What motivates young Arab Muslim women to choose nursing as a profession: A cross‐sectional study

• Published in: International nursing review 2024-09, Vol.71 (3), p.646-652
• Main Authors: Ben Natan, Merav, Abd El Hadi, Miriam, Zoubi, Fardus
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Arab people; Arabs - psychology; Arabs - statistics & numerical data; Career Choice; Careers; COVID-19 - ethnology; COVID-19 - nursing; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; image of nurses; image of nursing profession; Intervention; Islam - psychology; Israel; Motivation; nurse uniforms; Nurses; Nursing; Occupational choice; Occupational roles; Pandemics; recruitment strategies; Regression analysis; Surveys and Questionnaires; Uniforms; Women; Young Adult; young women
• ISSN: 0020-8132; 1466-7657; 1466-7657
• DOI: 10.1111/inr.12897

Aim This study examines the impact of nurse uniforms, the coronavirus pandemic, and the image of nurses and the nursing profession on the career choice of young Muslim Arab women in nursing, with a focus on policy implications. Background The global nursing shortage poses significant challenges, including in Israel. Attracting young Muslim Arab women to nursing careers is vital. Understanding how nurse uniforms, the pandemic, and perceptions of nurses and the nursing profession shape their career decisions can inform policy interventions. Methods A cross‐sectional study utilized digital questionnaires administered to 200 Muslim Arab women aged 20–30 in Israel. The study adhered to the EQUATOR checklist for cross‐sectional studies. Results Only 29.2% of participants expressed interest in studying nursing. Findings revealed a positive correlation between the pandemic's impact and intention to pursue nursing. A linear regression analysis shows the impact of the white uniform, the image of nurses, and the image of the profession on the choice of a career in nursing. Discussion The study emphasizes the significance of nurse uniforms, the image of nurses, and the image of the nursing profession in shaping young Muslim Arab women's career choices in nursing. Policy interventions should raise awareness about nursing roles, expand responsibilities, and highlight nurses' contributions to society. Conclusion Strategies to attract young Muslim Arab women to nursing careers should address nurse uniforms, the image of nurses, and the image of the nursing profession. Implications for policy Policy interventions should prioritize diversity, promote positive images of nurses and the nursing profession, and raise awareness of nursing roles and contributions among young Muslim Arab women.