Nursing as a profession of public trust - young people’s opinion

Abstract

Introduction. Introduction. Nursing as a profession of public trust is being continuously evaluated by the recipients of nursing services due to the nature of their activities, functions, the responsibility and the applicable moral and ethical standards. The quality and effects of nursing activities have an impact on the public opinion about the entire group of nursing professionals. The perception of this profession among young people is also crucial with regard to their educational choices. Aim of the Study. The objective of the study has been to identify the opinions of young people on nursing as a profession of public trust. Material and Methodology. The study was carried out among 116 students of secondary schools and non-medical higher education institutions in Lublin. The diagnostic survey research method was applied with the use of the questionnaire prepared by the author. The statistical analysis was performed based on the Pareto method, which allows arranging the collected data according to the selected criteria. Results. All the surveyed were of the opinion that the nursing profession holds a great social significance and is needed due to the nature of the performed professional tasks. Most of the respondents claimed that nursing enjoys public trust and therefore should belong to the group of professions of public trust. The survey results and the analysis carried out using the Pareto method have demonstrated that the major characteristics conditioning public trust are a caring attitude, responsibility, professionalism, attentiveness, empathy, patience and communicativeness. Conclusions. According to the surveyed young people, nursing enjoys trust and belongs to professions of public trust. The factors determining the social position of nurses are: education, remuneration, responsibility for the life and health of other people and appreciation among patients.