EXAMINING THE EDUCATIONAL STATUS AND CAREER PROSPECT OF NURSING GRADUATES IN IRAN

Introduction: Health systems of the world have stepped into a critical period of human-resources shortage. Shortage of qualified nurses has been posed as one of the biggest hurdles to achieving the effectiveness of health systems. Hence, the present study examined the educational status and career prospect of nursing graduates in Iran. Materials and methods: The study was done analytically benefitting from content analysis technique. Results: In Iran, it is possible to continue studies towards PhD in nursing. Concerning the job opportunities in nursing, one should note that employing nurses' in the hospitals is based on education level (undergraduate, masters, doctorate). Nursing graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, health centers, private and public nursing homes for the elderly and children as shift nurses, head nurses, clinical supervisors, infection control supervisors, educational supervisors, and hospital nursing head. It should be noted that nursing graduates can independently establish a private health center (for evaluating the health status of community members) or establishing a kindergarten. Discussion and Conclusion: Although employment conditions are available for most nursing graduates in Iran, lack of nurses is a concern for managers and a major challenge for the health system in Iran. However, benefitting from committed and specialized nurses is one of the essential components in a health-work environment. Unfavorable work environments, lack of resources, unbalanced workload, disproportionate nurseto-patient ratio, increased writing affairs, high documentation, lack of supportive management, inadequate salaries and reduced employment permits are of the major challenges the Iranian health system faces, so despite many young graduate nurses there is a severe nurse scarcity crisis. Keywords: Nursing, Academic Status, Career Prospect, Iran