Abstract: Objective To investigate the current status of career expectations among nursing students in vocational colleges during their internship,explore the relationship between family cohesion and career expectations,and the mediating role of self-efficacy between the two. Methods Using a convenient sampling method,459 nursing interns from four vocational colleges in Hunan Province were selected as survey participants from April to May 2024. The survey was conducted using a general information questionnaire,the family cohesion and adaptability scale,the general self-efficacy scale,and the career expectations scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software. Results The self-efficacy score of nursing interns in vocational colleges was （27.983±4.431）points,the family cohesion score was （115.231±21.097）points,and the career expectations score was （70.209±13.756）points. Pearson correlation analysis showed that family cohesion was positively correlated with self-efficacy and career expectations among nursing interns in vocational colleges（r=0.438,0.354,both P<0.05）,self-efficacy was positively correlated with career expectations（r=0.327,P<0.05）. Self-efficacy played a partial mediating role between family cohesion and career expectations,accounting for 22.968% of the total effect. Conclusion The career expectations of nursing interns in vocational colleges are at a moderate level,which urgently needs improvement. As the fundamental environment for individual growth and development,the family has a profound and subtle impact on the career expectations of nursing interns in vocational colleges,which cannot be ignored. Families should provide more care and support to nursing students,enhance their self-efficacy,and promote personal career development,thereby stabilizing the nursing team.

Key words: Higher vocational nursing students, Family cohesion, Self-efficacy, Career expectations, Mediation effect