Examining the association between stigmatizing attitudes in nursing students and their desire for a career in mental health nursing: A comparative analysis of generic and accelerated programs in Israel

Accessible Summary What is known on the subject? Mental health nursing is generally viewed as the least attractive career choice among nursing students. What the paper adds to existing knowledge? Studying in the generic nursing program influence higher desire for a career in mental health nursing. Nursing students who have prior experience working in mental health and have provided care to psychiatric patients are more inclined to express a desire to pursue a career in this field What are the implications for practice? Nursing students enrolled in the generic program, who have previous work experience in mental health or experience caring for a person with a mental illness, and who have a lower level of stigmatizing attitudes, may constitute the future workforce in mental health nursing. Abstract Introduction Mental health nursing is often perceived as an unattractive career choice among nursing students, and it remains unclear whether the type of nursing program influences this view. Aim This cross‐sectional study aimed to explore the association between stigmatizing attitudes in nursing students and their desire for a career in mental health nursing, comparing students in generic and accelerated programs. Method A total of 220 nursing students from generic and accelerated programs in North‐Center Israel participated in this cross‐sectional study, completing a questionnaire on stigmatizing attitudes and their interest in a mental health nursing career. Results Nursing students displayed a generally low desire for mental health nursing, influenced by factors such as enrollment in the generic program, previous mental health work experience and stigmatizing attitudes. Discussion Students in the generic program, with lower stigmatizing attitudes and prior mental health experience, exhibited a higher inclination towards mental health nursing. Implications for Practice Prospective mental health nursing professionals may be identified in the generic program, particularly those with prior mental health experience and lower stigmatizing attitudes. Additional studies are required to confirm and broaden their applicability to other contexts.