The Image of Nursing (2024)

A nurse cradling a child who is receiving treatment for asthma. A nurse holding the hand of a frail diabetic patient and encouraging him during the discharge process. A nurse’s empathetic expression for a frightened teenager facing emergency surgery.

Are these the images we leave with our patients? Do they reflect how we see ourselves? Is our image obvious only in what we do, or is it also about what we say, how we say it, and what we wear? Consider these questions:

  • How has our image changed over the years?
  • Who is defining the image of the nurse?
  • What can each nurse do to affect our image?
  • How do we confront and address the negative images of nursing?

Our changing image
Over time, nurses have had many images, ranging from the angel of mercy to the sexual stereotype sometimes portrayed in works of fiction. Florence Nightingale depicted the nurse as inferior to the physician. As a child, I read every book in the popular Cherry Ames series and dreamed that every day I worked as a nurse would be a Cherry Ames day. This series ran from 1943 to 1968 and, interestingly, is now back in print. Other representations and misrepresentations that have shaped our image include Hot Lips Houlihan in the television series MASH and some less-than-inspiring nurses in soap operas.

In 2001, the Center for Nursing Advocacy was founded to address the nursing shortage. After deciding to focus on improving the portrayal of nurses in the media, the Center began a series of annual Golden Lamp awards for the best and worst depictions of nurses. The Center has developed letter-writing campaigns to target producers of shows that don’t show nursing in a positive light, such as ER and House. In December 2006, after 5 months of effort, the Center persuaded Coors brewery to stop using “naughty nurse” imagery in its ads.

Most honest and ethical
For many years, a Gallup poll has identified the most honest and ethical professions in America. And for 8 years in a row, nursing has been in the top 10. For the last 5 years, nurses have been number one (see Most honest professions).

But is this ranking really relevant to the concern we have about our image? What really matters to patients and their caregivers? What do we care about and look for in our colleagues? How much impact do these perceptions have on our image? (See Nursing’s image: What do nurses think matters most?)

Dressing with Snoopy and Sponge Bob
As the image of nursing evolved with time and changes in healthcare delivery, our appearance changed, too. The catalogue scrub companies who bombard nurses with their mailings have played an important role in this appearance change. Today, many nurses think nothing of wearing clothing adorned with cartoon characters. What other professions that serve the public have cartoon characters on their uniforms? Police officers, pre-hospital staff, judges, firefighters, and others would not be seen with Snoopy, Sponge Bob, or animal characters covering their uniforms.

Why does nursing represent itself in this way? We let people outside of our profession influence how we present ourselves to the public. Sandy Dumont, an image consultant, makes this comment about the way we dress, “You’re the only thing between the patient and death, and you’re covered in cartoons. No wonder you have no authority.” Many organizations have started to address this issue by changing the dress codes for nurses. These changes also make it easier for the patient to identify who is a nurse.

The face of nursing
The face of nursing—that is, the overwhelmingly female face—also affects our image. Although the number of men in nursing is growing, we need more campaigns and targeted recruitments to draw men into the profession. The old Cherry Ames image keeps the profession primarily female. As more men enter the profession, they will become role models and mentors for others. And other men will look at nursing as they do other career options, such as being a police officer or firefighter.

Our patients may be in the best position to answer the question, Who is the nurse? A nurse diagnosed with cancer found herself on the other side of health care. Here’s what she had to say, “I must say the majority of the time I knew who the nurses were…by the way they carried themselves and their professionalism.”

Redefining our image
Professor L.D. Andrews of Rogers State University says that to create a new image for nursing, nurses must:

  • value nursing and project that image daily
  • take themselves seriously and dress the part
  • recognize the value of what they do
  • believe in themselves and their colleagues.

Our image is evolving as nurses fill seats in the House of Representatives and news stations use us as resources for their stories on healthcare issues. These opportunities allow us to represent the reality of nursing and to show how the profession contributes to health care.
These developments show promise, but our professional image needs more, and we need it now. Each nurse needs to explore how his or her actions or inactions affect our image. Nursing faculty need to work with the student nurse organizations to help promote the image of nursing. Nursing leaders need to recognize the daily impact they have on the perceptions of staff nurses, patients, and caregivers. And staff nurses must appreciate the importance of how they are perceived by patients and caregivers.

Being a professional 24/7
We also need to recognize the effect of our behavior outside of the workplace. For some nurses, nursing is just a job, and it shows in what they say and how they act at work and away from work.

I have heard nurses emphatically state that they do not want their children to go into nursing and have to work in an environment where they are not respected, are underpaid, and have to deal with people who have unrealistic expectations. Obviously, these nurses are not helping to improve our image.

