Nursing Education: Assessment of Healthcare Career Perspectives of First Year Nursing Students

Abstract

Background: Several factors influence the pre-university students to choose healthcare profession as their career. This in turn will have effect on their theoretical, clinical knowledge, and academic performance. It also influences the psycho-motor and problem-solving skills, which are crucial in providing better care to patients. The aim of the study was to assess the healthcare perspectives of first year B.Sc. nursing students and the factors influencing their choice for healthcare profession. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the B.Sc. nursing first year students at the nursing college associated with Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), affiliated to Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS), in north Telangana during April 2017. A self administered semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection after obtaining an informed verbal consent. 91 students participated in the study. Data was analysed by calculating the percentages and applying the chi square test. Results: Out of 91 students, nursing profession to serve the community was noted to be the first choice 66 (72.5%). Only 17(18.7%) students joined nursing profession by their interest. Majority of the students wanted to pursue post-graduation (54 (59.3%)). 23 (42.6%) students decided to pursue different clinical subjects whereas 31 (57.4%) students had not yet decided post-graduation subject. 59 (64.8%) students were interested to go abroad for a job. Majority of the students 52 (57.1%) opted to work in urban areas whereas 39 (42.9%) preferred to work in rural setup. 74(81.3%) students wish to continue nursing profession and 17 (18.7%) students still had the desire to pursue career in other fields. Conclusion: Serving the community, caring for others, and better earning remains the most common reasons to choose nursing as a profession. Majority of the students wanted to pursue higher education and continue nursing profession in urban areas.