Evolving Perceptions of the Nursing Profession: A Cross-sectional Study

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the evolving perceptions of nurses in Oman regarding their profession since graduation and to identify factors influencing these perceptions, focusing on their impact on job satisfaction, burnout, and turnover intentions. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 136 nurses who graduated within the past 5 years and are currently employed at the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center, University Medical City, Muscat. An online survey was used to gather data on nurses’ perceptions before and after graduation. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while the Wilcoxon signed-rank test assessed changes in perceptions. Spearman’s correlation evaluated the relationships between perception changes and job satisfaction, burnout, and turnover intentions. RESULTS: Participants reported a significant increase in professional knowledge (14.3%, P < 0.001) and professional identity (11.4%, P < 0.001). However, there was a significant decrease in perceived preparedness (12.3%, P < 0.001) and the overall image of the nursing profession (9.9%, P < 0.001). Factors such as the work environment, management support, feedback and recognition, and patient acuity were significantly associated with changes in perceptions. Improved perceptions were positively associated with job satisfaction ( P =0.676, P < 0.001), while correlations with burnout ( P = −0.059, P = 0.494) and turnover intentions ( P = −0.025, P = 0.775) were weak. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the need for enhanced nursing education to address the “theory-practice gap” and emphasize the importance of supportive work environments to retain a resilient nursing workforce in Oman.