An analysis of the impact of authorship on the image of the nurse presented in novels

Content analysis of 201 novels published from 1843 to 1980 with important nurse characters was used to identify variables associated with nurse, physician, and nonhealth care provider authorship and the quality of the resultant image of nurses and nursing. Nurse authors were more likely to depict nurses as contributing to patients and other persons, being commended, using autonomous judgment, taking greater satisfaction in their career, exhibiting drive, and being engaged in the performance of nursing care activities. They also portrayed novel nurses as more nurturant, empathic, powerful, and intelligent, and as valuing service to others and scholarliness to a greater extent than other authors. Of all authors, physicians presented the most negative nurse images; they were the least likely to endow nurse characters with positive personality and behavior traits. On the other hand, physicians were the most likely to show nurses valuing and being engaged in sexual activities. The fact that nurse authors, who were more prominent during the first 60 years of this century, have given way to a dominance of physician authors during the past 20 years demands intervention by the nursing profession in encouraging nurses to become more active in this form of artistic popularization of scientific ideas and professional health care roles.     

From angels to handmaidens: changing constructions of nursing's public image in post-war Britain

The public image of nursing is an important barometer of how the profession is valued in society. Recent research into images of nurses tends to use content analysis to substantiate claims that the mass media misrepresent the profession, perpetuating outmoded conceptions of nursing work. Such a strategy treats the nature of nursing itself as unproblematic, an object to be more or less accurately 'represented'. But these are assumptions that need to be questioned. The systems of belief and value that produce representations of nursing both reveal and constitute the institutional practices that regulate nursing as a profession, which in turn shape the material form and substance of representational constructs. Drawing on fictional and factual popular and official representations of nursing and nursing work on film, television and in recruitment literature, it is argued that although nursing was consistently constructed as 'women's work' for much of the 20th century, a noticeable shift is perceivable in the status of nursing's public image between the late 1930s and early 1970s.     

The world of nursing on prime time television, 1950 to 1980

This study reported the results of a content analysis of prime-time television portrayals of nurses and nursing over the past three decades with attention to scope of nursing practice, career orientation of nurses, nursing actions, and nurses' impact on patient welfare. The sample was 320 episodes from 28 series. The findings showed that nurses were depicted as working in acute care settings, entering nursing for altruistic reasons, predominantly acting as a resource to other health professionals, not using problem-solving and evaluation skills, deficient in administrative abilities, and remiss in providing physical comforting, engaging in expanded role activities, patient education and scholarly endeavors. Since the 1960s the trend in the quality of nurse portrayals has been downward. This has created a current crisis in communicating the world of nursing to the public via the most powerful form of mass communication, television.     

Image: changing how women nurses think about themselves. Literature review

AIM: This paper presents a review of the public and professional images of nursing in the literature and explores nurse image in the context of Strasen's self-image model. BACKGROUND: Nurses have struggled since the 1800s with the problem of image. What is known about nurses' image is from the perspective of others: the media, public or other healthcare professionals. Some hints of how nurses see themselves can be found in the literature that suggests how this image could be improved. METHOD: A literature review for all dates up to 2006 was undertaken using PubMed, Medline and CINAHL databases. Additional references were identified from this literature. Sentinel articles and books were manually searched to identify key concepts. Search words used were nurse, nursing, image and self-image. The findings were examined using the framework of Strasen's self-image model. FINDINGS: Public image appears to be intimately intertwined with nurse image. This creates the boundaries that confine and construct the image of nursing. As a profession, nurses do not have a very positive self-image nor do they think highly of themselves. CONCLUSION: Individually, each nurse has the power to shape the image of nursing. However, nurses must also work together to change the systems that perpetuate negative stereotypes of nurses' image.     

Cross-cultural comparison of images of nurses and physicians

This study investigates attitudes related to the image of nurses and physicians across 30 cultures, using six concepts. Significant differences were found between physician and nurse with respect to power. Moreover, although the physician was highly correlated with knowledge and independence the nurse was correlated with kindness. Nurses' ability to influence health care decision-making may be limited if they are viewed as powerless, and they must address this deficit in their public image.     

