'Do nurses really do that'? An exploratory mixed methods study of Students' willingness to lead

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Leadership
• Professional Identity Development

Background:

• Evolving healthcare demands necessitate nurses in leadership and political activism for system transformation.
• Nursing education is crucial for developing professional identity and preparing students for advanced roles.
• Understanding student perceptions of leadership roles is vital for effective nursing education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore baccalaureate nursing students' perceptions of the registered nurse role.
• To analyze student willingness to engage in leadership and political action within healthcare.
• To identify educational needs for preparing nurses for leadership in health system transformation.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory mixed-methods design utilizing surveys and focus groups.
• Involved first- and fourth-year baccalaureate nursing students in Western Canada.
• Collected data on role perceptions, career aspirations, and opinions on nurse leadership.

Main Results:

• Consistent perceptions of the nursing role across student cohorts and programs.
• Students enter nursing altruistically, with patient affirmation as key validation.
• While acknowledging the need for nurse leadership, students expressed reluctance to personally engage in these roles.

Conclusions:

• Current nursing education may not adequately prepare students for leadership and political activism.
• Strategies are needed to cultivate interest and willingness among future nurses for leadership roles.
• Addressing student perceptions is key to fostering engagement in healthcare transformation and political action.