Date of Graduation

Fall 12-12-2025

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Department/Program

Nursing

Program

Family Nurse Practitioner

First Advisor

Dr. Jo Loomis

Second Advisor

Dr. Kelly Fox

Abstract

Background: Equitable and culturally competent care can reduce health disparities among underserved populations; yet the nursing shortage the US faces does not allow for better patient outcomes. One barrier is how the profession can be negatively viewed among high school students of color.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify how perception of nursing affects a student’s career choice and what influences these perspectives. Three databases were utilized for this search: The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, and Scopus. Six articles were selected for this review. The following themes have been identified: misconceptions, where they come from, and early exposure to nursing.

Results: Misconceptions such as nursing being a woman’s job and a low-tier job are consistent findings. Concerns about competitive and expensive programs are reported deterrents. Media, family, and peers are the main sources of student opinions. Social media can shape the public’s view on nursing. A key factor for choosing nursing as a profession is early exposure as it can debunk common myths about nursing through positive changes in perception.

Discussion: There is a strong need for a large-scale assessment on current views on nursing, where it stems from, what strategies can be implemented to change perception, and how it affects diversity and community health. Local institutions like nursing schools and healthcare systems can provide many opportunities for young people to get early exposure to nursing.

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