Assessment of Perception of Nursing as A Career Among High School Students in Two Private Institutes of Lahore, Pakistan

Nursing is a vital component of the healthcare system, delivering comprehensive care to communities and individuals. Despite its significance, this profession faces a global shortage as a result of low recruiting, which is partially impacted by the youth’s perceptions of nursing. Particularly, in Pakistan, a lack of knowledge and societal stereotypes discourage students from considering nursing as a career. This study aims to evaluate the perception of nursing as a career among high school students in two private institutes of Lahore. A descriptive quantitative research design was employed. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed among 146 high school students selected using randomized probability sampling from Punjab Group of Colleges. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information and Likert-scale items to measure students’ knowledge and attitudes toward nursing. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The majority of respondents viewed nursing positively, with 82.8% recognizing it as a noble profession and 93.1% acknowledging the intelligence required to pursue it. Gender stereotypes were also challenged, as 65% of participants rejected the belief that nursing is only for women. However, 52.1% of students felt that nurses are not respected and valued in society, highlighting a gap between internal perception and societal attitudes. Peer influence was found to have minimal impact on career choice, while most students recognized the demanding and stressful nature of the profession. High school students in private colleges in Lahore generally perceive nursing as a valuable and intellectually rewarding profession. However, negative societal perceptions and stereotypes persist, particularly regarding respect and gender roles. Addressing these gaps through awareness campaigns and educational interventions is essential to improve the profession’s image and attract future nursing professionals.