Identifying Motivational Factors for Enrolling in a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program.

Background: Students enter Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs for varying reasons. An understanding of motivational factors is needed so nurse educators can address upon program entry student engagement strategies to promote retention and success in completing a DNP program. This article presents the findings of a descriptive study that explored newly admitted students' motivational factors for pursing DNP education.

Method: A 20-item online survey was distributed to newly admitted DNP students at a university in western Pennsylvania. The survey consisted of eight demographic questions and 12 statements that reflected six intrinsic and six extrinsic motivational factors.

Results: Intrinsic motivational factors were reported as slightly more influential than extrinsic motivational factors. Relationships were found between length of employment, length of experience, length of time considering to enroll, and motivational factors.

Conclusion: Cultivating intrinsic motivation upon program entry may positively influence engagement, retention, and successful program completion of DNP students'. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(11):680-683.].