Perception of the image of the nursing profession and its relationship with quality of care

BACKGROUND: Good quality of care (QOC) is related to high recovery rates, fewer mistakes, and better outcomes in general. The perception of the nursing profession (NP) among nurses has many social and professional implications, and it is important to understand the implications regarding their QOC. The aim of the study was to examine whether there is a relationship between the self-image of nursing and the nurses’ QOC, and whether men and women differ in their nursing image (NI). METHODS: A cross-sectional study applied among nursing teams employed in various inpatient wards: An online questionnaire was distributed and included (1) Sociodemographic details; (2) Image of the nursing profession; and (3) Nurses’ perception of their nursing care quality. RESULTS: The results show a significant positive relationship between the NI perception among nurses and their perceptions of the QOC they provide. No sex differences were found between male and female nurses. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the correlation between the NP’s self-image and self-reported QOC. Health policy makers should build national programs that improve the image of nursing among nursing teams, and create an empowering and positive working environment, which would most probably improve the quality of nursing care.