Women's choices: an historical perspective of nursing as a career choice

Over time there has been debate within nursing regarding its designation as a professional career or "skilled craftsperson" job. Although the respectability of nursing has always been acknowledged, for some nursing is not considered a high-status career. This qualitative study sought to identify the reasons why women chose to become nurses. Fifteen nurses who had graduated from nursing school between 1900 and 1985 were interviewed and asked about their reasons for choosing nursing as a career. Various themes emerged as consistent in their choice to enter nursing. Paramount was the desire to be of service. The other primary motivator was the need for a practical career that was viewed as satisfying, flexible, accessible in terms of cost of schooling, always in demand, and respectable. When nursing was chosen in the face of family opposition, it was viewed as a calling where one could be of service.