MOTIVATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN A UNIVERSITY GRADUATE ASSOCIATION OF NURSING

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify motivations and expectations that alumni from the College of Nursing at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile have to participate in a University Graduate Association (AEA: Asociación de Ex-Alumnos). A descriptive cross-sectional design was used with a probabilistic sample of 97 alumni who graduated between
1970 and 2000 (10% confidence interval). Questionnaires checked by experts were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 8.0. The results of the study showed that 71,1% of the former students are interested in being part of AEA. The principal motivations identified were partnership affiliation (33,6%), continuing education (23,8%) and nursing professional development (16,8%). The perceived potential benefits were continuing education (43,4%), and partnership affiliation (30,2%). The group that does not have interest in being part of EAE mentioned as reasons, lack of time (70,4%) and professional estrangement (14,8%). In conclusion, the majority of the alumni were motivated to participate in a EAE, being the partnership affiliation and continuing education, the main motivation and expectations for this group.