What Do High School Guidance Counselors Really Think of Nursing?

Abstract

With the increasing nursing shortage, it is imperative that nursing programs attract and retain students who will be successful in becoming competent, caring practitioners. High school guidance counselors can influence the career choices of students. To do so, these professionals must have an accurate understanding of the attributes that will facilitate a career in nursing, as well as the changing roles of nurses. This study determined the current perceptions of high school guidance counselors regarding nursing. Overall, guidance counselors had realistic perceptions of nursing and identified personal and cognitive attributes of students that would promote success in nursing. However, nurses involved in the recruitment of students need to ensure that guidance counselors have more accurate perceptions of the changing role of nurses, opportunities for practice outside hospital settings, and the importance of problem-solving abilities and leadership skills for nurses.