Work

From career exploration to practice: A nursing workforce journey

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: • Hands-on exploration boosts interest in nursing careers. • Career exploration programs inspire individuals to pursue nursing. • Structured initiatives like AHEC help measure and grow nursing workforce. The U.S. healthcare system is facing a significant nursing workforce shortage. Targeted efforts are needed to recruit youth into nursing field. Research has demonstrated that career exploration programs that expose participants to the various facets of a career in the healthcare field have increased students’ knowledge of health careers, empowered students to make informed career choices, and enhanced their intent to pursue a career in medicine or similar STEM field. In a retrospective study, we assessed the influence of a nursing camp on participants’ awareness of and interest in the pursuing a career in the nursing field. Between 2018 and 2022, 68 high school students engaged in a nursing career exploration camp and completed program evaluation to demonstrate short-term impact of the program on students’ knowledge and intent to pursue a career in healthcare such as nursing. The data analysis revealed a positive shift in students' self-reported knowledge of and intent to pursue a career in healthcare. The findings underscore the affirmative influence nursing-specific career exploration summer programs have on improving the nursing career trajectory.

Source: Teaching and learning in nursing

DOI: 10.1016/j.teln.2025.12.015

Authors: Jennifer D. Taylor, Monique McAlister, Janiece Stover

Institutions: Indiana University School of Medicine, Purdue University Northwest, Franciscan Health

Language: English

Topic: Nursing education and management

Subfield: Research and Theory

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth, Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,700