Towards greener care: understanding sustainability awareness among nursing students through qualitative inquiry

Background

Environmental sustainability is increasingly important in healthcare due to the sector’s substantial impact on energy use and waste generation. Nurses play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices to protect both public health and the environment. This study aims to explore nursing students’ awareness and perceptions of sustainability in healthcare.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 15 undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Data were analyzed thematically to identify key patterns.

Results

Fifteen nursing students—both male and female—from undergraduate and postgraduate levels—participated in the interviews. Thematic analysis identified four overarching themes encompassing nine subthemes: (1) understanding of sustainability, (2) personal motivations and values, (3) institutional and educational contexts, and (4) professional vision for sustainable nursing practice. Overall, participants demonstrated a general awareness of sustainability but reported limited integration within academic curricula and inadequate institutional support in clinical settings.

Conclusion

Enhancing nursing curricula and strengthening institutional support are essential to empower future nurses to effectively integrate sustainability into healthcare practice.