Nursing Profession Reputation

macawake, MSN · Jul 24, 2021

1 hour ago, Salem Alkandari said:

Greetings readers

I have created this topic about nursing profession reputation. My interest is to know nurses' opinions about why the nursing profession's reputation is not improving?

I would start first.

From my observation and experience, my experience is insufficient to provide a cohesive opinion since I only joined nursing in December 2019 and am still on my training program provided by the facility. That being said, sharing my opinion many might agree on, and many might disagree, which is fine to have your opinion questioned and be enlightened by others experience that being said, I get to my opinion. Professionally.

If we examined the reputation of engineering ( computer, mechanical, etc.) and other professions on we found out that society respect them more than the nursing profession my opinion is that due to the fact the influence of that profession on society shown and change people lives and people tend to appreciate those changes happened fro the outcome of working on that profession, in contrast, nursing true that we save lives but the understanding of the work and interaction from nurses to society less than engineering and others profession not necessary direct way but it can be indirect as well through product and services they provided for the society if we could overcome that issue, the work environment will be way better for nurses. The market will value nurses more; therefore, salary will be increased as a society, and the market knows what profession.

Do you agree on my opinion? if no, mind if you share your opinion

Hi there, welcome to AN ?

I suspect that the answers you’ll get might be influenced by a lot of factors, one of them being which part of the world the nurse lives and works in. I’m Scandinavian. If you don’t mind my asking, where are practising nursing?

It’s my impression that nurses actually do have a good reputation. We’re not exactly revered, but definitely respected and trusted. I get thanked on a daily basis by patients who express that I’ve helped them through a rough situation.

So I work in a country with universal healthcare. We don’t bill our patients more than a nominal fee, for example $11 per 24 hours if you’re hospitalized (as an adult, under 18 = $0). That covers everything; meals, tests, medications, treatments, ICU stays, surgeries etc. But each facility has a budget and the various services we provide earn a number of ”points”. I think a major difference here compared to the U.S. healthcare system is that nurses earn these points, just like physicians do. So we also generate an income, or rather a larger budget. This makes the job we do visible to the powers that be ? and the patients don’t need the extra reminder, they see us help them throughout their stays.

I understand the point you make about engineers and other professions but really, is there anything more important to a person than their health and the health of their loved ones? Even an engineer won’t get much done without his or her health reasonably intact ? Sooner or later in most people’s lives there will come a time when either they or someone they care about, will need the help of healthcare professionals.

I’m sorry if you aren’t made to feel that you are a valued member of your society. But you are. The work you do contributes something tangible that makes the society you live in a better place for its members.

LasercopyNurse, BSN · Jul 24, 2021

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Hi there, welcome to AN ?

I suspect that the answers you’ll get be influenced by a lot of factors, one of them being which part of the world the nurse lives and works in. I’m Scandinavian. If you don’t mind my asking, where are practising nursing?

It’s my impression that nurses actually do have a good reputation. We’re not exactly revered, but definitely respected and trusted. I get thanked on a daily basis by patients who express that I’ve helped them through a rough situation.

So I work in a country with universal healthcare. We don’t bill our patients more than a nominal fee, for example $11 per 24 hours if you’re hospitalized (as an adult, under 18 = $0). That covers everything; meals, tests, medications, treatments, ICU stays, surgeries etc. But each facility has a budget and the various services we provide earn a number of ”points”. I think a major difference here compared to the U.S. healthcare system is that nurses earn these points, just like physicians do. So we also generate an income, or rather a larger budget. This makes the job we do visible to the powers that be ? and the patients don’t need the extra reminder, they see us help them throughout their stays.

I understand the point you make about engineers and other professions but really, is there anything more important to a person than their health and the health of their loved ones? Even an engineer won’t get much done without his or her health reasonably intact ? Sooner or later in most people’s life there will come a time when either they or someone they care about, will need the help of healthcare professionals.

I’m sorry if you aren’t made to feel that you are a valued member of your society. But you are. The work you do contributes something tangible that makes the society you live in a better place for its members.

Hello, Good day

True that many factors affect the influence of the practice of nursing.

I practice nursing in Kuwait.

Regarding the reputation, I meant by the view of the nursing profession by society. When I ask people I know about joining nursing, they say no way I work that profession despite respecting and appreciating nurses. Supplementing that regularly, patients appreciate my work, but the community view remained the same fewer people tend to join that profession.

