The image of nursing perceived by the society in the Covid‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Background Although nursing has made progress as a profession, there are still some negative myths to be dispelled. Purpose This descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted to determine the nursing image perceived by the society during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Methods The research population consisted of 663 people who were not in the nursing profession in Turkey. The data were collected with a sociodemographic data form that was prepared by the researchers and a questionnaire that contained questions on the image of nursing. The McNemar Test was used for statistical analysis. Results Individuals have positive views towards the nursing profession compared to the prepandemic period. Nursing is accepted as a profession that is well known (82.8%), respected (69.8%) and difficult working conditions (88.2%) by individuals in the society (p < .05). However, nursing profession is still perceived as “doctors' assistant” (71.5%). Conclusion Although nurses are more visible during the pandemic period and there are positive changes in public perception of the nursing profession, some unfortunate traditional perceptions persist.

The Social and Professional Image of the Nurse: Results of an Online Snowball Sampling Survey among the General Population in the Post-Pandemic Period

“…However, concerning overall professional respect, the population remained critical, returning to pre-pandemic values [9,25]. Despite the positive evidence, both the study sample and the literature highlight nursing as a profession with inadequate compensation [9,[26][27][28][29]. Instances of disrespect, autonomy violations, underestimation of professional abilities, and denial of nurses' value in care can lead to dignity violations, negatively impacting job satisfaction and performance [30,31].…”

''I Want to be Visible, Notice Me!'': Nursing Image in the COVID-19 Pandemic Process: A Cross-Sectional Study from Türkiye

“…In line with our study results, in the study of Uysal and Demirdağ, the perceptions of the individuals participating in the research regarding the nursing profession before and after the pandemic were evaluated, and it was determined that there was an increase in the post-pandemic period in the expression "nurses spend the most time with patients." 25 Despite the personal protective equipment and conditions that may negatively affect the communication of nurses with the patient during the pandemic process; it is thought that the results are influenced by the fact that he works on the front lines 24/7, is the healthcare professional who spends the most time with his patients, and that these images are featured in the media.…”

“…13 Contrary to our study findings, in the study of Uysal and Demirdağ, it was determined that there was an increase in the number of individuals who thought that nurses are smiling after the pandemic. 25 In the same study, it was determined that there was an increasing belief that the working conditions of nurses were heavy and the number of nurses was insufficient. As a result, it is thought that nurses working in long shifts without permission during the COVID-19 pandemic process have psychological, social and emotional problems in coping with work-related demands, social relations and personal lives, which have an impact on their general appearance and expressions.…”

“…2,6 Since 2020, more than ever before, nurses have been taking part in a global arena as "heroes" in order to fight this deadly disease, which can be described as one of the most important crises in human history, in front of the society more than ever. 7,25,30 A one-unit increase in following the news about nursing in mass media resulted in an increase of approximately 4 points in the image score.…”