Is nursing losing its appeal to the younger generation?

healthcaretoday, Malaysian Nurses Association, nursing careers, nurse shortage, government nurses, nursing education, mental health support, nurse retention, public service, nursing profession, nursing skills, nursing advocacy, nurse migration,

Is nursing losing its appeal to the younger generation?

November 30, 2024

healthcaretoday, Malaysian Nurses Association, nursing, healthcare careers, nurse influencers, nursing profession, nursing education, nursing challenges, nurse awareness, nursing innovation, nurse leadership, nursing community, global nursing, nursing awareness, nurse image, healthcare workforce, nursing trends, nursing recruitment,

The younger generation increasingly gravitates towards professions like social media influencing, driven by the allure of popularity and financial gain. However, a notable segment of young nurses is leveraging platforms like TikTok to raise awareness about the nursing profession.

Image and perception challenges
One significant concern is the manner in which some nurses present themselves—their attire, language, and communication style may inadvertently project a negative image of the profession. This issue often arises from a lack of understanding rather than intentional disrespect, highlighting the need for guidance and education.

This insight emerged from a collaborative discussion titled “The downfall of the nursing profession: Misconceptions about the role of nurses leading to disrespect and lack of recognition.” Delegates from various nursing associations, including the Chinese Nursing Association, College of Nursing Hong Kong, Indonesian National Nurses Association, Indian Nursing Council, Japanese Nursing Association, Nurses Association of Macau, Nurses Association of Thailand, Philippine Nurses Association, Singapore Nurses Association, and Taiwan Nursing Association gathered at the 22nd Asia Workforce Forum (AWFF) and the 18th Alliance of Asian Nurses Associations (AANA) meeting, hosted by the Malaysian Nurses Association (MNA) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN) from November 20-22.

Evolving perceptions of nursing in the digital age
Younger generations perceive social media as a platform to enhance their own visibility. However, this approach has its complexities; while it can foster a positive image, it can also lead to negative perceptions, highlighting yet another misconception.

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted perspectives, particularly among young people in Singapore, who began to view healthcare jobs as resilient and essential. As discussions around economic sustainability evolved, nursing emerged as a key component of the healthcare workforce. In the past, nursing was often seen as a fallback option for those pursuing diplomas, leading many to enter the field only to leave once they obtained their credentials.

To engage tech-savvy youth, Singapore has introduced pathways for nurses in informatics, allowing them to innovate and develop new healthcare technologies. This opportunity excites young professionals, who are now pursuing advanced degrees in Informatics Management or Data Analysis.

Another appealing area for young nurses is clinical practice. Advanced practice nurses, for instance, have access to prescribing devices that enable them to legally prescribe a range of medications. These two avenues—informatics and advanced clinical practice—significantly enhance the branding of the nursing profession.

Challenges in Taiwan's nursing profession post-COVID-19
In Taiwan, the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed nursing into a high-risk, high-reward profession. Despite this, many nursing graduates are reluctant to enter the field. In response, the government has made significant investments in nursing, with the Ministry of Education increasing nursing school enrollment rate by 10%.

This situation has led to a significant drop in the enrollment rate to 80%, a trend that has never been observed before in Taiwan.

Making nursing more attractive
How can we enhance the appeal of nursing as a profession? There are numerous systemic and structural challenges to address. Even advanced practice nurses face barriers that hinder their ability to fully practice as nurse practitioners. Furthermore, many new nursing graduates are hesitant to enter the field.

In Thailand, approximately 60% of nurses work 16-hour shifts. Legally, nurses in Thailand are only required to work 40 hours a week, but due to shortages, many are compelled to work overtime. Consequently, about 60% of nurses often take on two shifts, primarily younger nurses who, needing the income, are willing to work 16-hour days. The remaining 40% adhere to standard working hours. While overtime can provide additional income, the pressure to work excessive hours leads to burnout, highlighting a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.

In Malaysia, the standard working hours are 45 hours per week, while some nurses work 42-hour weeks due to shift schedules. Those on office hours (8am to 5pm) typically receive two days off, whereas shift workers, who often work six days a week, only get one day off. This discrepancy in working conditions poses significant challenges in attracting new nurses.

In Hong Kong, the nursing profession enjoys a more respected public image, largely due to visibility of nurses' contributions. Many parents actively encourage their children to pursue careers in nursing, both within and outside the profession. However, conflicts can arise among healthcare professionals, as nurses play various roles throughout a patient's journey, from prevention to rehabilitation. There are currently 13 registered medical and health-related professions in Hong Kong, with six more seeking accreditation. Despite this, nurses are often viewed primarily as assistants, a perception that is under discussion.

