SocietalView of Nursing

Societal View of Nursing
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Nursing practitioners have grown into healthcare professionals in their own right and they hold a significant deal of knowledge on healthcare issues. The societal image/view of the nursing profession and the professionalization of nursing practitioners is a subject of current international debate. Over the past few years, nurses have had many images ranging from the merciful angel to the sexual stereotype as seen in some fiction works. Polls have also identified this profession as the most ethical and most honest profession in America (Hoeve et.al, 2014). However, the society does not always value the competencies and skills the nursing professionals have gained through education as well as innovation.
Recent research findings indicate that the concrete societal view of nursing is not only realistic but it is also diversified and incongruous. This image is partially created by the nurses themselves due to the lack of social discourse and their invisibility. They derive their professional identity and self-concept from their societal image, education, working environment as well as social, work, cultural, and traditional values. Nursing should, therefore, put extra efforts into communicating their professionalism to the society. Social media platforms such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook can be utilized in showing the society what nurses do and all that pertains to the nursing profession (Grove et.al, 2014).
In conclusion, for nurses to improve their societal image and obtain a better position in the ranking of healthcare establishments, they have to enhance their visibility.

This can be achieved through continuous education and challenging working environments that will encourage nurses to stand up for their self. Moreover, nursing practitioners should better utilize the strategic positions they have such as nursing educators and clinical nurse specialists, and utilize their competencies and expertise to demonstrate to the society what the nursing profession actually entails.
References
Grove, S. K., Burns, N., & Gray, J. (2014). Understanding nursing research: Building an evidence-based practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Hoeve, Y. T., Jansen, G., & Roodbol, P. (2014). The nursing profession: public image, self‐concept and professional identity. A discussion paper. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 70(2), 295-309.