Identifying Professional Goals and Promoting Career Development in Nursing Students Through Reflection and Simulation

Abstract – Career planning is an important but often neglected component of a nursing program curriculum. To increase retention and encourage professional advancement at the school of nursing of a large, public university in the Northeast, a virtual simulated career development day was established to provide students with the tools needed to navigate the job acquisition process and secure appropriate employment. Course outcomes and student feedback indicated that a successful transition to practice and advancement to higher levels of professional nursing can be promoted through the development of superior interviewing skills, a strong resume, and insight regarding one’s professional goals and values.