How media portrays nursing profession
The media’s portrayal of the nursing profession to its targeted audience shapes the perception of the public. The increase in medical television shows and the media’s ability to cover nurses performing clinical duties, especially during disasters provides the public with an opportunity to assess the profession (Donelan, Buerhaus, DesRoches, Robert and Dutwin 143).
It is worth noting concerns over the media portrayal of nurses. Many television series portray nurses as caring individuals with focusing less on their capabilities, knowledge and competency (Hoeve, Jansen and Roodbol 298). A popular show like “ER” constantly shows physicians doing nurses’ roles. The nurses are only left to conduct clerical work, administrative duties or waiting for instructions from the physicians. Consequently, it hurts the image of the nurse. It portrays nursing as a technical job full of menial duties. The situation explains the decline of nursing as a career choice. The inaccurate portrayal of nursing alienates the profession when it should be the forefront of the coverage (Mee 47).
In as much as nursing profession experiences inaccurate presentation from the media, it has also received positive reviews. In as much as “caring” can aid negative portrayal of nursing, it can be utilized to positively portray nursing. When media cover the roles nurses play during disasters and emergencies, it portrays the humanity aspect of nursing as it alleviates human suffering (Donelan, Buerhaus and Desroches, 144). The nursing code emphasizes on the need to put the patient first.
In an effort to improve the image of the nursing and educate the public on the nursing profession entails, nurses can exploit several avenues. Firstly, personalized interaction with the patients is crucial (Mee 46). The approach involves making an appropriate first impression. Consequently, a patient will assess confidence level and prejudge on competency. An explanation to the patient on his health status, diagnosis procedure taken and the effects of the treatment regime facilitates positive image building of the nursing profession. Secondly, public speaking and community activities are fundamental (Mee 47). The approach involves issuing the public with relevant health information and organizing medical camps. The third approach involves writing for publication (Mee 48). The approach involves opinion columns in newspapers, magazines or journals. Due to its mass recipients, this avenue can educate and address the negative portrayal of nurses.
24/7 Nursing Homework Help
Stuck on a nursing assignment question? From easy essays to complicated dissertations, our accredited writers can answer all questions!
