The perception of the image of nursing.

A quantitative research study in the form of a descriptive survey was undertaken with the aim of determining the public's perception of the image of nursing at the Umtata District of the Eastern Cape Province. Twenty participants were selected systematically from queues of patients in the Out Patient department of Umtata General Hospital. A semi-structured interview schedule was used the prime method of data collection. Data analysis was done by means of a computer software package called SAS. The findings revealed that 95% (N = 19) of the respondents viewed the nursing profession as a calling whilst only 5% (N = 1) viewed nursing as a job. Thirteen factors were identified as contributory to the changing image of nursing. Recommendations proposed included the dissemination of nursing information in the form of pamphlets, and implementation of health development programmes at public gatherings with the aim of increasing public awareness regarding new developments in the nursing profession. Training in assertiveness was also suggested with the aim of helping nurses express themselves as opposed to their tendency to withdraw into subservient roles.