Caring to death: The murder of patients by nurses

Field J, Pearson A. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16 : 301–309
Caring to death: The murder of patients by nurses Beyond the initial ‘shock‐horror’ reaction in the mass media, little attention is paid by nurses or the public to nurses who murder patients. This study used discursive inquiry to uncover social constructions of this phenomenon and their implications for the definition and treatment of such murders. The mass media and professional literature were searched for commentary on cases of nurses who had been convicted of murder between 1980 and 2006. The retrieved texts were subjected to discursive analysis. Discursive constructions included the profile of murderous nurses; types of murders; contexts in which murder occurs; factors that aid detection and apprehension; legal processes and punishment; and reactions of the public, profession, regulators and families. The findings imply that murder of a patient by a nurse might occur in any setting in which nurses care for vulnerable patients—the old, the young, the sick and the disabled. Trust in nurses assists a nurse to murder. Nurses have a responsibility to understand how their workplaces can form crucibles in which murder can take place. The profession needs to acknowledge the possibility of nurses who murder patients and to commence a discussion about what might be done to limit the harm they do.     

对不同学历护生关于护士职业形象及其影响因素的调查

目的 了解不同学历护生对护士职业形象和其影响因素的看法,为今后的护理教育和护士培训提供一些参考.方法 采用自行设计的问卷对410名在校护生和在三级甲等医院实习的护生进行问卷调查,对所得数据进行分析.结果 不同学历护生认为护士职业形象对护理工作重要性的看法差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;对影响护士职业形象因素如护士性别、收入、学历或培训背景、护士工作的环境或科室以及护士之间的协作关系和大众媒体方面不同学历护生认识差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）.结论 不同学历护生对护士职业形象整体性的看法一致,中专护生对护士职业形象的看法与其自身存在的局限性有关,大专护生更关注护士之间协作关系对护士职业形象的影响,本科护生注重大众媒体、护士收入和学历背景对护士职业形象产生的影响.     

Educating nurses to impact change in nursing's image

The widely held view that nursing is not intellectually demanding or challenging is the result of media representation of nurses. The television producers of dramas with a health care focus or new medical dramas need a clear understanding of a nurse's function and the important tasks performed as essential members of the health care team. The expression of professional nursing practice publicly focuses on the nursing shortage, staffing ratios, and patient safety issues. This article provides an overview of the media's impact on nursing's image and offers a challenge to nurse educators and nurses to speak out and justify the existence of nursing.     

Impact of the perceived public image of nursing on nurses' work behaviour

AIM: This paper reports a study comparing nurses' perceptions of their public image with their self-image, and examining how the relationship between their perceived public image and self-image was associated with their job performance and turnover intentions. BACKGROUND: The stereotypical public image of nursing is a major concern to nurses. However, it is relatively unknown how this image affects nurses. A few studies have investigated how nurses' interpretations of their public image affect their self-image and work behaviour. METHODS: A convenience sample of 346 Australian nurses participated in a questionnaire study in 2003. The results were analysed by t-test, polynomial regression and response surface analysis. Six participants from the survey participated in a focus group to provide further interpretation of the findings. RESULTS: Nurses rated their aptitude for leadership more positively than they thought the public viewed them. In contrast, nurses rated their image as being caring less negatively than their perceived public image. Job performance was predicted by self-image relating to leadership aptitude. On the contrary, the relationship between self-image and perception of the public image as being caring predicted job performance. When nurses perceived their public image as caring less positively than their self-image, their job performance tended to improve. As for turnover intention, both self-image and perceived public images of having an aptitude for leadership and being caring were negatively related to intention to quit the job. CONCLUSION: To enhance nurses' job performance and reduce their turnover intentions, it is important to improve both the public image and self-image of nurses.     

Diversity, fulfilment and privilege: the image of nursing

morris-thompson t., shepherd j., plata r. & marks-maran d. (2011) Journal of Nursing Management 19 , 683–692
Diversity, fulfilment and privilege: the image of nursing Aim To explore the image that nurses have of nursing and the image of nursing held by the public to determine the difference between the two and the impact of this on nurse recruitment. Background Recruitment and retention nurses are important to the Strategic Health Authority for London (NHS London) who commissioned a study to explore the image of nursing. Method Qualitative survey research was used. Data were collected from nurses and from the public. Results Three themes emerged related to the image of nursing held by nurses. These were diversity, fulfilment and privilege. However, the public image of nursing does not reflect these. The public appear ill-informed of what nurses do, purporting to respect nursing but would not recommend nursing as a career choice for themselves, their children or their pupils. This study could have been enhanced through the use of questionnaires to gain quantitative data about the image of nursing. Conclusions The public image of nursing appears positive but also has negative aspects. The public image is different from nurse’s image of nursing and is based on myth, misconception and stereotype. This may influence recruitment of nurses. Implications for nursing management The results of this study offer a way forward to develop recruitment strategies that target changing the public’s image of nursing.     

