Nursing's self-image--nursing education's responsibility

This article is concerned primarily with the development of a professional image of nurses and the significant role played by nursing educators. What do nursing educators do or should they do to enhance positive self-image among their students? After many years of dealing with students at various stages along the way toward RN, and seeing their reluctance to enter the nursing world due to uncertainty and fear, it seemed to the authors that the root of the problem may be in the development of professional self-image. The authors believe that even though curricula are sound and faculty well prepared for their responsibilities, students still develop these feelings of doubt and inadequacy. Perhaps nursing educators need to do a self-examination by answering the questions posed throughout the article. It is the belief of the authors that nursing educators sincerely subscribe to their role in self-image development. But, at the same time, they may unconsciously contribute to some aspects of negative image development. Is it something that they "do or don't do"? The article is intended to be thought provoking; to stimulate thinking and self-examination. It is not meant to introduce new and innovative material. It reiterates some facts, enumerates a variety of situations, provides examples, and poses many questions. It is divided into three areas of discussion. Self-concept is briefly reviewed as foundation material for the examples and situations enumerated. Further discussion centers on the importance of the individual (nurse) and the importance of the work (nursing).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)