Abstract:

Objective To explore the academic background of and demands for nurses in various medical institutions in Shanghai and provide evidence for nursing education reform. Methods A total of 36 medical institutions in Shanghai were chosen by using the stratified sampling method and the academic background of and demands for nurses were investigated by questionnaire survey and interviews. Results Most surveyed nurses (59.09%) had a junior college degree. From 2012 to 2014, surveyed institutions mainly demanded nurses with a junior college degree. Their demand for nurses with an undergraduate degree gradually increased and the demand for nurses from technical secondary schools slightly decreased. In 2015-2017 nurse recruitment plans of surveyed institutions, the demand for nurses with an undergraduate degree will greatly increase, whereas the demand for nurses from technical secondary schools will significantly decrease. Conclusion For Shanghai medical institutions, there is a rising trend in the demand for nurses with an undergraduate degree. It is necessary to adjust the education structure of nursing schools and actively develop undergraduate nursing education.

Key words: nurse, academic background, demand