The image of nursing in the eyes of Generation Alpha and their parents in Türkiye: A multicenter cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background and purposeParents' views of nursing may play a key role in what kind of image their children hold of it. This study had three objectives. First, it investigated the image of nursing in the eyes of Generation Alpha and their parents. Second, it addressed whether their views affected each other. Third, it investigated factors that might affect their views. MethodsThis multicenter study adopted a descriptive correlational and cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 1742 children and their parents (n = 3484). Data were collected using a demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Nursing Image Scale (NIS). The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and stepwise regression analysis. ResultsChildren, mothers, and fathers had a total NIS score of 48.76 (7.57), 42.37 (8.04), and 43.22 (8.99), respectively. Mothers' and fathers' NIS scores were positively associated with children's NIS scores (R2 = 0.286; 0.365, p < .01). Children's and their parents' negative experiences with nurses were negatively associated with their NIS scores (R2 = 0.358; 0.191; 0.155, p < .01). Children described nurses as “coolies,” “maids,” “machines,” “devils,” or “white ghosts.” Their metaphors were negatively associated with their NIS scores. Almost half the participants stated that nursing was portrayed negatively in the media. ConclusionChildren have a more positive view of nursing, but their views are also affected by their parents' thoughts. Practice implicationsNurses should be professionally autonomous, promote their professional identity through the media, and interact with their colleagues to have a professional image in the eyes of children and their parents.