When an old friend asks about your work, don’t roll your eyes or shrug your shoulders. Try responding by putting your shoulders back, looking the person right in the eye, and saying, “I am a registered nurse now, and I work at the hospital.” Encourage your child who is interested in nursing. Inspire a child to consider the privilege of being with people when they are at both their worst and best. Such everyday actions will improve the image of nursing.

What we must do
Part of changing our image is growing as a profession, and such growth requires a nurturing process. Our nurse leaders need to guide this process by doing the following:

  • Cultivating a professional image by the way they represent the profession
  • Defining unacceptable workplace behaviors and holding the staff accountable
  • Teaching nurses the benefits of scripting such as, “My name is Shelley, and I am your registered nurse today.”
  • Defining the appearance of the nurs­ing staff in written guidelines and following through with consequences for those who don’t comply
  • Involving the staff in developing the list of unacceptable behaviors and the specifics of a new dress code
  • Posting, circulating, and advertising nursing’s accomplishments
  • Using the local community newspapers for ongoing announcements
  • Having staff contribute to the community by writing health-related articles in the newspaper
  • Speaking to civic and community groups about what nursing is and does
  • Listening to patients’ and caregivers’ perceptions of nursing
  • Surveying staff, patients, and caregivers about these perceptions
  • Teaching and mentoring staff on how to validate all they do with appropriate documentation and active committee involvement
  • Teaching communication skills, so staff nurses feel empowered to respond to negative colleagues in a manner that confronts and stops behaviors that affect our image

The time for us to redefine our image is now. By working together, we can help ourselves and the public see the nursing profession clearly.

Selected references
Andrews LD. Current image of professional nursing. Available at: www.rsu.edu. Accessed March 30, 2007.

The Center for Nursing Advocacy. Available at: http://nursingadvocacy.org/action/action.html. Accessed March 30, 2007.

The in/visibility of nurses in cyperculture. Available at: www.nursing-informatics.com/visiblenurse7.html. Accessed March 30, 2007.

Johnson & Johnson Discover Nursing campaign. Available at: www.discovernursing.com. Accessed March 30, 2007.

National Student Nurses’ Association. Image of Nursing Guideline Booklet. Available at: www.nsna.org/activities/nursing.asp. Accessed March 30, 2007.

For a complete list of selected references, see May 2007 references.

Shelley Cohen, BS, RN, CEN, is the educator/consultant for Health Resources Unlimited in Hohenwald, Tennessee.

The Image of Nursing (2024)

FAQs

What do we mean by the image of nursing? ›

Established in 1993, the goal of the Image of Nursing program is to dispel any misconceptions the public may have and the profession of nursing by re-educating them; educating nursing students on how to project a positive image of nursing; and help students understand the meaning of professionalism.

Why is the image of nursing so important? ›

A professional image can increase your patient's trust in your abilities. You worked hard to become an RN, so show pride for your profession by upholding a favorable appearance and actions to increase your patients' confidence and your own.

How do you think the image of nursing can be promoted? ›

Become a community leader

Given their education, background and exposure to community issues nurses can serve effectively on various platforms and become leaders in their communities. Participation by nurses at this level shows them as concerned and knowledgeable citizens and enhances the public image of nursing.

What influences the image of nursing? ›

It was also found that the presence of health care workers in the close environment, having a nurse relative and people who direct people to nursing positively influence the image of nursing.

Who is responsible for the image of nursing? ›

In 1993, the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA), developed the ongoing Image of Nursing program designed for what? o Designed to improve and protect the image of nursing. o The programs logo, "Nursing: not just a job, a profession." Seven graduate students from John Hopkins School of Nursing founded what?

What is nursing Short answer? ›

Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. It includes the promotion of health, the prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people.

How has the image of nursing changed over the years? ›

Women were caretakers, so nursing was just an extension of what their roles at home were anyway. Today, the nursing profession has changed drastically. There are extensive training programs, more diversified staff, and a level of prestige associated with this area of the medical field that wasn't there before.

Why image and status is important in nursing profession reflection? ›

The most important is that image can influence nurses themselves, just like nurses may feel depressed or less effective if others view them negatively. Professionals can experience similar reactions if their image is not positive, which impacts everything the profession does or wishes to do.

How do you perceive yourself as a nurse? ›

You can distinguish yourself as a nurse by working on three nursing qualities — confidence, professionalism and teamwork. These are important nursing career pillars, that can assist you in your daily practice and enable you to be proud of your work.

How will you make a positive impact on the nursing profession? ›

Having a good attitude toward others – By having a good attitude about the way that other staff work, the way that patients act, or even about the way that doctors treat your fellow nurses, you will help your team to improve their outlook on their jobs and make your workplace a happier, more pleasant environment.

