Professional image is the cornerstone of an individual’s portrayal to their clients. These preconceived notions, either true or false, lead to the public’s understanding and opinion of the nursing profession. Whether it is a woman in a classic white uniform or a man in loose fitting scrubs, the image of nursing is apparent in the public’s eye. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast nursing’s historical image vs. contemporary society’s image of nursing, describe how the public’s image affects recruitment into nursing, and finally discuss strategies that can improve the professional image of nursing.
Nursing’s image has gone through many changes throughout its rich history. In the Victorian era, nursing image was portrayed in Charles …show more content…
In a survey of 3,253 college students in regards to their opinions on the professions of: physical therapist, high school teachers , registered nurses, and physicians, nursing showed results double that of other professions in the category of “women are better suited for this profession” and also ranked the lowest in the category of “works independently” (Alvarado, 2006, p. 96). This survey shows not only that the nursing profession is holding onto its historical femininity but also reflects the culture surrounding male nurses. This culture of nursing femininity is noted in many recent film adaptations. As seen in the movie, Meet the Parents, a male nurse is subjected to constant teasing by his father-in-law for being a nurse (Ch. 2 in book). With the widespread belief that nursing is a feminine occupation, the recruitment of males into the nursing field is negatively affected. Although nursing is struggling to obtain an androgynous identity, the public image of nursing is overwhelmingly positive. According to the annual Gallop poll on ethical professions, nursing has been voted the most ethical profession in all but one year since its commencement in 1999 (ch. 2 pg 27). This positive image serves to promote the nursing field and may even potentially overshadow its …show more content…
From Dickens’ portrayal of the drunken nurse midwife to the wartime heroines that cared for wounded soldiers, nursing has seen dramatic changes in its professional image. Currently, Nursing is seen by the public to be a trusted and ethical provider of care. However, nursing is also thought to be a career that lacks in independence and is better suited for females. In order to strengthen nursing’s professional image, improvements in the public’s knowledge of nursing’s roles and responsibilities must occur. Furthermore, nursing’s marketability towards the male population must improve if the nursing image is to lose its feminine attribute. In addition, the nursing body should also exuberate pride in their profession and continue to provide the quality of care that gained the public’s respect and
Nursing’s image has gone through many changes throughout its rich history. In the Victorian era, nursing image was portrayed in Charles …show more content…
In a survey of 3,253 college students in regards to their opinions on the professions of: physical therapist, high school teachers , registered nurses, and physicians, nursing showed results double that of other professions in the category of “women are better suited for this profession” and also ranked the lowest in the category of “works independently” (Alvarado, 2006, p. 96). This survey shows not only that the nursing profession is holding onto its historical femininity but also reflects the culture surrounding male nurses. This culture of nursing femininity is noted in many recent film adaptations. As seen in the movie, Meet the Parents, a male nurse is subjected to constant teasing by his father-in-law for being a nurse (Ch. 2 in book). With the widespread belief that nursing is a feminine occupation, the recruitment of males into the nursing field is negatively affected. Although nursing is struggling to obtain an androgynous identity, the public image of nursing is overwhelmingly positive. According to the annual Gallop poll on ethical professions, nursing has been voted the most ethical profession in all but one year since its commencement in 1999 (ch. 2 pg 27). This positive image serves to promote the nursing field and may even potentially overshadow its …show more content…
From Dickens’ portrayal of the drunken nurse midwife to the wartime heroines that cared for wounded soldiers, nursing has seen dramatic changes in its professional image. Currently, Nursing is seen by the public to be a trusted and ethical provider of care. However, nursing is also thought to be a career that lacks in independence and is better suited for females. In order to strengthen nursing’s professional image, improvements in the public’s knowledge of nursing’s roles and responsibilities must occur. Furthermore, nursing’s marketability towards the male population must improve if the nursing image is to lose its feminine attribute. In addition, the nursing body should also exuberate pride in their profession and continue to provide the quality of care that gained the public’s respect and