Undergraduate students' perceptions and motivations for nursing: Implications for education, practice, and workforce sustainability

This study aimed to determine the undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions of the profession, factors influencing their decision for entry to nursing education, strategies to increase retention and entry, and health service capacities to strengthen the profession. A quantitative normative, cross-sectional survey was used. Descriptive statistics were used for the demographic data, perception of nursing, and factors of entry to the profession. Participants were drawn from nursing students enrolled in the Higher Institute of Medical Science and Technology and the Faculty of Nursing in Tripoli, Libya. A total of 100 nursing students from different semesters of their program were the respondents, selected through a convenience sampling technique. The questionnaire was distributed after expert validation and consideration of ethical issues through hand-delivery in classrooms. For both the Diploma and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, the statement “Nursing is an important profession for individuals, families, and society” obtained the highest average weighted mean (AWM = 2.84), followed by the perception that “Society’s view of nursing is positive” (AWM = 2.81). Conversely, the lowest overall score was recorded for the item “Nursing professionals can build a career in the educational field” (AWM = 2.44), followed by the perception that “The nursing profession provides high financial income” (AWM = 2.46). A mixed perception of nursing, with both positive and negative aspects, was noted among respondents. Their motivations for entering nursing education and becoming a nurse encompass both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. There is a need to enhance the image and perception of the nursing profession, as well as to highlight the benefits of pursuing a career in nursing. Health policymakers, nursing education, and practice should enrich programs that highlight the image of nursing in terms of importance and contribution to health and well-being.