Undesirable or slightly desirable social position of Iranian nurses: A rising cause for concern of the Iranian nursing community

Abstract

The meaning of nursing is different between cultures, and it seems hard to integrate nursing concepts. However, many studies evaluate the process of professional socialization [1]. Nurses' social position is one of the major factors affecting their quality of life, which may alter their job competency [2]. Being recognized as a doctor's assistant is not only limited to nurses in Iran but also in other countries; even doctors have the same view of nurses and ignore their art in patient care [3]. A study in Iran showed that most Iranian nurses were concerned of culturally based ‘poor’ attitudes of their job [1, 4]. Another study on nurses' social well-being showed a lower score of social acceptance among other variables. Also, have been shown that the mean score of social well-being was higher in male participants who had more experience [5]. “Nursing is not well perceived as a profession within this community”, this is likely the best description of Iranian nurses' social position from a study by Valizadeh et al. [6]. On the other hand, nurses' high rate of burnout is also related to their social position [7]. With all of these, few studies are addressing how to change this social image of nurses. One way is to use them without distortion, portraying their profession in the media [3]. Others suggest extending community-based services and replacing the style of nursing practice from routine-oriented to knowledge-based [4].