in ways that may discourage future nurses.
Changing the Narrative
So why is it important that we promote a positive, accurate image of nursing? Media representation influences not only how nurses and future nurses view the profession, but also how the general public perceives us. Highlighting an accurate depiction of nursing and our broad scope of practice can help combat the nursing shortage by inspiring individuals to join a profession built on trust, education, compassion, skill, and diversity. Nurses have held the position of the most trusted profession for 23 consecutive years, according to Gallup’ s annual“ Most Honest and Ethical Profession Poll.” Nursing is also the largest workforce in healthcare, with nearly 3.35 million individuals in the United States alone. These statistics make one thing clear: nurses play an essential role in healthcare, and our voices must be shared more freely, widely, and consistently.
Nursing is truly the backbone of healthcare. The nursing scope is often overlooked, yet nurses play a crucial role in patient outcomes and the overall healthcare environment. Nurses spend significant amounts of time with their patients and provide care on physical, psychological, and educational levels. Whether caring for patients at their first breath or their last, nurses demonstrate compassion, resilience, and strength. They maintain composure under pressure, as well as uplift and support their colleagues. Nurses are also fierce advocates— for patients, for families, and for staff. Because they spend so much time with patients, nurses are uniquely positioned to advocate for treatment plans, identify next steps, and support safe staffing ratios. They serve on governance committees, contribute to ethical decision-making, and consistently uphold professional standards. Nurses are invaluable not only to their patients, their hospitals, and their teams but also to their communities and society as a whole. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine( 2021),“ Nurses also benefit individuals, communities, and society through their efforts as scientists conducting clinical and health services research; as executives and entrepreneurs leading healthcare organizations; as members of hospital and health system boards; as public health officers and educators; and as members of federal, state, and local governments.”
So how can nurses reclaim their image and strengthen their presence on social media and in other media spaces? Nurses must change the narrative that they are merely“ supporting characters,” when in reality they are the individuals at the frontline of healthcare. Nurses can use social media platforms to increase engagement within the profession, build community, and encourage nursing students and future nurses to pursue the career, serving as mentors to the next generation.
Increasing media engagement can also be achieved on an institutional level. Universities, hospitals, and other facilities can use social media and other platforms to attract individuals to the workforce, promote advanced education, and encourage more nurses to pursue academic or nurse educator roles that influence future generations. As noted in the Campaign for Action( 2018),“ Nursing schools house a wealth of clinical and policy expertise among their faculty that could enrich coverage of a wide range of issues, but that message is not reaching journalists.”
Media engagement does not end with social platforms. Nurses can participate in professional organizations’ media initiatives, using their expertise to advocate for issues they are passionate about and to share the mission, values, and goals of their organizations. Nursing students can contribute by creating Image of Nursing Committees within their school chapters, highlighting their community work and recognizing individuals who have made meaningful contributions. Nurses and nursing students can also write for nurse-focused publications, such as Imprint from the National Student Nurses’ Association, which highlights success stories and inspires students preparing to enter the workforce.
Nurses can also get involved politically within their states.
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