Factors Influencing Vocational Nursing Students’ Career Intentions in Geriatric Nursing: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background With the accelerating global aging of the population, the healthcare sector faces an urgent need for skilled geriatric nurses. Despite this growing demand, gerontological nursing continues to be an unpopular career choice among nursing students. Vocational nursing students in China are strategically positioned to be the core geriatric nursing workforce, however, there is little evidence regarding their career preferences and attitudes toward geriatric nursing. This study aimed to evaluate vocational nursing students’ career intentions toward geriatric nursing in Central-South China and identify the key influencing factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2024, with five vocational institutions in Central-South China randomly selected using cluster sampling. Data were collected through a demographic questionnaire, the Aging Knowledge Test Scale, and the Chinese version of Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Old People Scale. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors influencing students’ career intentions in geriatric nursing. Results Of 3622 surveyed students, 1694 (46.8%) expressed willingness to pursue geriatric nursing post-graduation. Influencing factors included sociodemographic characteristics (younger academic years, nursing as first career choice), experiential factors (living with older adults, established relationships with older adults, childhood caregiving by older adults, geriatric training, perceived need for geriatric courses, volunteering, nursing home experience), and stronger gerontological knowledge and positive attitudes toward older adults. Conclusions Vocational nursing students’ intentions for geriatric nursing are underwhelming. These are shaped by sociodemographic, experiential, and attitudinal-knowledge factors. Low knowledge levels necessitate targeted interventions. Integrating gerontological curricula, expanding clinical placements, and fostering intergenerational contact will nurture motivation and boost preparedness in this critical healthcare sector.