The public perception of nurses. An Italian cross-sectional study

The public perception of nurses. An Italian cross-sectional study

Authors

  • Ivan Rubbi Nursing School - University of Bologna - Bologna
  • Valeria Cremonini Nursing School - University of Bologna - Bologna
  • Giovanna Artioli Local Health Centre - Santa Maria Nuova Hospital Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care - Reggio Emilia - Italy
  • Annalisa Lenzini Nursing Home ‘Carani’ - Pievepelago
  • Irene Talenti Cardiology - AUSL of Romagna - Lugo - Ravenna
  • Valeria Caponnetto Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences - University of L’Aquila - L’Aquila
  • Carmen La Cerra Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences - University of L’Aquila - L’Aquila
  • Cristina Petrucci Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences - University of L’Aquila - L’Aquila
  • Loreto Lancia Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences - University of L’Aquila - L’Aquila

Keywords:

Nursing profession perception - Nursing students - Upper-school students - General population - Very Important Persons - Nursing Attitude Questionnaire

Abstract

Background and aim: The public opinion about the nursing profession can influence health service users, the work performance of nurses, health policies, and the choice to become a nurse. The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of nursing in modern society. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 398 participants belonging to four population groups: Very Important Persons (VIPs), general population, upper-school students, and nursing students. This phenomenon was assessed through the Nursing Attitude Questionnaire (NAQ) and several additional items. Results: The results highlighted that general population and nursing students showed a significantly better image of nurses than did VIPs and upper-school students. Conclusions: Overall, the sample acknowledged nurses fundamental connotations and functions, although secondary school students poorly recognized nurses’ professional autonomy, and VIPs’ judgements seemed to be more sensitive to the image of nurses given by mass media.

Author Biographies

Ivan Rubbi, Nursing School - University of Bologna - Bologna

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science

Valeria Cremonini, Nursing School - University of Bologna - Bologna

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science

Annalisa Lenzini, Nursing Home ‘Carani’ - Pievepelago

Nurse

Irene Talenti, Cardiology - AUSL of Romagna - Lugo - Ravenna

Nurse

Valeria Caponnetto, Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences - University of L’Aquila - L’Aquila

Ph.D. Student

Carmen La Cerra, Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences - University of L’Aquila - L’Aquila

Ph.D Student

Cristina Petrucci, Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences - University of L’Aquila - L’Aquila

Nursing Research

Loreto Lancia, Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences - University of L’Aquila - L’Aquila

University Professor in Nursing Science

Downloads

Published

30-11-2017

Issue

Section

Original article: Nursing in society and in the workplace

How to Cite

1.
Rubbi I, Cremonini V, Artioli G, et al. The public perception of nurses. An Italian cross-sectional study. Acta Biomed. 2017;88(5-S):31-38. doi:10.23750/abm.v88i5-S.6884