What can be done to make the nursing profession more attractive? ›

How to Make Your Hospital Attractive to Nurses
  1. Be friendly but professional. ...
  2. Dress as neatly as possible (and ask your staff to do the same) ...
  3. Offer competitive wages and opportunities for growth. ...
  4. Provide adequate paid time off. ...
  5. Give all candidates a tour of the facility. ...
  6. Wait before extending an offer.
19 Jan 2017

How can nurses make a difference? ›

Nurses make a difference as trusted advocates who ensure individuals, families, and populations receive quality patient care and services. Nurses make a difference by influencing and shaping health policy decisions that ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable health care coverage.

How do people view the nursing profession? ›

Most respondents hold nurses in very high regard. More than 80% view respect, admiration, and the ability to make a difference much more positively since the pandemic began. These changing perceptions reflect the growing awareness of the importance of the nursing profession in the U.S. healthcare system.

What makes nursing unique from other healthcare professions? ›

Nursing stands apart from all other healthcare professions because of the healing relationships nurses can cultivate with their patients. Nursing is about the intensity in the relation to the person that they care for.

How are nurses viewed in society? ›

Nurses are acknowledged to have a significant impact on the general population but are considered inferior to doctors or considered to have a lower social status. In addition, the nursing profession is viewed as an inferior career associated with other health-related professions, such as medicine.

Why is it important to introduce yourself as a nurse? ›

I welcome this campaign, by giving a confident and polite introduction is not only a sign of respect for the individual patient or client but is also, very importantly, the first step in building a therapeutic relationship with patients and clients so that they will feel relaxed, confident and safe while receiving care ...

What is a professional image in healthcare? ›

Laura Morgan Roberts: Your professional image is the set of qualities and characteristics that represent perceptions of your competence and character as judged by your key constituents (i.e., clients, superiors, subordinates, colleagues).

Does media portrayal of nursing affect how patients perceive nurses? ›

Yes. Media has a significant role in how patients perceive nurses in general. Popular television shows, such the Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, and ER, where doctors and surgeons are the main characters, save lives.

What is nursing in your own words? ›

Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. Nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people.

Who is a nurse in simple words? ›

A nurse is a person who is trained to give care to people who are sick or injured. Nurses work with doctors and other health care workers to make patients well and to keep them fit and healthy. Nurses also help with end-of-life needs and assist other family members with grieving.

What is the most important quality of a nurse? ›

Compassionate

One of the most important qualities of a good nurse is compassion. In their career, nurses will see patients suffer. Beyond simply offering a solution, they must be able to express compassion for patients and their families. This allows them to form meaningful relationships with their patients.

What is nursing like now? ›

Nursing is an innovative,challenging and rewarding career that's in high demand,offering those who pursue this career an opportunity to profoundly change human health. Working on the front-lines of patient care, nurses can choose from many specialties, and work in a wide variety of treatment settings.

How important is the nurse in today's delivery of healthcare? ›

Nurses play an essential role in society today by being advocates for health promotion, educating the public and patients on preventing injury and illnesses, participating in rehabilitation, and providing care and support.

How has nursing education changed over the years? ›

Arguably, the most significant change in nursing over the last ten years has been nursing education. More universities have offered specialized degrees, while training has become more formal and complex; at the same time, this education has become more accessible.

Which action is an effective avenue for changing the image of nursing? ›

The major avenue for changing the image of nursing occurs one nurse-patient encounter at a time, where nurses look and behave professionally and demonstrate what it is nurses do.

How are nurses portrayed in the media? ›

With few exceptions, the media rarely portrays nurses providing care in settings other than the hospital, such as community clinics, outpatient facilities, or in the home. Instead, they are often portrayed as physician helpers, not the highly skilled independent clinicians that we know they are.

Is nursing a profession or service essay? ›

Nursing is a profession that blends the rich traditions of the past with the ever changing realities of today's health care industry. Nursing is not simply an assortment of special skills and the nurse is not simply a person proficient in performing these specific tasks. Nursing is a profession.

What qualities do you think make a good nurse? ›

What Makes Someone a Good Nurse?
  • Caring. ...
  • Communication Skills. ...
  • Empathy. ...
  • Attention to Detail. ...
  • Problem Solving Skills. ...
  • Stamina. ...
  • Sense of Humor. ...
  • Commitment to Patient Advocacy.
25 Feb 2020

What are values of a nurse? ›

Core values of nursing include altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, honesty and social justice [3]. The core ethical values are generally shared within the global community, and they are a reflection of the human and spiritual approach to the nursing profession.

What does being a nurse mean to you? ›

Nurses take a person's whole range of needs into account, which helps build personal connections, opportunities for closer observation, and, when possible, chances to boost their spirits. The nursing role complements other elements of patient care and can ensure individuals receive the best care possible.

