Sichuan hospital seeks master's, doctoral degrees for nursing positions

A hospital in Sichuan province has raised eyebrows by requiring master's or doctoral degrees for 34 nursing positions, with some netizens expressing surprise at the stringent qualifications.

The West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University recently released a notice seeking applications for the nursing positions, specifying that applicants must hold a master's or doctoral degree in clinical nursing.

The unusual requirement sparked a discussion online, with some netizens questioning the rationale behind the high standards. "The requirements for nursing positions are so high nowadays," one person commented on social media. "A bachelor's degree is no longer good enough."

Others, however, defended the hospital's decision, suggesting that its reputation as a leading medical institution justifies the demand for highly qualified nursing professionals. "The hospital is a benchmark," one netizen remarked. "It's not surprising that they are hiring doctorate degree holders."

Established in 1896 as a women's and children's hospital, the West China Second University Hospital has a long history of providing specialized care in obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics.

In response to the online chatter, a hospital spokesperson acknowledged the surprise triggered by the job posting but emphasized that the institution offers competitive salaries and has different requirements for nursing positions. "We also recruit graduates from with junior college degrees," the spokesperson clarified.

The spokesperson further highlighted the hospital's nursing department, which boasts a distinguished faculty, including doctoral supervisors.

According to official statistics, China's registered nurse workforce exceeded 5.2 million by the end of 2022, with approximately 3.7 registered nurses per 1,000 people. Over the past decade, the nursing profession has experienced an average annual growth rate of 8%, with around 300,000 new nurses joining the ranks each year.

Moreover, nearly 80 percent of registered nurses in China hold a diploma beyond a junior college degree, indicating a significant improvement in the overall quality and professional competence of the nursing workforce.