I asked for the reason.

The answer I got is the work environment is not suitable.

I was told one time by a Senior engineer a joke, and it was no matter how positional you get, the nurse one day will boss you and touch your private parts, and you can not argue with that ?

I agree with you that almost we are the center for all professions like we are the heart to vitalize all organs to function mean other professions like what you said, an engineer can not get much done without health.

no need to apologize, and I appreciate your concern over me being a less-valued member of society

Again the point of making this topic of hearing the view of others about the reputation of nursing as a profession and why it is not respected as other professions like engineering and other more valued professions.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jul 24, 2021

Gallop Pole 2020

Nurses are the “Most Trusted Profession” for 19 Years in a Row

https://nurse.org/articles/nursing-ranked-most-honest-profession/

Quote

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- At the end of a year when medical workers have braved exposure to the coronavirus to provide lifesaving care, Americans have become more likely to laud the honesty and ethics of nurses, medical doctors and pharmacists. Still, nurses remain the undisputed leader, as they have been for nearly two decades.

Nurses earn a record 89% very high/high score for their honesty and ethics this year, four percentage points greater than their prior high, last recorded in 2019.

Medical doctors' rating has improved even more in the past year, rising 12 points to 77% and exceeding the previous high of 70% found in 2011 and 2012.

Pharmacists' honesty and ethics rating is up seven points to 71%. While not their highest rating, it is the highest since 2012, when 75% rated them this positively.

https://news.gallup.com/poll/328136/ethics-ratings-rise-medical-workers-teachers.aspx

subee, MSN, CRNA · Jul 24, 2021

5 hours ago, Salem Alkandari said:

Greetings readers

I have created this topic about nursing profession reputation. My interest is to know nurses' opinions about why the nursing profession's reputation is not improving?

I would start first.

From my observation and experience, my experience is insufficient to provide a cohesive opinion since I only joined nursing in December 2019 and am still on my training program provided by the facility. That being said, sharing my opinion many might agree on, and many might disagree, which is fine to have your opinion questioned and be enlightened by others experience that being said, I get to my opinion. Professionally.

If we examined the reputation of engineering ( computer, mechanical, etc.) and other professions on we found out that society respect them more than the nursing profession my opinion is that due to the fact the influence of that profession on society shown and change people lives and people tend to appreciate those changes happened fro the outcome of working on that profession, in contrast, nursing true that we save lives but the understanding of the work and interaction from nurses to society less than engineering and others profession not necessary direct way but it can be indirect as well through product and services they provided for the society if we could overcome that issue, the work environment will be way better for nurses. The market will value nurses more; therefore, salary will be increased as a society, and the market knows what profession.

Do you agree on my opinion? if no, mind if you share your opinion

Are women and men treated equally in the eyes of the law in Kuwait? Maybe a job is looked down upon because it is predominantly female. And that guy that brought up "private parts"? He's the guy I would leave with a bowl of water and wash cloth and tell him let me know when he's finished:)

LovingLife123 · Jul 24, 2021

In the US at least, nursing is very respected. Obviously there is that small sect of society that does not, and those are the ones that treat you horribly.

But, for the most part, I am thanked by family, told they could not do what I do, and my opinion is respected. I’m often asked for my opinion regarding medical matters with family and friends. The physicians on my unit also respect me and listen to me when I say this is not right.

My neighbors all know I’m a nurse and have asked me about covid for the past year and a half and have listened to me when I talk risk factors and why they should be vaccinated. Several actually came to proudly show me their covid bandaids.

Daisy4RN · Jul 24, 2021

5 hours ago, Salem Alkandari said:

Regarding the reputation, I meant by the view of the nursing profession by society.

I think the respect, or lack of, is dependent on where you work. Meaning, geographically, demographically and what type of facility. I have worked in many different types of facilities and have found the hospital environment to be the absolute worst in every aspect. Wasnt too bad 20+ yrs ago but just brutal now as society seems to be devolving while at the same time Healthcare has gone 'big business' model. It is kind of a conundrum to me that nursing is (supposedly) the most trusted profession yet is dumped on by everyone constantly. So, I guess trust is not, for some reason, translating into respect, or a (good) view from society (or I would think that nurses would be treated in a more fair manner, better! While this is not of course everone, IMO it is the majority of people in society. Maybe if nursing services were billed separately the hospital and patients alike would see the "product and services" that nurses provide and would value nurses financially as well as respect/reputation.

