While the media usually work diligently to be fair and factual, they have often presented an inaccurate portrait of the nursing profession. In fact, a 2022 study shows this distortion can be damaging for nurses and the work they do.
The BMC Nursing study shows that media representations of nurses as caring and trusted — but lacking in influence — can be damaging for a nurse’s self-image. The study also notes that nurses believe this struggle can lead to a lower quality of care.
But nursing leaders have an opportunity to reframe the narrative about nurses in the media. By sharing their expertise, they can help move the conversation about nursing toward today’s reality.
The reality is: Twenty-first-century nursing is a specialized career that employs millions and plays a leading role in protecting the public’s health through patient diagnoses and education. In 2020, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers reported there were 4.2 million registered nurses (RNs) in the United States.
Advanced nursing education, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program, can equip nurses with the knowledge and leadership skills to help them shape media representations of nursing professionals. Through efforts ranging from taking community leadership roles to becoming active on social media, nurses can influence attitudes about nursing and its role in the health care landscape.
How Are Nurses Portrayed in the Media?
A 2020 article in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship describes the nursing profession’s struggle to move beyond media stereotypes that range from hero to handmaiden.
While media such as news reports and television shows have traditionally portrayed nurses as trustworthy and caring, they also have tended to paint the profession as one that lacks autonomy and authority. Stereotypes perpetuated by the way nurses are portrayed in the media include the following misrepresentations.
- Nurses have little leadership and influence, with the nursing profession existing primarily to help physicians. In reality, today’s nurses are becoming more specialized and enjoy more autonomy in providing patient care.
- Nurses are all women. In reality, although most nurses are women, the 2020 NCSBN and National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers survey shows more than 9% of nurses reported their gender as male or other.
- Nurses have only simple skills, with many portrayals building up nurses’ empathy but downplaying the extensive education and medical knowledge that licensed nursing professionals must possess. In reality, for nursing leaders such as administrators, nurse practitioners (NPs) and researchers, master’s and doctoral degrees are the norm.
A 2021 article in Evidence-Based Nursing notes the impactful role nurses have played in treating COVID-19 has brought attention to the importance of nursing professionals in the health care realm. But the image of nurses simply as heroes that emerged during the pandemic often ignores the depth of skills and specialized knowledge the profession has to offer.
How Are the Media a Platform for Nurse Advocates?
The American Nurses Association (ANA) considers advocacy to be a cornerstone of the nursing profession. The spotlight the pandemic has placed on nurses provides an opportunity for nursing professionals to gain visibility as advocates for nursing’s evolving roles and expanding expertise.
Nurses’ numbers among health care providers make their potential to effect change significantly. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported nurses and midwives comprised half of the global health workforce.
Advocating for Nursing in the Media
Working with the media can help nurses advocate for the profession and change the portrayal of nurses in the media. Working with the media, nursing leaders can:
- Educate reporters about the role of nursing
- Take advantage of opportunities to highlight health care problems and solutions
- Promote evidence-based clinical practices that can improve public health
How to Engage the Media
Nurse advocates can help change the portrayal of nurses in the media through efforts such as:
- Becoming active in nursing organizations at the local, state, and national levels. These organizations typically serve as sources for media members seeking story ideas and comments. These organizations also often provide members with training in working with the media.
- Participating in legislative and political advocacy to encourage positive changes for patients, workplaces, communities, and the nation. Testifying before government committees, participating in policy boards, and seeking public office can attract visibility.
- Contacting reporters to draw attention to health issues and concerns, suggest solutions, and educate the public. Being responsive can earn nurses a reputation as helpful and important sources for the media.
Nurses and Social Media
Posting social media content is another effective tool for engaging in nursing advocacy. Creating posts that incorporate multimedia messaging can be particularly impactful because they attract more attention and are shared more frequently. Social media can be a good way to develop a following and exchange information and ideas with other nurses. Nurses can make an impact on social media by:
- Posting information about clinical breakthroughs or research results
- Voicing support for the nursing profession
- Sharing recognition of nursing staff accomplishments
- Answering health care questions
- Blogging about health care trends and tips
Nurses’ social media use requires them to adhere to the patient privacy guidelines as stated in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). For example, they can’t post pictures or provide identifying information about patients without their consent.