Year: 2026 | Month: January-March | Volume: 11 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 202-211
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20260124
Career Choices, Factors Influencing Career Choices and Perception Towards Nursing Career Among Higher Secondary School Students
Fincy Joseph K1, Silji Sebastian2
1PG Nursing student, Department of Community Health Nursing, Lourdes College of Nursing, Kerala University of Health Sciences, Ernakulam, India
2Associate Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, Lourdes College of Nursing, Kerala University of Health Sciences, Ernakulam, India
Corresponding Author: Fincy Joseph K
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Choosing a career is a critical decision that profoundly impacts a person’s life. At the Secondary School level, students are expected to make sound choices that are consistent with their aims and objectives. Individuals globally prioritise selecting their preferred job path, which frequently determines their choice of study programs. Nursing holds a prominent position within healthcare systems, with nurses playing a crucial role in delivering safe effective healthcare and contributing significantly to societal health goals (Muhtar and Lim).
Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 Higher Secondary School students in Ernakulam District, Kerala. Purposive sampling was done. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire.
Results: The findings showed that, 30.90% students had mentioned nursing as their 1st career choice and 20.90% students had mentioned engineering as their 2nd career choice. Regarding perception towards nursing career, the majority of the students (85%) had positive perception.
Conclusion: This study underscores the need for promoting an accurate and positive image through media, school campaigns and involvement of practicing nurses to inspire future generations.
Keywords: Career choices; Factors; Perception; Nursing career; Higher Secondary School students.