Greek Intensive and Emergency Care Nurses' Perception of Their Public Image

In Brief The public image of the nurse constitutes an important factor for recruitment into the profession, retention, and also for work satisfaction. The aim of this qualitative study was to disclose the way nurses internalize their professional public image and professional worth, as well as nurses' feelings about that image. Findings showed that although nurses have made a tremendous effort to improve the public image of their profession, negative nursing stereotypes still persist. Therefore, nurses have to actively participate in policy making and enhance their educational and cultural profile through the media. The public image of the nurse constitutes an important factor for recruitment into the profession, retention, and also for work satisfaction. This research study uses qualitative methodology to identify themes related to nurse' public image and professional worth.