Nursing students: Challenging (and debunking) millennial stereotypes

You could have read, heard, and even repeated an unfavorable stereotype in regards to the millennial generation. If so, it’s best to have attended 66th Annual Convention of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA). earlier this month to see the abundance of tangible energy throughout the partitions of the exhibit hall. Thousands of eager nursing students poured into the exhibit hall excited, exuberant, and curious to soak up all the things around them.

Nursing students asked many questions at our Lippincott NursingCenter boothul asked questions and proudly shared the areas of practice they desired to pursue. The anticipation of the transition from aspiring nurse to practicing nurse was obvious and provoking. The scale of this event was reason enough to consider that nursing will proceed to be some of the respected, ethical and sought-after professions.

The appreciation these promising nursing students had for his or her nursing professors and mentors was also evident. Many individuals who visited our stand attributed their knowledge and keenness to the teachers who inspired them. There is little doubt that the bar is ready high and there are big shoes to fill, but an undeniable enthusiasm to make an impact and have a meaningful profession will enable these nursing students to fill the roles of those they admire.

While there could also be generational gaps, one thing that continues to be constant across generations is the pursuit of excellence and continuous learning to ultimately provide optimal patient care. Being an lively member of the National Association of Student Nurses and attending the convention are symbols of going the additional mile, which is an important practice within the nursing career. Going the additional mile and maintaining a patient-first attitude are key traits that unite nurses of all generations. Nursing is a career driven by passion, and based on the 2018 NSNA results, the longer term of nursing lies in capable and enthusiastic hands.