How does being a nurse impact your life? ›

Your helping hand as a nurse impacts all of humanity. The patients you may work with will be in a vulnerable state and may be dealing with shock. As a nurse, you'll be the one that helps them feel safe and comfortable. The knowledge you hold as a nurse will help to provide comfort to both patients and their families.

How can nurses contribute to the nursing profession? ›

Nurses are in every community – large and small – providing expert care from birth to the end of life. Nurses' roles range from direct patient care and case management to establishing nursing practice standards, developing quality assurance procedures, and directing complex nursing care systems.

How do nurses impact patient care? ›

Nurses' greatest power in improving the patient experience lay in their ability to effectively and empathically communicate with patients. Nurses, who of all clinicians spend the most time with patients, are key to delivering quality patient education while assuaging patient concerns and keeping their fears at bay.

What factors motivate nurses? ›

Results: In the yielded studies, nurses' work motivation is affected by several personal and organisational factors. Nurses' age, years of experience, autonomy, educational level and administrative positions were found as personal characteristics that affect nurses' work motivation level.

How can nursing change the world? ›

They protect, promote and strive for the well-being of other human beings. Only nurses know how much mental, emotional and physical capacity it takes to be constantly responsible for a human life.

What does a nurse bring to society? ›

Nurses promote healthy lifestyles, advocate for patients and provide health education. They also provide direct patient care. As key members of healthcare teams, they provide our communities with the knowledge needed for healthy living.

How has the image of nursing changed over the years? ›

Women were caretakers, so nursing was just an extension of what their roles at home were anyway. Today, the nursing profession has changed drastically. There are extensive training programs, more diversified staff, and a level of prestige associated with this area of the medical field that wasn't there before.

Why image and status is important in nursing profession reflection? ›

The most important is that image can influence nurses themselves, just like nurses may feel depressed or less effective if others view them negatively. Professionals can experience similar reactions if their image is not positive, which impacts everything the profession does or wishes to do.

Does media portrayal of nursing affect how patients perceive nurses? ›

Yes. Media has a significant role in how patients perceive nurses in general. Popular television shows, such the Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, and ER, where doctors and surgeons are the main characters, save lives.

How do you promote the nursing profession? ›

10 Ways to Boost Your Nursing Career and Get Promoted
  1. Always Have Good Intentions. ...
  2. Go with Your Gut. ...
  3. Advance Your Knowledge. ...
  4. Be Honest. ...
  5. Be a Leader. ...
  6. Respect Your Patients' Privacy. ...
  7. Represent Your Profession Well - In and Out of the Office. ...
  8. Take Time for Yourself.

What is nursing like now? ›

Nursing is an innovative,challenging and rewarding career that's in high demand,offering those who pursue this career an opportunity to profoundly change human health. Working on the front-lines of patient care, nurses can choose from many specialties, and work in a wide variety of treatment settings.

Why is nursing so important? ›

They provide care, support and treatment for the sick, the injured and the dying and support their families and communities. They detect illnesses, administer medicines, assist in surgeries, treat patients beyond the initial diagnosis, provide mental support and perform any number of other key roles.

How do nurses impact the world? ›

Nurses are at the forefront of global health care. They provide individualized patient care, but they also educate, innovate and advocate for the health and well-being of whole communities, whether it is in an international setting or in their own backyard. By thinking globally, nurses have the power to move mountains.

How do you perceive yourself as a nurse? ›

You can distinguish yourself as a nurse by working on three nursing qualities — confidence, professionalism and teamwork. These are important nursing career pillars, that can assist you in your daily practice and enable you to be proud of your work.

What is your perception in nursing? ›

Perception refers to the belief, views and understanding nurses have regarding the image of the nursing profession because of their past and present experiences in the course of their training [13]. The discipline of nursing traditionally holds as the most trusted healthcare profession.

How are nurses viewed in society? ›

Nurses are acknowledged to have a significant impact on the general population but are considered inferior to doctors or considered to have a lower social status. In addition, the nursing profession is viewed as an inferior career associated with other health-related professions, such as medicine.

How are nurses portrayed in the media today? ›

With few exceptions, the media rarely portrays nurses providing care in settings other than the hospital, such as community clinics, outpatient facilities, or in the home. Instead, they are often portrayed as physician helpers, not the highly skilled independent clinicians that we know they are.

Why are nurses portrayed in the media? ›

Nurses have been portrayed in film and television for decades. Typically, the portrayals involve stereotypes about nurturing and are often of female characters working beneath a physician. The way we see nurses represented in media affects the expectations of those entering the field.

How does social media impact nursing? ›

Negative Ways Nurses Use Social Media

As noted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), breach of trust can irrevocably damage relationships between patients and their caregivers, not to mention negatively impacting the public view of the nursing profession's trustworthiness. Sharing information.

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