Nurses perception about Nursing Image in Eastern Province Hospitals, KSA

Abstract

Background: Evidence suggests that there is a negative image of nursing that does not promote this profession as a career choice. Furthermore, there is a lack of studies documenting the image of nursing in Saudi Arabia, but there are many such studies that are country-specific. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives related to the nursing image among nurses in Eastern Province hospitals. Methods: A study using survey questionnaires to assess nurses' opinions and perceptions regarding the image of nursing professions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Questions were analyzed using content analysis. Result: Interviewed 100 staffs randomly from all hospital eastern province. Most staff concluded that Nursing is a respectable profession and they have expressed a level of control over how their image is portrayed. Conversely and some of them concluded that low self-confidence (personal image) and lack of communication skills deeply affects the image of the nursing staff. Conclusion: This study provides interesting insight into the image of nursing, policy makers and medical staff was exposed to the key concepts that influence the nursing image, and recommended that to design development projects to help improve the image of Nursing in the area.