Nursing Ethics and Stereotypes Quiz

Perceptions of Nursing

• The presentation is about perceptions of nursing, specifically the image of nursing as portrayed and understood by the public and in popular culture.

Learning Objectives

• To understand the evolution of how nursing is perceived over time.
• To examine current perceptions of nursing, including potential flaws or misperceptions.
• To develop strategies to combat or improve the image of nursing.

Profession's Identity

• A competency framework exists for registered nurses, containing 101 competencies grouped under 9 roles.
• These roles include Clinician, Professional, Communicator, Collaborator, Coordinator, Leader, Advocate, Educator, and Scholar.

Our Profession's Identity Versus Our Profession's Image

• There is a distinction between how nurses perceive themselves vs. how the public perceives nurses.
• Public perceptions often stem from media portrayals, personal experiences, and societal attitudes, which may not reflect the reality of nursing practice.
• Direct and indirect experiences with nurses impact the public's image of the profession.
• Legacy societal attitudes and media portrayals also contribute to perceptions.

Kalisch and Kalisch (Images of Nursing)

• Identifies six common images of nursing:
  • Angel of Mercy (self-sacrificing, moral, noble)
  • Girl Friday (subservient, physician handmaiden)
  • Heroine (brave, dedicated)
  • Wife/Mother (maternal, passive, domestic)
  • Sex Object (sensual, romantic, promiscuous)
  • Careerist (knowledgeable, intelligent, respected professional)

More Stereotypes

• Bureaucratic (emphasis on structure)
• Battle Axe (bossy, scary, inflicting pain)
• These longstanding stereotypes exist alongside outdated views.

The Real Public Perception of Nurses

• The public often views nursing as primarily caring for someone in distress and providing comfort.
• The public may not fully grasp the skilled, complex, and professional nature of nursing practice.
• The public may not be aware of the professional development within nursing.

Fuller (2021)

• Creating a positive image of nursing is critical for success in advocacy.
• The image of nursing should reflect its importance to stakeholders.
• The image should not compromise public support and respect.

Van der Cingel & Brouwer (2020)

• Professionalism, autonomy, and doing versus thinking are essential components of modern nursing.
• The public perception is that nurses are primarily caring, compassionate, and moral.
• Public perceptions of nursing can change through awareness and communication efforts.

Daigle (2018)

• Historical nursing attire (e.g., Nightingale's attire) and modern scrubs affect how the public perceives professionalism.
• Changes in uniform, dress codes, and other perceived factors can influence patient perceptions regarding professionalism.

Wang et al. (2019)

• Nursing students experience significant academic burnout, with levels typically near the median value on a scale.
• Addressing academic burnout is important to improve students' professional self-concept.
• Behaviour issues are particularly difficult to address and may be more common issues for students experiencing academic burnout.

Article Themes

• Positive professional self-concept is crucial in modern nursing.
• Van der Cingel emphasizes the importance of valuing knowledge and the belief aspects in how people are perceived.
• Media depictions and stereotypes significantly influence public perception.
• Fuller emphasizes using professionalism and expertise.
• The importance of representing nursing's public and professional image.

Public Perceptions

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of nursing and their work and drew attention to public perception in the healthcare sector.
• Increased awareness led to a more positive view of the profession.
• It's essential to maintain a positive professional image of nursing.

Changing Stereotypes

• External factors (e.g., historical roles, hierarchical structures) affect the public's view of nurses.
• Internal factors (e.g., role confusion, lack of confidence) limit nurses' professional growth.

CNO's Code of Conduct

• The CNO's Code of Conduct sets standards of best practice for all nurses in Ontario.
• It emphasizes fundamental principles, such as respecting patient dignity and maintaining public trust.
• The core elements include respecting patient dignity, collaboration, and maintaining trust.

Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) (2020) Position Statement

• The Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) plays a crucial role in clarifying and improving the image of nurses in the public perception.
• Nurses should portray themselves in the best possible light, through advocating for improved treatment and visibility.
• The ONA works to change the public perception of nurses, and to promote positive and realistic images of nurses.

Valuing Nursing

• Reflecting on current issues in the portrayal of nursing is important for nurses' self-image and professional growth.
• Addressing negative perceptions or media portrayal issues is essential.
• Strategies for maintaining a positive professional image are crucial for nursing's future.

Creating a New Image

• Nurses prioritize valuing their profession and role daily.
• Nurses emphasize their professionalism through behaviour and dress.
• Health promotion, care, and teaching are essential elements of professionalism.
• Nurses need to develop and maintain self-confidence to improve their professional and public image.

Serving the Public

• Registered Nurses are highly regarded for their honesty and ethical standards, significantly higher than most professions.
• Nurses' strong reputation for honesty and ethics should be highlighted through their professional behaviours.

Images, Perceptions, and Portrayals

• Analyze how society depicts nurses (e.g., in media) and its influence on the public's image.

Social Media

• Social Media often presents negative portrayals of nursing professions, leading to professional challenges and negativity.

Elizabeth Wettlaufer

• A serious crime involving a nurse (e.g., murder) impacts public trust and perceptions with catastrophic implications.

Unregistered Practitioners (CNO)

• Unregistered practitioners pose a risk to the public and require attention.

Discipline Committee of the College of Nurses of Ontario

• There are processes and consequences for the actions of nurses.

Final Images

• Include a YouTube video link demonstrating the theme of the presentation.

Test your understanding of nursing ethics and the various stereotypes associated with the profession. The quiz covers topics such as professional conduct, communication breaches, and common perceptions of nurses. Enhance your knowledge about the roles and expectations within the nursing field.