Undergraduate thesis.

This study explores the impact of medical dramas on the career aspirations of first-year nursing students. Employing a mixed-method research design, the study includes quantitative surveys to evaluate the interest and aspirations of a sample of nursing students, couples with qualitative interviews to gain deeper insights into their perceptions and experiences. The results demonstrate a significant positive correlation between watching medical dramas and increased enthusiasm for healthcare careers among students, with many viewing the characters as role models. Despite an awareness of the fictional nature of these shows, students report a heightened interest in pursuing healthcare professions. These findings underscore the importance of considering the societal influence of media portrayals in healthcare education and professional development. Furthermore, the study highlights the nuanced ways in which medical dramas shape student perceptions of the healthcare environment, often fostering a romanticized view of the profession. While some students are inspired by the portrayal of medical challenges and the heroism of healthcare workers, others develop unrealistic expectations about the day-to-day realities of nursing. The research calls for educators to address these influences in their curricula, ensuring that students receive a balanced understanding of the profession. This study contributes to the broader discourse on media influence, suggesting that while medical dramas can be a powerful motivational tool, they must be contextualized within a realistic framework to prepare students for the demands of healthcare careers.