Learning Objective #1: Understand the alarming results of the study conducted to assess nursing students' attitudes toward the nursing profession

Learning Objective #2: Understand how the results of the research study can be used to retain nurses in the profession

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Over the past few years, the number of nurses practicing at the bedside has declined significantly. The purpose of this research study was to evaluate nursing students' attitudes toward their future profession and to prospectively assess whether those values change over time. By conducting this study, the investigators hope to gain addtional knowledge that can be used to retain nurses in the profession. Methods: A prospective survey was conducted. Forty-five junior nursing students at a large advanced degree nursing program completed the survey after signing informed consent. The survey consisted of 11 items formatted in Likert scale for easy analysis. The 45 initial survey responses will be compared to addtional survey responses in their sevior year of nursing school and again at one year after graduation. Results: The responses of junior nursing students were assessed (N=45). 100% of students surveyed stated that the role of the bedside nurse was vitally important in this era of healthcare and that they believe other professions recognize the importance of nurses and the work they perform (64.4%). However, many of the students surveyed (48.9%) remarked that it was not necessarily their role to provide bedside care. Additionally, they responded that nurses are not well compensated for the job performed (55.6%). Conclusion: The attitudes of junior nursing students towards their future profession were alarming. Many of the students polled were not planning to practice nursing at the beside nor did they consider quality bedside care a priority for their career. Also, these students believe that nurses are not compensated appropriately for the duties they perform. Due to the results of this survey, the investigators decided to conduct this same study at other advanced degree schools to determine if the attitudes communicated by this sample are widespread.