An Evolving Identity: Self-Reflection On The Image Of Nursing

1. My thoughts about a nursing research conference prior to Eta Beta Research Day were that it would discuss research that can be implemented into nursing practice. I thought a speaker would present research in which they conducted and allow the audience to interact by asking questions. I was expecting to learn about research that pertains to registered nurses and student nurses. I expected to gain an appreciation for nursing research and ways research can be implicated into nursing practice. Throughout the semester I was able to participate in some of the research that was done by the Honor students and was told the results and findings were to be discussed at Eta Beta Day.

2. The most important thing I learned about nursing research at

One podium presentation I found interesting was Nancy Laplante “An Evolving Identity: Self- Reflection on the Image of Nursing”. The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of a professional presentation on participants perceptions of the images of nursing. The research questions asked included: the perception of the nursing image, the public view of nursing impact on how nurses view themselves, how nursing image impacts the recruitment into the nursing profession, and how attitudes and beliefs of the nursing image change based on the presentation. The research design was a qualitative study was a sample size of 43 participants. The data collection method shown positive and negative images as part of the presentation; participants then responded to open ended questions. The findings discovered four themes: An Evolving Identity, In Defense of the Profession, Reality to Retain, and The Greater Voice. The results showed that the image of nursing varied. Nurses can be viewed as a positive influence, such as trusting; however, they could also be viewed negatively like controlling. Participants also viewed they had to defend their profession in regards that they were smart enough to be a doctor. Many felt students needed a better understanding about the reality of nursing and nurses needed a stronger voice. The implication to nursing were having educator assist students and build a positive image of nursing. Also, to allow nurses to self-reflect and correct negative stereotypes. The findings were significant to nursing because they allow nurses to self-reflect on the nursing profession. The findings are reliable and provide implications that can be used to positively influence the nursing image. I thought this podium was overall interesting and presented clearly. The speaker included some of the participants responses, which helped to gain the viewers’