ABSTRACT
Background Shortage of qualified nurses and their low level of educational qualifications hinders the development of global health services. Researches have proved the role of nursing education in addressing these problems. However, no-related studies have focused on senior high school students before in China. This study aimed to explore senior high school students’ intention to learn nursing and identify the factors influencing their decision-making process.Methods An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 8050 senior high school students. The questionnaire that included questions regarding their demographic characteristics, understanding of the nursing specialty, cognition of the nurse occupation and experiences during the pandemic. 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 predictor of students’ intentions to pursue nursing education. Students’ interest in nursing specialty were associated with their choice. There was a positive correlation between cognition of nursing occupation and students’ choice of nursing. Students’ experience of Covid-19 also have positive impact on their nursing career choice.Conclusion The shortage of nurses is a particularly daunting challenge in China. This study provided a new perspective for predictors of the nursing shortage and the potential interventions.