Beyond tropes: Towards a new image of nursing in the wake of COVID‐19

Are data on missed nursing care useful for nursing leaders? The RN4CAST@IT cross‐sectional study

“…The mass media describe health professionals involved in the pandemic in terms of 'heroes' and 'soldiers', often described as being in the trenches without weapons or armour (Morin & Baptiste, 2020). This attention from the mass media should be exploited by nurse leaders to emphasize professional competence and the need for nurses to provide safe and quality care (Bennett, James, & Kelly, 2020). It must also be considered that respondents may have reported more honestly than their international counterparts.…”

The Nurse Leader’s Role:

“…2,7 Academic leaders are increasingly becoming motivated to build learning environments that actively help form students' PIN. Research findings demonstrate that a stronger sense of professional identity leads to greater satisfaction in a field 4 and that professional identity and psychological well-being are linked. 8,9 A recent article revealed that some leaders contribute to the negative brand and image of nursing when they lack leadership development, did not have role models, and did not advocate for themselves.…”

“…Nurse leaders' responses will influence future leadership practice and society's perception beyond this current generation. 4 This applies to leaders in both education and practice.…”

“…2,10,16 A strong PIN supported by a new brand image will take us forward through the 21st century and build on our history. 4 Change begins with each nurse, who widens and then influences other levels.…”

“…Nursing continues to be plagued by a myriad of issues, primarily due to an incoherent perception, image issues, and stereotyping of nursing within society. [3][4][5] In a 2020 study with a sample of 286 participants, researchers examined factors contributing to inconsistencies with nursing's brand image. 5 The authors reported 8 themes including that image is not a priority, there is a lack of leadership development, and nurses experience inappropriate treatment and labeling by other professional colleagues.…”