Veterinary Nurse Motivation to Undertake Postgraduate Education

Fontaine, S. and Law, E. (2023) Veterinary Nurse Motivation to Undertake Postgraduate Education. VetEd Symposium 2023, Edinburgh, UK, 6-7 July 2023. (Unpublished)

Abstract

Background: The RCVS recommends that VNs participate in lifelong learning to keep abreast of evolving practice, and educators are key in creating a learning culture that will motivate them. Postgraduate (PG) education is in its infancy for VNs, and it is unclear what motivates individuals to pursue this level of qualification. Summary of work: The aim of this study was to investigate the motivational factors that influence VN engagement with PG education. Students enrolled on the Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing programme between 2020-2023 were invited to anonymously participate. The 47-item questionnaire comprised participant demographic and professional questions, the 30-item Participant Reason Scale (PSR), and one open-ended question. The PSR assesses intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors for PG students. Factor 1. Professional Improvement and Development (PID) and Factor 2. Professional Service (PS) are intrinsic; and Factor 3. Collegial Learning and Interaction (CLI), Factor 4. Personal Benefits and Job Security (PBJS), and Factor 5. Professional Commitment and Reflection (PCR) are extrinsic. PSR item scores were considered of high importance if ≥ 6, and low importance if ≤4. There was a 63.8% response rate (n=30). Participants were predominantly female (93%), and ages ranged from 29-55 years. Mean PSR item scores ranged from 4.2-6.3, and of the 9 items that were of high importance, only one was an extrinsic motivator. Of the five factors, the intrinsic motivating factor PID ranked the highest (mean score 6.0) and the extrinsic motivating factors of PBJS and PCR ranked joint lowest (mean score 5.1). Free text responses described the most common intrinsic motivator to be improved professional service and extrinsic motivator to be career advancement with current employer. Take home message: VNs are intrinsically motivated to undertake PG education. Their pursuit of improved professional service could benefit practices, and therefore employer support through time and funding should be encouraged.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Unpublished
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Law, Mrs Emilie and Fontaine, Ms Samantha
• Authors: Fontaine, S., and Law, E.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine

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