is necessary for universities to implement various programs for employment, to help them decide on a career institution, and to increase their satisfaction with their majors, thereby enhancing their sense of career identity.