In annual Gallup poll surveys, the public has rated nurses the most honest and ethical professionals every year since 1999, with the exception of 2002, when firefighters rated highest following 9/11. But even though the public trusts nurses and respects their integrity, they still misunderstand what nurses do. It is time to build on this foundation of trust by informing people that high quality nursing care has a measurable effect on health and healing. Today, in the midst of a major nursing shortage, a negative image of nursing is especially damaging.
An advocate works on behalf of others to raise awareness about concerns and promote solutions. While most nurses readily embrace the mandate of their role as an advocate for patients, many don’t realize the need to be an advocate for themselves, their colleagues, and their profession. The ability to successfully become an advocate for others requires a set of skills. These include:

Problem solving. It is important to focus on problems or issues in need of a solution. This requires that advocates first identify the problem, and then determine what they want to accomplish, and then create a strategy for doing so.

Communication. The need to communicate clearly and concisely and to structure a message to fit the situation and the intended audience is imperative. Advocates must embrace with verbal, written, and electronic communication or find a support network that is.

Influence. The ability to influence others to action is essential to the advocacy process. Influence is built on competence, credibility, and trustworthiness of the advocate.

Collaboration. Successful advocates establish positive, collaborative relationships with others to rally the support necessary to address the issue and work toward a common goal.

The following ideas will help you become an advocate for a positive image of nurses.

The next time you see an article about a health care topic relevant to nursing practice, such as patient safety, read it with a fresh eye. If no nurses are quoted, write a letter to the publication to raise its readers’ consciousness about nursing and to encourage the editors to seek comments from the nursing community.

When you see a nurse portrayed in a negative stereotype on television, in the movies, or in advertising, speak up. Make a point of protesting unflattering and inaccurate images of nursing and take action to give the public a true picture of what nursing is all about.

Present yourself positively to the general public. Even casual conversations with strangers can sway the public perception of nursing. When talking about your profession, emphasize the critical thinking nurses do that saves lives, the education and skill sets they possess.

Contact the media about community health events you’re developing. If you’re asked about a particular event or incident, be sure you meet ethical standards to protect patient privacy and follow facility policy regarding contact with the media.

We believe that each of us in our own way, can be positive advocates for the profession of nursing and we encourage each of you to actively look for ways to promote positive images of nurses in your community.
~Michael and Frida Donner