Young nurse students keep their head up in a tough industry

Far fewer people applied to the nursing program in the last intake, suggesting that the negative reputation has influenced young people in their choice of education. But some nursing students remain excited for the future.

Sofie Nielsen, 24, in Københavns Professionshøjskole where she studies to become a nurse. Photo: Sara Schwartz Wiman

By Anna Sofie Grebe Østergaard and Sara Schwartz Wiman

The number of applications to the nursing program in Denmark fell by 18% from 2021 to 2022. Despite talk of tough working conditions, Sofie Nielsen and Cathrine Sophie Rosengren decided to start the nursing program in Copenhagen anyway. They have chosen their education only based on interest:

“Helping other people has always been deeply rooted in me. I find it very exciting to know how to act in life-threatening situations,” says Cathrine Sophie Rosengren.

Hopeful despite of gloomy forecasts

Although both women feel happy and confident with their choice of education, they have some thoughts about the somewhat uncertain future.

“I know I have to take care of myself in relation to stress, and it’s really unfortunate that it has to mean so much, but it does,” says 24-year-old Sofie Nielsen. 

However, both Sofie and Cathrine remain hopeful, and they believe that the increased focus on nurses will create improvements. They want to do their part to ensure that there will be nurses who can take care of those who need it.