In the world of healthcare, nurses play a super important role, and in the Philippines, many students,

especially at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), choose nursing. This research aims to find out
why. Let's explore what motivates USM students to pursue a nursing career and how this connects to the
big picture of nursing needs.

Around the world, we really need nurses. The World Health Organization says there's a shortage of 5.9
million nurses globally. In the Philippines, we're facing a similar situation and need about 100,000 more
nurses to help our growing population (Philippine Nurses Association, 2023).

Being a nurse in the Philippines is a big deal. Almost 1 in 10 college students in the country chooses
nursing, making it the second most popular degree (CHED, 2023). This isn't just a Filipino thing; globally,
nursing is in the top ten most popular university majors (QS World University Rankings, 2023).

Choosing to be a nurse is a complex decision influenced by personal, school-related, and societal factors.
This research aims to explore these reasons among USM nursing students. As the need for healthcare
professionals keeps growing, understanding why students pick nursing is crucial for schools,
policymakers, and healthcare workers

Lastly, for individual students, the study provides a reflective opportunity. By understanding the diverse
motivations for choosing nursing, students can further analyze their own aspirations and personal goals
within the profession. This introspection can guide career development, fostering continuous learning
and professional growth