Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: July-September | Volume: 6 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 149-153
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20210724
Student Nurses' Perception about Nursing Profession: A Comparative Approach
Anil Kumar1, Sumandeep Kaur2, Harjeet Singh3, Gurpreet Kaur4, Neelam Rani5, Diksha6, Gaganpreet Kaur7, Gopika8, Gurmilanjot Kaur9, Harman Kaur10, Bhupinderpal Kaur11, Harmanjot Kaur12
1Associate Professor, University College of Nursing, Faridkot, Punjab, India.
2Tutor, University College of Nursing, Faridkot, Punjab, India
3-12Nursing students, University College of Nursing, Faridkot, Punjab, India
Corresponding Author: Sumandeep Kaur
ABSTRACT
Background: Perception is a belief or opinion of people to interpret things. Perception plays a key role in molding the shape of an individual as a person and as a professional. As perception affects the working capacity of nurses, it is imperative to know about the current trends of perceived image of profession among future professionals.
Methods: A quantitative comparative study was conducted involving 200 student nurses in order to assess and compare the perceived image of the nursing profession among freshers (B.Sc. nursing first year students) and outgoing batches (B.Sc. Nursing final year students), using convenient sampling technique. The study was conducted in both selected public and private institutions located within the Faridkot district of Punjab state. A five-point self- structured Likert scale was used to collect data from study subjects. Data was collected using the online mode via google forms after written informed consent from participants.
Results: Perceived image of nursing profession was significantly more positive (p= 0.026) among freshers when compared with final year students. A highly significant association (p=0.000) was found in the perceived image of the nursing profession with the type of institution. Student nurses from private institutions had significantly higher positive perception about the profession. Most of the final year students felt that nurses don’t get due respect in the society.
Conclusion: It is concluded that first year nursing students were more positive and enthusiastic about the nursing profession as compared to the outgoing batches. Students from government institutions had a drastically less favorable perceived image of the nursing profession in comparison to those studying in private institutions.
Keywords: Nursing Profession, Perception, Undergraduate students, Freshers.