Abstract

Ingwu, J. A (M.Sc Nursing),2Ohaeri, B.M (PhD Nursing) and 3Iroka O.L (BNSc)

Nurses’ image has always been a concern among those in the profession. This study set to determine the professional image of nursing as perceived by nurses working in tertiary hospitals in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria. The objectives were to assess the factors within the nursing profession that motivates the nurses to practice nursing, determine the organizational factors that inhibit nurses to practice nursing. A cross sectional descriptive study was used. A sample of 281 nurses was used for the study. Questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. A stratified proportionate sampling was used to select respondents from the study settings while the respondents were selected using systematic sampling technique utilizing the inclusion criteria. Findings revealed that nurses have a negative perception about the profession with overall mean score of 2.43, the major factor within the profession that motivate nurses to continue with the practice of the profession was team work 218(80.7%), organizational factor that inhibits nurses from continuing with the practice of the profession was poor remuneration 150(55.6%) and upgrading the diploma schools 195(72.2%). It was recommended that nurses should be encouraged to be self motivated and continue with the practice of nursing as a career, the government should give adequate remuneration to the nurses and Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria should upgrade the diploma schools to degree awarding institutions.