Perceptions of Mental Health Nursing as a Career Path: A Descriptive-Correlational Study among Taif University Nursing Students

Abstract

This study examined the perceptions of nursing students at Taif University toward mental health nursing as a career path. Anchored on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior, the study sought to describe students’ perceptions in terms of professional image, perceived competence and preparedness, career opportunities and advancement, emotional demands and workplace safety, and personal interest and willingness to specialize. It also determined the relationship and differences in students’ perceptions when grouped according to selected demographic and academic variables. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was used. The respondents were 286 undergraduate nursing students from different academic levels at Taif University. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that the respondents generally had a positive perception of mental health nursing as a career path, with an overall mean of 3.48. Among the perception domains, professional image obtained the highest mean, while emotional demands and workplace safety received the lowest rating. Previous exposure to mental health clinical settings, academic level, and overall intention were significantly related to students’ perceptions. Students with previous mental health clinical exposure had significantly more positive perceptions than those without exposure. Regression analysis further showed that professional image, perceived competence and preparedness, career opportunities, emotional demands and workplace safety, previous exposure, and academic level significantly predicted students’ intention to pursue mental health nursing, while gender was not a significant predictor. Based on the findings, the study recommends the development of a mental health nursing career enhancement program focusing on early exposure, simulation-based learning, mentorship, reflective activities, and career orientation. The study concludes that strengthening students’ confidence, clinical readiness, and awareness of career opportunities may improve their willingness to consider mental health nursing as a future specialization.