Nursing is one of the most important and highly regarded professions in healthcare. However, there are misconceptions about it that can discourage aspiring nurses from pursuing their dreams or looking down on the value of the profession. These myths create misunderstandings about what nursing means or what it takes to be successful in nursing. Thus, it is necessary to set the record straight and analyse some of the myths that one hears so often about nursing.

Nurses Only Follow Doctors’ Orders

One of the most persistent myths is that nursing is merely about following doctors’ orders. While collaboration with doctors is a crucial part of the job, nurses are highly skilled professionals in their own right. They assess patients, make major decisions, administer treatments, and give life-saving care. Many of them specialise in branches like intensive care, oncology, and pediatrics, which is why strong and rational decision-making is key. More importantly, nurses have more direct patient contact than any other medical professional and thus contribute significantly to a patient’s recovery.

Nursing is for Women Only

Nursing was almost exclusively female-dominated at one time indeed but has seen a change over the years. Many more men are entering the field and excelling in a number of areas. It is a past notion that nursing is for one gender; it is a job of skills, compassion, and expertise are not limited by gender.

Limited Career Progression in Nursing

Some also believe that nurses have limited career progression and that their work is confined to hospitals. This could not be further from the truth. Nurses have various career paths open to them, from research, education, and leadership to even policymaking. Advanced- degree education has been the foundation for nurse practitioner, educator, and consultant status. Hospital nurses practise in clinics, corporate health, public health organisations, and around the globe in humanitarian missions.

Nursing is Only About Bedside Care

It is believed that nursing is all about patients, and the functions of this profession are only limited to checking vital signs and giving medicine. While these responsibilities are fundamental, nursing extends far beyond them. It contains critical decision-making, emergency intervention, and management of chronic conditions. Also, it is present in the advocacy of patient outcomes to ensure maximum use of available resources to fulfil their needs.

Nurses Do Not Need Extensive Education

Another misconception is that nurses do not require much education. Modern nursing requires a heavy depth of understanding, quite on par with several fields of human learning: medical sciences, anatomy, pharmacology, or facets of patient care. Most choose to continue their education to specialise more and build on their knowledge base. Learning for nurses never ends as the complexities of healthcare continue to increase and they are constantly meeting new changes in medicine.

Of course, for their advancement and knowledge of the nursing profession, the Master of Science in Clinical Nursing Programme at the highly prestigious King’s College London held at Ngee Ann Academy is the ideal choice. This 24-month part-time programme equips nurses with the knowledge and skills to take on leadership roles and enhance their clinical expertise. Ranked No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 globally according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, the programme follows a blended online and face-to-face learning approach. Nurses will attend some classroom-based sessions at Ngee Ann Academy while also benefiting from online learning through the King’s e-Learning and Teaching Services (KEATS) platform. Beyond the curriculum, collaborating with peers from Singapore and the United Kingdom in informal online study groups enriches learning by fostering collaborative review and the exchange of insights.

Shaping the Future of Nursing

Nursing is a dynamic and evolving profession that goes far beyond outdated stereotypes. As healthcare systems become more complex, the role of nurses continues to expand, demanding higher levels of expertise, leadership, and adaptability. Dispelling these myths is essential to attracting more passionate individuals to the profession and ensuring that nurses receive the recognition and support they deserve. Take the next step in your nursing journey, contact Ngee Ann Academy’s Admissions Team today to find out more.

NB: The course is not accredited by the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) and does not lead to certification as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). Only Master of Nursing programmes leading to certification as an APN require SNB accreditation*.

*SNB | Accreditation of Nursing Education Programmes