This descriptive survey study examined the effects of work values and career decision-making self-efficacy on employment preparation behavior among senior nursing students. Participants were senior nursing students enrolled in two universities in city G, and data were collected from November 3 to 21, 2025. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and controlled regression analysis. The results showed that work values did not have a statistically significant effect on employment preparation behavior (β = .095, p = .240), whereas career decision-making self-efficacy had a significant positive effect (β = .401, p < .001). Career decision-making self-efficacy was identified as a key predictor of employment preparation behavior, and the model explained 28.9% of the variance. These findings suggest the need for systematic educational and career guidance strategies that strengthen career decision-making self-efficacy to promote employment preparation behavior among senior nursing students.