exam after graduation in order to practice as a nurse , and I would have to establish understanding by comparing it to a more well-understood profession , like law : “ It ’ s like being a lawyer – you have to pass the bar before you can work as a lawyer .”
As time passed , I learned how to educate others about nursing without comparing it to something “ more respected ,” and allow the work of nurses to stand on its own . As my own confidence as a nursing student grew , so did my ability to convey that nurses are trusted members of the healthcare team because of their own ability to make safe clinical judgments . The assumption that I was forced or “ settled ” into nursing diminished over time , especially as I genuinely conveyed my drive and my “ why ” to others . In doing so , I have been able to connect with others who also didn ’ t let negative stereotypes deter them from their desire to become a nurse .
Conclusion As a nursing student actively preparing to enter this profession , I sometimes forget that I was once part of the general public that did not know much about nursing at first . Looking forward to my nursing career , I hope to engage people interested in entering the profession , especially as the healthcare industry continues to grow and change . With the introduction of new medications , treatments , and technology , nurses will take on increased responsibilities for preparing , overseeing , and monitoring the patient who receives such interventions . With a nurse ’ s many roles , responsibilities , and career pathways , this career provides the potential for many avenues of growth .
With time , I believe that the negative stereotypes in the profession can be mitigated by cultivating awareness of the nurse ’ s role , as well as encouraging others to speak openly about the stereotypes that affect them during their careers . In doing so , we will be able to take ownership of the profession ’ s image , establish nursing ’ s own ethos , and challenge stereotypes in the process . n
References Lampert , L . ( 2017 February 07 ). Debunking Nursing Stereotypes . Daily Nurse : The Pulse of Nursing . https :// dailynurse . com / debunking-nursing-stereotypes /.
Temkar , A . ( 2020 May 27 ). Coronavirus heroes : I thought Filipino nurses were ‘ sellouts .’ I was wrong . USA Today . https :// www . usatoday . com / story / opinion / voices / 2020 / 05 / 27 / filipinonurses-coronavirus-hero-medicinecolumn / 5231517002 /.
Sunshine Joyce Alba Batasin is a nursing student at the University of San Francisco and will be graduating with a BSN in May 2023 . She has previously published work necessitating an improvement in health literacy to mitigate coronavirus-related anti-Asian xenophobia in the United States . With aspirations of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse , Sunshine hopes to make lasting connections with people during their time of greatest need .
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