Current Stereotypes Associated with Nursing and Nursing Professionals: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Nursing and nursing professionals are associated with social stereotypes, which may hinder the profession’s development and future prospects as a scientific discipline. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the stereotypes associated with the nursing profession—students and professionals. Therefore, we carried out an integrative review. The search was conducted using PubMed, WOS, and CINAHL databases, and its search strategy was based on a combination of standardised keywords and natural vocabulary, with a temporal limit between 2016 and 2021. The data extraction and analysis was based on the conceptual framework developed by Whittemore and Knafl. Twenty-seven studies were included in the review, and their results were classified and coded. Two categories emerged, namely, stereotypes relating to the professionals’ gender and stereotypes relating to the profession itself. We concluded that the nursing profession is viewed as female with low skills, social status, salary, academic level and entry requirements, and with little autonomy. Male nurses’ professional competencies and masculinity are questioned, while the work carried out by female nurses is viewed as unprofessional. To reduce these stereotypes and bias we must present the nursing profession as a scientific discipline, developed by both men and women. Specific channels for this awareness-raising work include interventions from universities and the media, and participation in health policies.

Technical Readiness and Stereotypes in Hospital Nursing—A Question of Gender and Age?

“…Stereotypes are characteristics and behaviors describing a specific group. They are closely associated with gender and further sociodemographic factors [ 3 ]. The social images can influence the work of nurses and inhibit their personal growth [ 1 , 4 ].…”

“…In the past, nursing became a profession especially associated with gender convictions. Studies pointed out a social image describing the nursing profession as a female and caring activity [ 1 , 3 , 5 ]. The stereotypical prejudices that nurses just perform caring tasks are a barrier for any expansion of their activities and responsibilities [ 3 , 6 ], especially important in the context of digitization and digital competencies.…”

“…Studies pointed out a social image describing the nursing profession as a female and caring activity [ 1 , 3 , 5 ]. The stereotypical prejudices that nurses just perform caring tasks are a barrier for any expansion of their activities and responsibilities [ 3 , 6 ], especially important in the context of digitization and digital competencies. The same applies to the altruistic, empathic and traditional role model of nurses [ 5 ].…”

“…For example, a study showed that old nurses have the role of being honest and trustworthy but are also less open to changes and learning. Especially in context of current changes such as digital transformation processes, these prejudices can restrict technical readiness of older nurses and be an additional stressor [ 7 ], even though there is an increasingly potential for extension of nurses, and their responsibilities and competences [ 2 , 3 ]. Therefore, critical handling of nursing stereotypes and awareness raising is crucial [ 1 , 3 ].…”

“…Especially in context of current changes such as digital transformation processes, these prejudices can restrict technical readiness of older nurses and be an additional stressor [ 7 ], even though there is an increasingly potential for extension of nurses, and their responsibilities and competences [ 2 , 3 ]. Therefore, critical handling of nursing stereotypes and awareness raising is crucial [ 1 , 3 ]. By strengthening individual nurses and through cooperation between different sociodemographic nursing groups, nurses can become more confident and engaged in the process of digitization [ 1 ].…”