Do you think CV-19 has changed the publics perception of Nurses?

[FirTree31]

Just that really? I also wondered if we may see changing policies such as increased autonomy in decision making.

Feel silly asking this as I'm not a Nurse, I have an unconditional offer for a Masters in Nursing in September. I've just been reading about views of it of it as a profession.

[QueenofmyPrinces]

What perception do you think people had prior to Covid that may now have changed?

[FirTree31]

Appreciative of Nurses on the whole, whilst being aware that the role can be undervalued and underpaid and completly stretched.

[LaureBerthaud]

I think Nurse covers too broad a range of specialities within the health profession.
So if, for example, a nurse becomes a nurse practitioner, they should have a title that doesn't include nurse. The NP at our practice is very good but has had to work long and hard to gain some patients' trust and respect because many viewed her as "just a nurse" - like the nurse who takes their blood or dresses their leg ulcers.

[MoreW1ne]

I dont really have much of a perception on them to change really. I'm rarely ill so rarely think of them.
Like most people really if you need a lot of care you probably think of and appreciate them a lot. If you dont then you probably wont.
They're no different to me (good or bad) compared to any other professionals who services I use.

[FirTree31]

Very good point. I suppose I was just thinking about how mucb support nursing, and other (rightly so) workers had during this time, and some of the common 'complaints'. I wondered if the support could be galvanised for change. Perhaps nievely as many roles are over stretched, such as teaching.

[ohthegoats]

Yeah I don't think of them much either. I assume they are caring people, else why put up with all that shit! And I assume it's a vocation rather than just a job.

[MoreW1ne]

I think it's one of those jobs (like most public sector roles) where you have to support each other in the workplace and just be content in yourself with the job you do. Do it because you enjoy/like it and ignore the public perception. The vast majority will appreciate the work you do even if they wont always show it.

[Lynda07]

I had a bad experience during an eight day stay in hospital in April last year. All I can say is, some are good and some are not. My views haven't change during the pandemic but I do feel we need dedicated, compassionate and efficient nursing staff in 'normal' times just as much as we need 'heroes'. Patients need to be seen by a doctor once a day too.

Medical staff are not the only workers to be stretched at this time; carers at home and residential, domestic staff, emergency services, teachers, postal workers and others have also gone the extra mile. There are many unsung heroes.

[Lynda07]

I meant 'changed' not 'change'.

My perception of health visitors hasn't changed one bit :-).

[FirTree31]

@lynda07 absolutely I agree, Nurses are not the only stretched professions. Additionally to your list, Supermarket staff have been awesome. I just musing about Nursing

[LaureBerthaud]

I wondered if the support could be galvanised for change

The whole of the NHS needs to be reformed and made more efficient and effective.

[MadisonMontgomery]

Agree with the poster who commented re nurse practitioners - a lot of patients kick off and don’t want appts with them because they don’t realise what the role covers. A lot of patients also seem to think nurses can look at anything and have loads of spare time, i.e. muscularskeletal problems ‘oh can a nurse not just take a quick look at it now’. Tbh I think the general public need a bit of a refresher on what the NHS is for and how to use it appropriately!

[LockdownLou]

I had an unconditional offer for LD nursing this September but I have deferred for a year whilst I think about it. I think they are not valued at all. My mum and sister are both nurses and have advised me not to go ahead and do it.