Vol. 4, Issue 9, Part B (2018)

Abstract
Background of the study: Nursing, a profession that recalls the name of Florence Nightingale is indeed one of the noblest professions in the world. Nursing education is becoming more demanding each day. Future nurses have to consider theoretical, practical, ethical and legal aspects of their careers especially in the area of rights of the patients. The poor knowledge and attitude towards nursing as a profession has made nursing a low profile course, and hinders its advancement even more. The public’s attitudes towards nursing appear to depend upon the degree of knowledge and economic power nurses receive. To attract more individuals to the profession, a positive image of nursing needs to be engendered by nurse education and the general community. To improve nurse’s social image is to intervene in the social image of nursing that exists in the general public and among professionals⁴. Aim of the study: The present study was conducted to assess the attitude and perception of secondary high school and junior college students towards nursing profession from Uttan community. Methods: A descriptive study with survey design was selected to assess the attitude and perception of secondary high school and junior college students towards nursing profession at selected school. A total number 104 subjects were selected by using non probability purposive sampling. The checklist was prepared to assess the attitude and perception regarding nursing nursing profession and 5 point likert scale was used to assess the attitude and perception. Results: Majority of the students 76 (73.07%) had moderately favorable attitude and 28 (26.93%) subjects had favorable attitude and none of the student had unfavorable attitude towards nursing profession. Regarding attitude revealed that, majority 49.03% agreed that they enjoy to care and to be with the people in need. The majority of 53.84% students believed that nursing is challenging procedure and 54.80% of students believed that they can be found nursing jobs wherever they go. Majority of 33.65% of the students disagree that the nursing profession is for females only. Regarding the perception revealed that majority 47.11% agreed that nursing is a technical occupation. While majority 59.61% agreed that the nurses earns good salary, majority of 57.69% also agreed that nurses have a lot of people to take care of, majority of 51.92% agreed that it takes intelligence to be a nurse. Majority 46.15% agreed that nursing is interesting, challenging and offers variety. Majority of 50.96% agreed that nursing is primarily for women.