Image of Nursing: How Media Influences the Image of Nursing in Society “As individuals, we define ourselves and are defined by others through images. Our image defines the way we behave, the way others respond and behave towards us and our confidence in our own self” (Hall & Ritchie, 2009, p. 41). In today’s generation, society perceives nurses to be caring, compassionate, and loving individuals. Society associates these traits with a feminine occupation more often than with a male occupation. When an Exercise Science Major at Middle Tennessee State University was asked what comes to mind when thinking of the image of nursing and how nurses are portrayed in media and society, she said, “When I think of nurses, I except them to be happy, enjoy
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“Images of nursing in popular media, such as television, can influence how nursing is viewed and potentially both shape and reinforce stereotypes about nursing” (Weaver, Salamonson, Koch, & Jackson, 2013, p. 2636). Grey’s Anatomy, House, Hawthrone, Nurse Jackie, and ER are some television drama shows that have both positive and negative influences of the nursing profession. Some ethical issues in nursing from television shows include: confidentiality, informed consent, death and dying, professional misconduct, quality or value of life or personhood, truth disclosure, infectious disease, medical mistakes, education for health care professionals, access to equity in health care, and rationing care (Weaver, Salamonson, Koch, & Jackson, 2013, p. 2639). However, positive influences are also portrayed on television shows which include: responsibility, altruism, caring, respect, accountability, and leadership (Weaver, Salamonson, Koch, & Jackson, 2013, p. 2639). Although these TV dramas have a few positive influences, the negative influences outweigh the positive and this can affect the public’s opinion to become skewed. More visible, accurate, and realistic depiction of nurses’ image on television is essential for informing the public of the diligent, knowledgable …show more content…
28). Despite the evolution of nursing into a profession, media continues to define the image of nursing and undermines the public’s eye to positive aspects of who nurses really are. “Nursing may not be easy to describe, but patients know when they get good nursing and when they do not. Nursing requires a high level set of skills and understanding which taken separately may seem commonplace and undemanding but combined as a whole is far more complex and powerful” (Hall & Ritchie, 2009, p. 7). “Image is of importance since it reflects societal values of nurses and the nursing profession. The way in which the public perceives nursing significantly influences nurses’ job satisfaction” (Hall & Ritchie, 2009, p.
“Images of nursing in popular media, such as television, can influence how nursing is viewed and potentially both shape and reinforce stereotypes about nursing” (Weaver, Salamonson, Koch, & Jackson, 2013, p. 2636). Grey’s Anatomy, House, Hawthrone, Nurse Jackie, and ER are some television drama shows that have both positive and negative influences of the nursing profession. Some ethical issues in nursing from television shows include: confidentiality, informed consent, death and dying, professional misconduct, quality or value of life or personhood, truth disclosure, infectious disease, medical mistakes, education for health care professionals, access to equity in health care, and rationing care (Weaver, Salamonson, Koch, & Jackson, 2013, p. 2639). However, positive influences are also portrayed on television shows which include: responsibility, altruism, caring, respect, accountability, and leadership (Weaver, Salamonson, Koch, & Jackson, 2013, p. 2639). Although these TV dramas have a few positive influences, the negative influences outweigh the positive and this can affect the public’s opinion to become skewed. More visible, accurate, and realistic depiction of nurses’ image on television is essential for informing the public of the diligent, knowledgable …show more content…
28). Despite the evolution of nursing into a profession, media continues to define the image of nursing and undermines the public’s eye to positive aspects of who nurses really are. “Nursing may not be easy to describe, but patients know when they get good nursing and when they do not. Nursing requires a high level set of skills and understanding which taken separately may seem commonplace and undemanding but combined as a whole is far more complex and powerful” (Hall & Ritchie, 2009, p. 7). “Image is of importance since it reflects societal values of nurses and the nursing profession. The way in which the public perceives nursing significantly influences nurses’ job satisfaction” (Hall & Ritchie, 2009, p.