Investigating the intentions and reasons of senior high school students in registering for nursing education in China

BACKGROUND: A shortage of qualified nurses and their low level of educational qualifications hinders the development of global health services. Studies have proven the role of nursing education in addressing these problems. However, no related studies have focused on senior high school students in China. This study aimed to explore senior high school students’ intentions to learn nursing and identify the factors influencing their decision-making processes. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 8050 senior high school students, which included questions regarding their demographic characteristics, obtaining nursing specialty information, cognition of the nursing occupation and the impact of the COVID-19 on the nursing profession. Descriptive calculation, the chi-square test and logistic regression were used for the analysis. RESULTS: Only 0.73% of the participants had a clear intention to study nursing. Academic performance and family support were significant predictors of students’ intentions to pursue nursing education. Students’ interest in nursing specialties was associated with their choice. There was a positive correlation between cognition of nursing occupation and students’ choice of nursing. Students’ experience of the COVID-19 pandemic also had a positive impact on their nursing career choice. CONCLUSION: This survey to some extent reflects the problem of nurses shortage in China. In addition, these findings may also provide a new perspective for predictors of nursing shortage and potential interventions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12912-023-01480-w.