Year 11 pupils' perception of nursing: an exploratory study

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore Year 11 pupils’ perceptions of nursing, the influences that affect these perceptions, and the way in which these reflect the discourses within and about the nursing profession. The objective of this research is to provide data which will contribute to the body of knowledge around nurse recruitment and career advice; to foster an increasing understanding of nursing roles, requirements, opportunities, and how to make nursing more appealing to young people. Forty individual interviews were conducted with Year 11 pupils from four different comprehensive schools within the West Midlands region (age 15-16 years). They were interpreted using a qualitative approach; drawing on social constructionism.

Findings suggest that nursing continues to be viewed in stereotypical terms as a vocation, lacking status as a profession and unappealing as a career. Although nursing appears to be respected, evidenced in expressions of ‘moral worth’ in society, it is not perceived to be seen as producing the expected outcomes of financial reward, status and social credibility. There is an apparent lack of knowledge and understanding of nursing roles, educational requirements and opportunities available within nursing, with few current terms of reference that can be drawn upon. Parents and family are seen to have the biggest influence on perceptions of careers. Pupils who identified nurses within their families portrayed a negative image of nursing to participants.

Conclusions suggest that higher education institutes, the nursing profession, media, schools, and career personnel need to work together to ensure a current, comprehensive understanding of nursing is portrayed to young people. The nursing profession must identify role models to champion the image of nursing, to inspire and encourage conditions that will motivate the current workforce to promote a positive culture within itself, to represent this to others.