Image of a Student Nurse as Perceived by the Public

Abstract

This study investigated the image of a student nurse as perceived by the public. The study sought to answer the following objectives (1) to determine the profile of the respondents in terms of age, gender, educational attainment, occupation, economic status and workplace; (2) to describe the image of the student nurse as perceived by the public; and (3) to determine the positive as well as the negative image of the student nurse as perceived by the public. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive method was used and an interview guide was utilized in gathering the data. The study was conducted on September 13, 2010 and necessary data on the profile and impressions of the public needed to determine the positive as well as the negative image of the student nurse. In conclusion, lack of understanding of nursing as a profession by the general public is a common phenomenon that contributes to nurses’ turnover intention. Thus, it is important to improve the public image of nurses in order to correct the public’s misconception on student nurses attitude and behavior. The results also emphasized the importance of reinforcing nurses’ professional value of maintaining high standard care, which sustains their job performance. Cultivating nurses’ self-image as being caring further helps them to cope with the potential pressure from the public’s high expectation of nursing care. The nursing profession needs to improve its public image is to advance and resolve problems. Keywords - Image of a Student Nurse, Positive and Negative Image of a Nurse, Duty uniform, Nursing Profession.