Employment Status of Nursing Graduates of Kathmandu Model Hospital School of Nursing

Abstract

Introduction: Nursing is a vital healthcare profession centered on caring for the sick, injured, and vulnerable, while also promoting health at both individual and community levels. Beyond clinical roles, nurses contribute significantly to research, management, policy-making, and advocacy. Those with advanced education often deliver independent primary and specialized care. While nursing plays a foundational role in global health systems, challenges such as unemployment, underemployment, migration, and skill-role mismatches affect the employment of new graduates, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the employment status of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates from Kathmandu Model Hospital School of Nursing (KAMHSON). Now, it has become Phect Institute of Health Sciences.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to assess the employment status of BSN graduates from the years 2074 to 2080 B.S. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire using a Google survey form, following ethical approval from the IRC of phect-Nepal. Descriptive statistics were applied for data analysis.
Results: Among 103 respondents, (73.8%) were employed full-time, (16.5%) part-time, and 1.9% were self-employed. A minority were unemployed (4.9%) or pursuing further studies (2.9%). Most graduates (62.8%) worked in hospitals, mainly as clinical nurses (71.8%), with (67%) in the private sector. Over (70%) secured jobs within six months post-graduation, with (57.3%) employed in Nepal. Others were employed in countries including Australia, the USA, Canada, and the UK. Most reported average workloads (62.1%), but over half (52.4%) were dissatisfied with their income. While (69.9%) intended to continue in nursing, (5.8%) planned to switch careers. Personal interest was the leading motivation for choosing nursing (75.7%) followed by a desire to help the sick (38.8%), with others citing career opportunities abroad, social respect.
Conclusion: Most BSN graduates gained employment  within six month of graduation primarily in clinical roles. However, dissatisfaction with income and retention issues highlight the need for better policies, professional development, fair pay, and supportive academic environments.