School leavers and occupational choice : is nursing an appealing career?

Abstract

The rapid decrease of new entrants in nursing courses through the last decade is posing much concern for forward planning in the local health service. This study indicates that no significant changes can be forecasted for the recruitment problem in nursing. Studies have attributed this dramatic fall in school leavers entering nurse training to the ever declining pool of 16 and 18 year olds. The reality is that such demographic change has been predictable, and predicted, for many years! Other research had suggested the widening labour market as another complementing factor to the difficulty in attracting potential recruits in nursing. The theoretical framework is supported by the literature which views Ginzberg's and Roberts' career development and occupational choice, self concept and the image of nursing and the changing labour market. The findings from the questionnaire demonstrated that with only 2% of the sampled population aspiring to enter nurse training, interest in nursing as an occupational choice is small. Our teenagers' aspirations are getting higher, aiming at professional occupations and putting aside stereotypically gender careers. The conclusions indicate urgent strategies to change the public image of nursing and provide recommendations to reach this goal.