Abstract: Journal of Nursing ManagementVolume 20, Issue 4 p. 551-560 Iranian nurses self-perception – factors influencing nursing image SHOKOH VARAEI MScN, BScN, SHOKOH VARAEI MScN, BScN PhD Candidate in Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranSearch for more papers by this authorMOJTABA VAISMORADI MScN, BScN, MOJTABA VAISMORADI MScN, BScN PhD Candidate in Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranSearch for more papers by this authorMELANIE JASPER PhD, RN, MSc, BNurs, BA, RHV, RM, MELANIE JASPER PhD, RN, MSc, BNurs, BA, RHV, RM Professor, Head of College, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, UKSearch for more papers by this authorSOGHRAT FAGHIHZADEH PhD, SOGHRAT FAGHIHZADEH PhD Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, IranSearch for more papers by this author SHOKOH VARAEI MScN, BScN, SHOKOH VARAEI MScN, BScN PhD Candidate in Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranSearch for more papers by this authorMOJTABA VAISMORADI MScN, BScN, MOJTABA VAISMORADI MScN, BScN PhD Candidate in Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranSearch for more papers by this authorMELANIE JASPER PhD, RN, MSc, BNurs, BA, RHV, RM, MELANIE JASPER PhD, RN, MSc, BNurs, BA, RHV, RM Professor, Head of College, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, UKSearch for more papers by this authorSOGHRAT FAGHIHZADEH PhD, SOGHRAT FAGHIHZADEH PhD Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, IranSearch for more papers by this author First published: 27 February 2012 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01397.xCitations: 27 Shokoh Varaei Tehran Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery Tehran University of Medical Sciences Eastern-Nosrat Street Touhid Square Tehran Iran E-mail: [email protected] Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Abstract varaei S., Vaismoradi M., Jasper M. & Faghihzadeh S. (2012) Journal of Nursing Management 20, 551–560 Iranian nurses self-perception – factors influencing nursing image Aim The purpose of this study was to describe the perspectives of Iranian nurses regarding factors influencing nursing image. Background Nursing image is closely tied to the nurse's role and identity, influencing clinical performance, job satisfaction and quality of care. Images of nursing and nurses are closely linked to the cultural context in which nursing is practised, hence, this study explores how Iranian nurses perceive the factors that influence their own image. Methods A descriptive study using a survey design was conducted with 220 baccalaureate qualified nurses working in four teaching hospitals in an urban area of Iran. A Nursing Image Questionnaire was used and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results In the domains of 'characteristics required for entry to work', 'social role characteristics of nursing' and 'prestige, economic and social status, and self image' the nurses had negative images. 'Reward' and 'opportunity for creativity and originality' were factors that least influenced choosing nursing as a career. The presence of a nurse in the family and working in the hospital had the greatest impact on the establishment of nurses' nursing image. Conclusion Improving the nursing profession's prestige and social position as well as providing the opportunity for creativity and originality in nursing practice will change the self-image of Iranian nurses, facilitating effective and lasting changes in nursing's image. Implications for nursing management Nurse managers are well-placed to influence nurses' perceptions of nursing's image. 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