Female Saudi nursing students’ perspectives on pursuing a career in home healthcare: A qualitative study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundWhile the number of patients requiring home healthcare in Saudi Arabia is increasing, there is insufficient data on what attracts nurses to work in this field.ObjectiveThis qualitative study investigates how nursing students practicing in home healthcare perceive it as a future career.MethodsA purposive sample was used to recruit fourth-year nursing students enrolled in an older adult nursing care course and trained in home healthcare settings. Data were gathered using five focus groups of five students each (a total of 25 students) and analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsIt was found that the majority of students did not perceive home healthcare as a viable career option compared to working in a hospital. They vacillated due to the nature of the work, safety concerns, working demands, invariability of health cases, and lack of opportunities for professional development. Nevertheless, some nursing students were amenable to pursuing a career in home healthcare due to the less working hours, sense of autonomy, and the ability to provide holistic care and educate patients and their families.ConclusionPopulation awareness programs are needed to overcome cultural barriers, increase student motivation and ultimately bolster the number of certified nurses working in home healthcare.