Adversity quotients, environmental variables and career adaptability in student nurses

• We investigated career adaptability among 431 student nurses.
• Students with associate degree and leader experience had better career adaptability.
• Adversity quotient of students was positively associated with career adaptability.
• Clinical learning environment was positively associated with career adaptability.
• Family social support was positively associated with career adaptability.

The cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the career adaptability and its associated factors among 431 student nurses. Participants completed questionnaires on demographics, career adaptability, adversity quotient, clinical learning environment and social support. Findings revealed that student nurses' adversity quotients, individualized clinical learning environment, and family social support associated positively with their degree of career adaptability, even after multiple adjustments. Additionally, career adaptability scores were higher among associate degree student nurses and those who had served as student leaders. These findings may provide referable evidence for schools and educators to improve student nurses' career adaptability.