Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis of Nursing From the Perspective of Nursing Students

Aim: This study aimed to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the nursing profession from the perspectives of nursing students. Method: The research was conducted as a descriptive case study based on a qualitative approach. The study group consisted of 242 nursing students selected through purposive sampling from two public universities. Data were obtained between April and June 2025 through a questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions. Data were analysed through content analysis, guided by the four core components of the SWOT framework—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats—using MAXQDA 2020 software. Results: A total of 2,050 codes were generated and categorised under four main themes: Strengths (f=606), Weaknesses (f=678), Opportunities (f=413), and Threats (f=353). Among the strengths, care orientation and human-centeredness were the most prominent, while workload and burnout were the most frequently mentioned weaknesses. Increasing demand for healthcare services and employment opportunities emerged as key opportunities, whereas artificial intelligence, excessive workload, and staff shortages were identified as significant threats. Conclusion: The findings indicate that students perceive nursing as a human-oriented profession with strong employment potential; however, they view heavy workload, exposure to violence, and a lack of social recognition as significant weaknesses. The results underscore the need to develop educational and policy strategies that preserve the strengths of the profession, mitigate its weaknesses, and ensure the sustainable utilisation of future opportunities in nursing.