The “Image of Nursing” may seem like an unusual topic for the profession until we consider that “image” is the way the profession appears to the general public. Then it takes on an important role. As Frida and I reported in December, nurses have ranked as the top profession for honesty since they were included in the list in 1999 (except for 2001).  And yet, nursing is still an “invisible” profession. By that we mean that most of society has little understanding of the professional nurse, what it takes to become a nurse and what nurses actually do in today’s medical arena.

Part of Barco’s Nightingales Foundation’s mission is to help improve the image of nursing and to be an advocate for the nursing profession. To do that, it is important to understand that the image of nursing impacts the profession in many ways including:
–student nurse recruitment;
–funding for nursing education and research;
–relationships with healthcare administrators and other healthcare professionals;
–support from government agencies and legislators at all levels of government;
–the profession’s self-identity.
So, what can each of you as individual nurses do to influence the image of nursing? While the image of nursing is certainly influenced by many factors, such as content in television, film, or advertising, much of the image of nursing comes from the day-to-day personal contact that the public has with nurses. Remember, perception is reality. Here are a few ideas from our Nurse Advisory Council that every nurse can do:

1. Speak with enthusiasm about your work and about being a nurse.
2. Present yourself to patients and family members professionally. Give your full name. Tell people you are an RN. Explain your role.
3. Carry yourself and act professionally.
4. Educate, educate, educate. The public knows 
little about nursing except to say that nurses care for patients. They need to know about the high level of education and technological competency required, the different levels of nursing education, including graduate school programs, different nursing roles, and the impact that nurses have on patient outcomes.
5. Post, circulate, and advertise nursing’s accomplishments. For example, submit articles to local newspapers about what the profession is doing. Speak to civic and community groups about nursing.
It is critically important that every nurse work toward promoting his or her profession. On behalf of the Foundation we will continue to be an advocate for the profession and to explore ways we can help positively promote the profession. We welcome your ideas.
~Michael and Frida Donner