Textually mediated discourses in Canadian news stories: Situating nurses’ salaries as the problem

The aim of this article is to elucidate how nurses are positioned in Canadian news stories regarding their salaries. While the image of nursing in mass media has been widely studied, few studies explore how nurses are constructed in news stories. Drawing on ideas from institutional ethnography together with discourse analysis, this discussion highlights public textual discourses about nurses’ salaries in Canadian news stories. The media discourse was found to distort the issues by focusing attention on nurses. Recognizing how these textual distortions mediate and construct messages is important in understanding how nurses and their work are constructed in the media. This discussion seeks to inform readers about how nurses are situated within commonly circulated discourses in the media. It also seeks to contribute to the literature about the nurse's image and how nurses and their work are portrayed in the public realm. It concludes by recommending increased awareness about how nurses are talked about in mass communication and the need to disrupt these messages and their underlying assumptions.     

The nurse as a sex object in motion pictures, 1930 to 1980

A content analysis of 191 motion pictures featuring 211 nurses as significant characters was conducted to determine the nature and extent of the motion picture industry's depiction of the nurse as a sex object and to identify changes in that portrayal from 1930 to 1980. Seventy-three percent of the nurse roles characterized nurses as sex objects. The frequency and intensity of stereotypes of nurses as sex objects rose significantly during the 1960s and 1970s (p < .0001). Exploitation of the nurse as a sex object was more common in the larger nurse roles. However, in films with a strong emphasis on professional nursing in either the story or in character development, sexual stereotyping of nurses was uncommon. It was concluded that the image of the nurse as a professional care giver was incompatible with that of the nurse as sex object, and that the motion picture industry has opted primarily to present the latter image. The extremely negative sexual stereotype of nursing promulgated during the past 20 years is cause for concern. Actions that the nursing profession can employ to counter the unfavorable portrayal of nurses in 1980s motion pictures are suggested.     

Showcasing a profession: getting nursing on the newsstand

Interacting with the media is a method of showcasing the nursing profession. Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) have a variety of opportunities available for these interactions: appearing on television, participating in a radio program or writing to the media. A survey completed by the authors indicated that CNSs had many media interactions, yet overall, only 17% of all nurses surveyed used writing. This paper begins by discussing where to publish and how to prepare and target the audience. General and specific guidelines for publishing feature articles, health tips, letters to the editor, and other publishing possibilities are presented.     

Euthanasia and assisted suicide in Dutch hospitals: the role of nurses

Aim. To report a study on the role of nurses in euthanasia and physician‐assisted suicide in hospitals, conducted as part of a wider study on the role of nurses in medical end‐of‐life decisions. Background. Issues concerning legislation and regulation with respect to the role of nurses in euthanasia and physician‐assisted suicide gave the Dutch Minister for Health reason to commission a study on the role of nurses in medical end‐of‐life decisions in hospitals, homecare and nursing homes. Method. A questionnaire was sent in 2003 to 692 nurses employed in 73 hospital locations. The response suitable for analysis was from 532 (76·9%) nurses. Data were quantitatively analysed using spss version 11.5 for Windows. Results. In almost half of the cases (45·1%), the nurse was the first with whom patients discussed their request for euthanasia or physician‐assisted suicide. Consultations between physicians and nurses quite often took place (78·8%). In several cases (15·4%), nurses themselves administered the euthanatics with or without a physician. It is not self‐evident that hospitals have guidelines concerning euthanasia/physician‐assisted suicide. Conclusions. In the decision‐making process, the consultation between the physician and the nurse needs improvement. In administering the euthanatics, physicians should take responsibility and should not leave these actions to nurses. Guidelines may play an important role to improve the collaboration between physicians and nurses and to prevent procedural, ethical and legal misunderstandings. Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses in clinical practice are often closely involved in the last stage of a person's life. Consequently, they are often confronted with caring for patients requesting euthanasia or physician‐assisted suicide. The results provide relevant information and may help nurses in defining their role in euthanasia and physician‐assisted suicide, especially in case these practices should become legalised.     