LasercopyNurse, BSN · Jul 25, 2021

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Are women and men treated equally in the eyes of the law in Kuwait? Maybe a job is looked down upon because it is predominantly female. And that guy that brought up "private parts"? He's the guy I would leave with a bowl of water and wash cloth and tell him let me know when he's finished:)

In the eyes of the law in Kuwait, women and men have slight differences in salary allowance since men are the ones providing for a family, so the increase of allowance will be for married men so they can rent department. He is the one paying, so that is why they gave men increases in those allowances aside for these kinds of increases.

As religions are involved and regulated, the law of Kuwait is so kind of complicated, and I not much depth in those laws, to be honest.

As for that guy who brought up the joke of touching private parts, he meant the patient wherever he liked it or not to be touched, not the nurse as some people get prideful toward nurses but not knowing their destination might end up at the hands of nurses. As he already had a high position in oil company sector and end of the day, preceptor and I told him Mr to remove your pant and to administer an enema for endoscopy preparation per local policy patient should receive an enema. His reaction was priceless that day, and he said, sadly is it necessary? If yes, go ahead do your job; then He told me that joke.

LasercopyNurse, BSN · Jul 25, 2021

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In the US at least, nursing is very respected. Obviously there is that small sect of society that does not, and those are the ones that treat you horribly.

But, for the most part, I am thanked by family, told they could not do what I do, and my opinion is respected. I’m often asked for my opinion regarding medical matters with family and friends. The physicians on my unit also respect me and listen to me when I say this is not right.

My neighbors all know I’m a nurse and have asked me about covid for the past year and a half and have listened to me when I talk risk factors and why they should be vaccinated. Several actually came to proudly show me their covid bandaids.

Well, good for you. I heard that the US is more respected than our county. I had an experience that I give patient education about his condition. Then I was told not to educate the patient. Only doctors do that as if they raised concern. You might get in trouble. Besides, the mentality of doctors in our country thinking they are superior to nurses is one of the issues we are dealing with. As years going less and less action of this kind occurs; hopefully, we can work as a team one day.

Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN · Jul 25, 2021

As above, in the US nursing has consistently been rated the most trusted and respected profession for decades.

There is no workplace here where a physician or manager, male or female, would be entitled to sexually assault a nurse, male or female, without the possibility of serious consequences. That you assume this is the case in nursing generally, on the word of people of your acquaintance, speaks more about your/their cultural assumptions than nursing itself.

We also cannot be discriminated against regarding pay or benefits on the basis of gender. There are plenty of women who are the sole support of their families.

Finally, I am not familiar with Kuwaiti names, so I can’t tell if you’re male or female. Regardless, it’s not a good idea to use your actual name to post here. AN is not private and anyone who searches your name on the net will find these posts. You can change it in your profile.

LasercopyNurse, BSN · Jul 25, 2021

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As above, in the US nursing has consistently been rated the most trusted and respected profession for decades.

There is no workplace here where a physician or manager, male or female, would be entitled to sexually assault a nurse, male or female, without the possibility of serious consequences. That you assume this is the case in nursing generally, on the word of people of your acquaintance, speaks more about your/their cultural assumptions than nursing itself.

We also cannot be discriminated against regarding pay or benefits on the basis of gender. There are plenty of women who are the sole support of their families.

Finally, I am not familiar with Kuwaiti names, so I can’t tell if you’re male or female. Regardless, it’s not a good idea to use your actual name to post here. AN is not private and anyone who searches your name on the net will find these posts. You can change it in your profile.

I was not aware of the US having nursing as a most trusted and respected profession, to be honest.

Well, about the workplace and sexual assasult we have, there will be fine if assaulted health care workers.

Regarding discrimination regarding pay benefits basis on gender, many females solely support their family, but ideally, men should do that. Therefore, the law encourages such actions and not encouraging females to take that responsibility. maybe that is the reason they did such a law

And I appreciate your advice. I changed my nickname. Many thanks

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 26, 2021

18 hours ago, LasercopyNurse said:

Regarding discrimination regarding pay benefits basis on gender, many females solely support their family, but ideally, men should do that. Therefore, the law encourages such actions and not encouraging females to take that responsibility. maybe that is the reason they did such a law

I would suggest that those laws are more likely in place to continue a cultural subjugation of women.