Universities' role in enhancing employability attributes of nursing graduates

There are approximately 40,000 nursing graduates in the Philippines per year. Graduates seek to attain employment in competitive local and overseas setting. Universities and students have a shared responsibility to achieve employability attributes and serve the public through high quality health care. The study examined the employability attributes of nursing graduates towards the proposal of intervention measures to improve the employability attributes of the nursing graduates. Data was collected from 239 nursing graduates using close-ended questionnaires. Descriptive-correlational method of research was used in describing the profile and the employability attributes of the nursing graduates. The study found out that the listed attributes were said to be “highly manifested” in the employability of the nursing graduates. The attributes “human relation/interpersonal skill” and “self-confidence” are the most highly manifested employability attributes of the respondents. Genders, age, civil status, employment status, status of the NLE, highest educational attainment, and relevant trainings and seminars have significant relationship with the employability attributes. There is a significant difference between the profile of respondents and the employability attributes of nursing graduates as to social skills specifically relevant trainings and seminars attended. Universities should provide a curriculum that fits the need of the society’s market, facilitate nursing-related workshops and seminars, and provide their students with activities that will hone and enhance their interpersonal skills and confidence. On the other hand, the nursing graduates must elect to pursue post graduate studies, and apply for trainings and seminars to different agencies offering Continuing Professional Education units in Nursing.