The image of a nurse is important for several
reasons. The image of nursing can affect recruitment
and retention of nurses by affecting nurses’
self-image, self-esteem, and job satisfaction. Image
can promote quality, quantity, and diversity
of nursing staff members. Image also can affect
nursing outcomes and policy making. It can even
affect nurses’ ability to influence decisions about
the health care system. It can be argued, however,
that the general public lacks knowledge about the
nursing profession and the many opportunities
that exist in this career. Many people do not
know about nurses in management, research, or
advanced-level practice. In addition, many people
see clinical tasks as very important compared
with other activities (eg, patient care planning,
making diagnoses, writing and revising policies).
Some confusion also is present with regard to the
differences between nurses, nursing aides, and
technologists. This confused public image of
nurses and nursing could manifest in health care
organizations in the form of a lack of professional
recognition toward nurses and an overall feeling
of a lack of value or empowerment.