FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CHOICE OF NURSING AS A CAREER AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN TWO SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN RIVERS STATE
Abstract
Understanding the factors influencing students' decisions to pursue nursing as a career is crucial
for effective healthcare workforce planning and quality service delivery. This study addresses
this gap by investigating the factors that influence nursing career choices among students from
the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and Rivers State University (RSU) in Rivers State.
The target population included nursing students from these two institutions. Employing a
quantitative descriptive survey design, data were collected from 300 students through a selfdesigned questionnaire, focusing on motivational, primary, and personal/societal factors
influencing career decisions in nursing. The findings revealed that among motivational factors,
students from both universities were primarily motivated by "Career Opportunities and
Incentives," highlighting the significance of job prospects and rewards in their career decisionmaking process. Conversely, "Social Impact and Recognition" received the lowest mean score,
indicating a lesser emphasis on societal acknowledgment in their career choices. In terms of
primary factors influencing career choice, "Job Stability and Security" emerged as the most
significant factor across both UNIPORTand RSU, underscoring students' prioritization of
stability and assurance in their nursing careers. On the other hand, "Opportunities for Career
Advancement" received the lowest mean score, suggesting perceived limitations in career
progression within the nursing profession. Regarding personal and societal factors, "Personal
Interest and Aptitude" was identified as the most influential factor influencing students' career
choices at both universities, highlighting the importance of individual passion and alignment
with the nursing role. However, the perceived "Societal Need for Healthcare Professionals" was
considered the least influential, pointing to potential gaps in students' awareness or alignment
with broader societal healthcare demands. In conclusion, these findings underscore the need for
tailored recruitment strategies, targeted educational program development, comprehensive career
counseling services, and efforts to enhance the public perception of nursing as a valued
profession.
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