Pre-registration nursing students' perceptions of a district nursing career: a qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

District nursing vacancies are recognised as high in comparison to many other nursing specialities. The role is often considered as an option for nurses after a period of registration as a nurse, which may be informed by multiple factors. The objectives of the study were to explore barriers to district nurse employment from the perspective of undergraduate nurses. A descriptive qualitative design was employed using focus groups as the method of data collection in accordance with study approval reference no: 21/NAH/006, 30/03/23. Participants were recruited from the current undergraduate nursing programme (n=60). Thematic analysis was chosen as a flexible method of qualitative data analysis. The study produced themes relating to role ambiguity, personal preferences, educational opportunities and recruitment and employer engagement. The experiences provided an insight into the barriers to recruitment of student nurses into district nursing on qualification. Increased engagement from community nurse providers is required to inform the role and incentivise entering this career option. Educational strategies that support community career pathways are required to ensure a balanced view of nursing roles among undergraduates.