Nursing's image on the university campus

Our study found that the faculty sampled held a different and more positive view of nursing than the one presented by the media. Nurses were perceived as educated, autonomous and compassionate individuals whose role is vital in health care. These findings might be explained by the high degree of personal contact that the sample had with nurses. It is possible that personal contact with nurses may mediate against the negative media image of nursing. As one respondent wrote, "Nursing care after recent surgery certainly erased all stereotyped notions...." The implications are tremendous for the role of the nurse in every encounter with the public. Nursing's energies might be best directed toward promoting nursing, not as it is portrayed in the media world of make-believe, but as it is lived by real nurses and their clients. Nurses must convey an image of caring, competent professionals who are capable of addressing society's health care needs. In the words of another respondent, "Unfortunately, the American public does not know the reality of professional nursing and the nurses have been treated unfairly, far from what they deserve.... I hope the American public will look on nursing as one of the most respectable professions and give the nurses credit for their efforts, devotion, and knowledge...."     

A profession under threat? An exploratory case study of changes in Norwegian public health nursing

Background: The first courses for public health nurses in Norway were held in the 1920s−1930s. In 1957, the Act regulating public health nursing was passed. Norwegian public health nurses have a primary role in promoting health and preventing illnesses. Their role has changed with a changing society. This article shows some of the challenges the nurses have faced. It focuses on collaboration, tasks, leadership and authority/status. Aims: The study’s intentions are exploratory. It looks into how the nurses experience their changing role. Methods: A single case with an embedded design is the method chosen; the case is ‘Changes in the role of the Norwegian public health nurse during the period 1984–2005’. Document analysis and interviews are sources of evidence. Findings: The findings show that public health nurses’ visibility seems to be an important issue. There are some divergences between relevant literature on the nurses’ professional status and the views of the nurses in the study. Several other public health professionals have lost tasks and formal positions of authority. Conclusion: The nurses interviewed still feel that they are a respected and trusted profession despite being less visible. A recent study among parents who frequent local clinics confirms their important role. Can the nurses’ lack of visibility have undesired outcomes? A profession that is unassuming, not visible and that fights silent battles may have problems being heard when it tries to promote issues concerning family health. Further studies are indicated.     

护士对医护合作的满意度及其相关因素分析

目的了解护士对医护合作的满意度,并分析其影响因素。方法应用自行设计的问卷调查某三级甲等医院123名护士对医护合作的满意度现状并分析其相关因素。结果护士满意度得分(2.93±0.84)分。医护合作满意度与工作年限、学历、科室均呈正相关。结论良好的医护合作是提高医疗、护理水平,消除疾患,促进病人康复的重要保证。     

How assertive are nurses in the workplace? A preliminary pilot study

AIM: This paper aims to outline the development and results of an instrument that describes the assertive behaviour of nurses. BACKGROUND: As a largely female dominated profession, nurses are anecdotally regarded to be in traditional subservient roles. In addition, nurses aspire to public images of nurses as "nice". These factors are thought to reduce nurses' capacity to behave in an assertive manner. However, little empirical evidence exists that describes the assertive skills of today's practicing nurse. METHODS: A 44-item questionnaire collected data from 27 registered nurses. RESULTS: Items that feature strongly in the respondents reported behaviour are allowing others to express opinions, complimenting others and saying no. These findings suggest that nurses behave in a passive way, conforming to the image of a nice nurse. Nurses were less adept at disagreeing with others opinions and providing constructive criticism. Differences emerged in behaviours between the three groups. CONCLUSION: Assertive behaviour is a skill, i.e. utilized according to interpersonal and role relationship. Factors within the work environment such as colleagues and atmosphere can support or prevent these behaviours.     

Stereotypes of Professional Roles

To determine the current public image of the nursing profession, this survey investigated the nature of stereotyping. Subjects approached in a shopping mall (N = 110) were asked to rate the degree to which 12 characteristics typify individuals in 14 professions. The results indicate that the public image of the nurse continues to turn on feminine and nurturant characteristics. The need for increased public awareness that nurses are scholars and leaders is underscored. Asserting the right to practice may produce a new stereotype of the nurse as intelligent and autonomous.