Current status, challenges, and future career pathways of diploma-prepared nurses from the stakeholders' perspective: a qualitative study.

Background: The global shortage of nurses is a pressing issue affecting healthcare quality and patient outcomes. Nurse turnover is driven by work-related stress, and job dissatisfaction is persistent. In Saudi Arabia, many diploma-prepared nurses need more bridging programs to convert their diplomas into bachelor's degrees. Educational and organizational issues can limit the provision of quality nursing care. Differences in educational preparation influence nurses' interpretations of patient safety and their roles within healthcare systems. Addressing the need for more policies and regulations regarding nurse turnover and the retention of diploma-prepared nurses is crucial. Thus, a comprehensive exploration of barriers and incentives for diploma-prepared nurses to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can lead to transformative institutional strategies, such as tuition compensation and clinical-academic collaborations. This study aims to fill this gap by understanding the current challenges, future trends, and solutions from stakeholders' perspectives and developing tailored career pathways for diploma-prepared Nurses from the stakeholders' perspective. Thus, it contributes to policy development and improved healthcare delivery and fosters a promising future for healthcare.

Methods: This qualitative study employed a thematic analysis and grounded theory methodology as we delved into stakeholders' perspectives to generate a substantive framework for overcoming obstacles and cultivating tailored career pathways for diploma-prepared nurses. A purposive sampling technique was used to choose participants, ensuring their rich, relevant, and diverse information based on their expertise, experience, and ability to provide valuable insights. Data were collected using one-on-one semi-structured questions for in-depth interviews.

Results: Our findings revealed key concepts that were evident in the data. These concepts formed three main themes and several subthemes essential to understanding the current status of, challenges faced by, and career pathways for diploma-prepared nurses. The three main themes have emerged, and core categories have emerged under each theme accordingly. The results generated a practical framework, offering tangible solutions to overcome challenges and develop career pathways for diploma-prepared nurses.

Conclusions: The findings significantly affect policy development and healthcare delivery improvement. This suggests the need for policies that support diploma-prepared nurses in completing their BSN and the development of tailored career pathways that align with their educational background and career goals and the Kingdom's 2030 Vision.