Nurse students’ views of factors that increase or decrease the attractiveness of the nursing profession

Abstract

Objective: This qualitative study provides up-to-date knowledge about today’s nursing students’ views and experiences of factors that can increase or decrease the attractiveness of nursing and presents students’ ideas for improving the nursing profession.Methods: Data were collected from 168 nursing students at the University of Applied Sciences in Finland through an online survey in March 2022. Inductive content analysis was used to analyze the data.Results: According to the students, the attractiveness of nursing is decreased because nursing is not adequately appreciated, the resources and salary do not match the workload, the working atmosphere can be detrimental to psychological well-being, and there is frequently little support from nurse leaders. Factors that could increase the profession’s attractiveness involve advancing nursing’s role at the level of individuals, organizations, and society; meaningfulness of nursing duties, influencing one’s work; better working conditions and well-being at work; development of nursing leadership; and work and career advancement. Students suggest promoting marketing and the appreciation of nursing, developing leadership and the theoretical and practical competence of supervisors, promoting nurses’ daily coping and well-being at work, and raising salaries.Conclusions: The status and image of nursing must be addressed at the level of individuals, organizations, and society, both nationally and internationally. Nurses themselves must appreciate their profession and feel that they have a possibility to advance their careers.