Factors that Influenced the Choice for Nursing Career among Selected Nigerian Undergraduate Nursing Students

Abstract

There are many reasons people choose a career in nursing; the desire to help or care for others and to contribute to society, among others. This study investigated the factors that influenced undergraduate nursing students at the University of Nigeria to choose nursing career. The research focused on identifying personal, second-party, and social factors that shaped their decisions. A cross-sectional descriptive design and convenience sampling method were utilized, involving 281 participants from a total population of 937. Data collection was done using a researcher-developed questionnaire, and analysis was conducted with the aid of SPSS software. The findings revealed that key personal factors included a desire to acquire knowledge on how to care for sick family members (89.75%), an interest in the nursing profession (89.75%), a desire to help others (85.75%), and a passion for caring for the sick (85.50%). Second-party factors that influenced the students’ career choice included the desire to assist neighbours with nursing care (73.00%), the diligence of nurses in performing their duties (68.75%), and parental or guardian influence (65.75%). Social factors included the ability to provide financial support to family and significant others (81.75%), financial security (79.25%), ease of finding employment as a nurse (78.00%), and opportunities to work abroad (76.25%). The study concluded that nursing career choices are driven by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. It emphasized the need for strong guidance and counselling in nursing career decisions and pursuits, as well as the importance of imparting global nursing knowledge and skills to students.