Generation Z in healthcare: from education to the early years of practice

This project consists of two sub-projects that examine Generation Z

1) in health care education and
2) as health care professionals.

Generation Z (Gen Z; born between 1995 and 2012) has entered higher education and represents the newest cohort entering health care professions. They are expected to comprise a rapidly growing share of the health care workforce.

Gen Z students prefer to learn independently at their own pace but also enjoy group work and social interaction. They seek active involvement and engagement in learning rather than passive lectures, making auditory and verbal teaching methods less effective for them. They are also characterized by their familiarity with technology and their desire for immediate feedback. Current learning environments are designed for previous generations and may therefore not fully meet the needs and learning styles of Gen Z students. It is thus essential to investigate whether current teaching methods effectively address their unique requirements. Given the central role of nurse educators in shaping students’ competence and preparing them for professional practice, it is also essential to evaluate their competence in utilizing teaching methods and practices that support the learning of Gen Z health care students.

Unlike previous generations, which primarily valued job stability and financial compensation, Generation Z places a greater emphasis on work–life balance, job satisfaction, and personal growth. These generational differences in work values and attitudes present challenges for nurse managers and administrators in maintaining a stable workforce.

Health care continues to struggle with issues of nurse turnover, and young nurses are increasingly considering leaving the profession. As Generation Z demonstrates commitment patterns that differ from earlier generations, health care organizations need to place stronger emphasis on retaining their current workforce and attracting new employees. Particular attention is required for Gen Z nurses, who will be central to replacing retiring staff and responding to the rising demand for care. For this reason, developing strategies that enhance their occupational commitment has become increasingly important.

Generation Z in Health Care Education
Aims:

1) To examine the development of competence among Generation Z health care students during their studies.
2) To identify and evaluate teaching methods and practices that support the learning of Generation Z health care students.
3) To identify and evaluate effective supervision methods in the clinical learning environment.
4) To evaluate the competence of health care educators in utilizing teaching methods and practices that promote the learning of Generation Z health care students.

Generation Z as Health Care Professionals
Aims:

1) To examine occupational commitment among Generation Z health care professionals and the factors associated with it.
2) To examine work–life balance among Generation Z health care professionals and the factors associated with it.
3) To examine the work values of Generation Z health care professionals and the factors associated with them.
4) To examine nurse managers' leadership practices that support the occupational commitment and work–life balance of Generation Z health care professionals.