Effects of personality traits and leadership orientations of Turkish nursing students on their career adaptability: a cross-sectional study

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of nursing students' personality traits and leadership orientations on their career adaptability. Design/methodology/approach A total of 322 nursing students were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The methods used to collect data included the semi-structured data collection form, five factors personality scale, leadership orientation scale and career adaptation-abilities scale. Findings The regression model created to determine the effects of personality traits and leadership orientations on the students’ career adaptability proved to be highly insightful. The students' leadership orientations have a statistically significant effect on their career adaptability score, with an explanatory coefficient of 43.1% and personality traits accounted for 18% of the career adaptability. Originality/value The results of this study indicated that leadership orientations and personality traits of the students exerted effects on the career adaptability of nursing students. Developing the leadership orientations of nursing students and being aware of their personality traits will contribute positively to the development of their career adaptability and strengthen the health system.