Nursing is one of the oldest known professions – nurses were paid to care for a child when the mother died or was incapable of caring for the baby. The concept of wet nursing was very popular – a lady whose child did not survive birth or one who was ready to wean her child could take care of another child.
Several years later, the nursing profession has evolved tremendously while keeping its place at the center of the healthcare system. Despite the profession being very old, there are several misconceptions surrounding it. Keep reading to discover some common misconceptions and how they can be addressed.
Nursing is a career for women
Historically, caregiving and nurturing have always been perceived as female pursuits. There has often been an archetypical perception that the doctor is male while the nurse is female. The fact that nursing is female-dominated is not due to any natural suitability. Rather, it reflects how society has this ingrained stereotype that women are supporting characters. Different cultures dictate that an ideal woman should have positive characteristics, such as compassion and kindness, all of which are required in nursing.
Due to this misogynistic ideology, many men hesitate to pursue a nursing degree. Relevant stakeholders can address this misconception by promoting the recognition of both male and female nurses.
Being a nurse limits career growth
The misconception that nursing limits future career moves could not be further from the truth. The healthcare system is growing rapidly, creating new opportunities along the way. Most people hold the notion that getting a nursing degree restricts them to the clinical setting. However, there are several other opportunities.
For example, you can get an administrative job managing a facility or enter the teaching profession. You can also explore nursing informatics to deliver and coordinate care across multiple settings. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you could go into the business side of healthcare, such as helping develop software solutions. In a nutshell, the possibilities are endless.
A nurse is a doctor’s handmaiden
The media has often depicted nurses as subservient helpmates to doctors. While doctors enjoy prestige and high social status, nurses get little credit. The truth is, nurses are nobody’s handmaidens. They do more than just carry charts for the doctor. They have independent responsibilities for their patients. Nurses engage in leadership roles and cutting-edge medical research, they are often responsible for diagnosing patients and prescribing drugs. This misconception can be addressed by setting up structures to help nurses advance their careers. Funding research is an excellent place to start.
Nurses lack what it takes to become doctors
Most people believe that nurses only went to nursing school because they couldn’t make the cut academically to become doctors. How mistaken! Nursing is not for “less academically smart” students. It is also important to note that it takes more than good grades to make it through nursing school. Nursing school can be very demanding – passing requires determination and passion.
Becoming a nurse means working unsociable hours
Nursing can be a demanding career, often meaning working long hours. However, advancements in the healthcare system have led to taking steps towards greater flexibility. Furthermore, the fact that there are many career path options means many variations in work schedules. Nevertheless, there is still a lot to be improved. This misconception can be addressed by healthcare settings being sufficiently staffed. Embracing telemedicine can also help nurses to strike a better work-life balance.
Where you go to school is irrelevant
Several universities and colleges offer nursing education. However, assuming they are all the same would be wrong and you should take your time to do your due diligence. Whether you are applying for the first time or considering a nursing second degree, it is important to enroll in a program at an accredited institution, such as the online ABSN offered by Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.
Every nurse aspires to be a doctor
Some people don’t view nursing as a satisfying career – they can’t imagine a world where all someone wants to be is a nurse. Some assume that every nurse dreams of becoming a doctor someday. The truth is, those are two different careers. A doctor is trained to focus on the illness, while the nurse’s primary focus is the patient. With this in mind, it is clear that someone can find satisfaction in their nursing career without dreaming of becoming a doctor. This misconception can change by society stopping viewing nursing as a subordinate career.
Anyone can be a nurse
There has been an increasing demand for nurses for quite some time now, but it is not possible for anyone to step into the role. As discussed earlier in the article, it is vitally important that nurses have the correct qualifications in place from a fully accredited institution. The hiring managers at any healthcare facility will only employ the best talent and will look at an applicants’ educational background and experience before considering them for the role.
Finally, some truth
These are some of the common myths about nursing perpetuated in society today. The truth is that nursing is an excellent career choice for all sexes. It is ideal for those graduating from high school and those who would love to transition from another field. The most important thing is choosing a reputable institution to pursue your nursing degree.
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