A notable example involves the Chinese Traditional Medicine Hospital, which has been in development for the past five years. Discussions about manpower and the nursing role have highlighted the involvement of nurses trained in Chinese medicine practices, allowing them to participate in treatment processes.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, public awareness of the nursing profession's significance has surged in India, resulting in a spike in applications for nursing programs. The selection process has become more rigorous, incorporating attitudinal assessments to gauge candidates' suitability. The number of applications now exceeds the available seats, as government nursing positions offer more job security, pension benefits, and higher salaries compared to the private sector.

Addressing challenges in nursing education and perception
Migration poses a significant challenge in India. In addition, there is ongoing debate about establishing a separate nursing framework for alternative medicine leading to the development of a one-year diploma program for nurses. This program, designed in consultation with experts in alternative medicine, is gaining traction, and there is growing interest in launching it in India.

There is a noticeable disparity in commitment levels between older and newer generations of nursing professionals. Today's education is increasingly technology-driven, prompting nursing educators to rethink their teaching methods to engage students who have access to vast information online. Retaining students' attention for even an hour presents a significant challenge for educators. Therefore, innovative teaching strategies are essential to spark interest in nursing and ensure students remain engaged in the field.

One notable initiative is the Global Funds for Malaria and Tuberculosis project, which enrolled 150,000 lab nurses. Utilizing technology, a smart board game was developed to assess educators' knowledge. This highlights the need for diverse technological approaches to captivate today's students.

In Japan, a major barrier in nursing education is the three-year basic training program. While there are universities with nursing departments and specialized training schools, enrollment numbers in these institutions are nearly equal. This structure complicates efforts to elevate the social status of nurses, especially since medical doctors, pharmacists, and dentists receive university-level education. The continued reliance on three-year training programs hampers the potential for significant improvements in nurses' social standing.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses were prominently featured on the front lines, showcasing their vital role. However, the profession also faces inherent risks. It is crucial to convey to the public that nursing is a highly specialized field requiring significant expertise. Ensuring a safe working environment is essential to attract more individuals to the profession.

Enhancing the image and future of nursing
Misunderstandings and misconceptions continue to affect the perception of nursing. One effective way to change this image is by creating a video featuring nurses from various countries on social media, showcasing their contributions and excellence. This approach can have a greater impact on the younger generation, highlighting that nursing is not just a local profession but a global one.

The Philippines proposed fostering collaboration among nursing associations to enable countries to support each other through exchange programs. This initiative highlights the critical need for developing a leadership pipeline, ensuring that future global nursing leaders are equipped to succeed the current leaders as they retire. In line with this vision, the Philippine Nursing Leadership Institute (PNLI) is dedicated to cultivating thought leaders in nursing. This year, the PNLI launched a new program designed to engage young nurses in leadership roles, serving as an essential intermediary step before they pursue graduate studies. This five-day initiative, offered at no cost to participants nominated by regional thought leaders, aims to establish a robust succession ladder for future nursing leaders.

In Hong Kong, over 10% of nursing graduates choose not to pursue a career in nursing despite their hard work to obtain their degrees. Graduates earn both an academic qualification (a bachelor's degree) and a professional nursing qualification. Many opt for other career paths, including government administrative roles, as their academic credentials allow them to explore various opportunities. This situation has led to some students feeling disengaged from the nursing profession.

To retain nursing students, it is crucial to develop effective strategies. Bonding programs are often ineffective in Hong Kong, as parents may pay off their children's obligations if they are unhappy in their jobs. Consequently, some graduates leave their nursing positions within just three months.

Investment in nursing education requires careful consideration. Stringent selection criteria were once in place for nursing programs, including requirements for body weight, height, and vision. However, current policies emphasize accessibility and equity, allowing all qualified applicants to be accepted, regardless of learning disabilities or physical challenges.

In Malaysia, specific criteria are still used to select nursing students. For example, candidates with polydactyly (extra fingers) are denied entry, and applicants must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) under 28. Mental health is also a consideration, along with teamwork abilities and stress management. Some candidates require follow-up for mental health issues, but without a formal letter declaring them unfit to work, they remain in the system. Thorough assessments during interviews are essential to determine candidates' fitness for the profession.

In Taiwan, young nursing professionals are encouraged to participate in meetings as part of a succession plan, preparing them for leadership roles in global nursing events. Various leadership training programs invite talented young nurses to participate. Additionally, a Young Member Committee was established this year to identify and nurture committed individuals for future leadership roles.

Japan shares Taiwan's vision for a succession plan. Young nurses today are increasingly ambitious, with more opportunities to collaborate and motivate each other. Each country has its unique context, but there is a shared value proposition for young nurses looking to contribute to their communities. Identifying common challenges can amplify their voices, especially in a diverse region where some countries excel in managing specific health issues, like dementia.

EXPLORE FURTHER