STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Journal of Nursing Science & Practice Original Research

Shaping Views: Nursing Students’ Perception Towards the Profession

  1. Suja Kumari S. Department of Nursing, Amrita College of Nursing, AMRITA Vishwa Vidyapeetham
  2. Abhirami K.S. Department of Nursing, Amrita College of Nursing, AMRITA Vishwa Vidyapeetham
  3. Abhirami Prakash Department of Nursing, Amrita College of Nursing, AMRITA Vishwa Vidyapeetham
  4. Adithya Subash Department of Nursing, Amrita College of Nursing, AMRITA Vishwa Vidyapeetham
  5. Aiswarya Lakshmi Department of Nursing, Amrita College of Nursing, AMRITA Vishwa Vidyapeetham
  6. Sunil M. Department of Nursing, Amrita College of Nursing, AMRITA Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Abstract

Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing essential care across diverse populations. As the backbone of health services in the 21st century, the nursing profession demands skilled practitioners who contribute significantly to patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention. However, global shortages of nursing professionals, particularly in countries like India, threaten healthcare quality and accessibility. Understanding nursing students’ perceptions of their profession is crucial, as these views shape their professional identity, job satisfaction, and career retention. This study explores nursing students’ attitudes toward the nursing profession, focusing on how their perceptions evolve during their education and the influence of demographic factors. Prior research indicates that while many students enter nursing with idealistic views, exposure to theory and clinical practice can alter these perceptions. Additionally, misconceptions about the profession and low societal recognition often contributes to challenges such as attrition, reluctance to engage in bedside care, and migration to more lucrative opportunities. By investigating the perceptions of nursing students in India, this research aims to identify prevailing attitudes and potential barriers to career commitment. The findings intend to guide interventions that promote positive professional identity, improve working conditions, and attract young people to nursing roles essential for quality patient care. This study aligns with global initiatives like the International Council of Nurses’ 2023 campaign, “Our Nurses, Our Future”, which highlights the critical need for nurses worldwide. Addressing the nursing shortage requires efforts to reshape perceptions and foster a sustainable nursing workforce dedicated to advancing healthcare outcomes.

Keywords

References (15)

  1. American Nursing Association. What is Nursing? [Online]. Available from: https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing/ Accessed on May 2024.
  2. Haddad LM, Annamaraju P, Toney-Butler TJ. Nursing Shortage. [Updated 2023 Feb 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493175/
  3. James MM, Hooda A. A study to assess the opinion regarding pursuing jobs in the nursing profession among outgoing student nurses in a selected college of nursing in New Delhi. Int J Nurs Midwife Res. 2017; 4(2): 17–23.
  4. Paudel B, Koirala D. Perception of nursing students towards the profession and their future career motive. Int J Sci Res. 2021 Jan; 10(1): 309–312.
  5. Philippa R, Ann H, Jacqueline M, Nicola A. Professional identity in nursing: A mixed method research study. Nurse Education in Practice. 2021;52:103039. doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103039
  6. Woods-Giscombe CL, Johnson Rowsey P, Kneipp S, Lackey C, Bravo L. Student perspectives on recruiting underrepresented ethnic minority students to nursing: Enhancing outreach, engaging family, and correcting misconceptions. Journal of Professional Nursing. 2020;36(2):43-49. doi:10.1016/j.profnurs.2019.08.006
  7. Teresa-Morales C, González-Sanz JD, Rodríguez-Pérez M. Components of the nursing role as perceived by first-year nursing students. Nurse Education Today. 2021;102:104906. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2021.104906
  8. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. [Online]. Available from: https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/AcademicNursing/pdf/Essentials-2021.pdf. Accessed on January 2024.
  9. Indian Nursing Council. Indian Nursing Curriculum. [Online]. Available from: https://indiannursingcouncil.org/uploads/pdf/159930677710092472745f537c1986880.pdf. Accessed on March 2024.
  10. International Council of Nurses. International Nurses Day. [Online]. Available from: https://www.icn.ch Accessed on April 2024.
  11. Kumari S, Suja V, Jeevitha. Crisis in COVID-19: A review article on psychological challenges faced by health care professionals during COVID-19 pandemic. World J Pharm Res. 2021; 10(14): 1617–1637. doi:10.20959/wjpr202114–22482.
  12. Amare Getu M. Assessment of Nurse’s Perception Towards Their Profession and Factors Affecting It in Debre Berhan Town Governmental Health Institution, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia. American Journal of Nursing Science. 2015;4(6):297. doi:10.11648/j.ajns.20150406.11
  13. Jothishanmugam A, Mohammed A, Hamid HIAA, Ali MAA. Perception of nursing students about nursing profession. Innov J Health Sci. 2019; 7(2): 4–7.
  14. Motakpali K, Shaheen S, Jamadar D, Bendigari ND. Futuristic perception and career aspect of nursing students at Kalaburagi City, Karnataka. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2018; 5(9): 3865–3869.
  15. Moothedath S, Chithritha PJ, Mathew CL. Assessment of exam anxiety level among students from selected educational institutions with a view to prepare a self-help guide. Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences (MJNHS). 2022; 8(2): 33–37.
Support