INTEGRITY OF THE NURSING PROFESSION IN SOCIETY

The nursing profession began to take shape in the 19th century and, by the second half of the 20th century, had evolved into an independent branch of healthcare. It continues to develop through education, empirical knowledge, and the enhancement of nursing skills, which are continually refined in response to advancements in society and science. This paper examines the integrity of the nursing profession within society, focusing on the impact of public opinion and other factors that shape the perception of nurses. The research method employed in this paper is a review of existing literature that analyzes attitudes toward the nursing profession. Research shows generally positive attitudes toward nurses, acknowledging the professional skills and knowledge they bring to healthcare. However, it also highlights negative aspects, such as stress, physical strain, and the various challenges nurses face. Furthermore, studies confirm that the integrity of the nursing profession is influenced by a variety of factors that contribute to the public's perception of nurses. The perception of the nursing profession varies according to social contexts and individual experiences. Nonetheless, its respect and integrity are largely contingent upon mutual understanding of the essential role nurses play in delivering healthcare.