The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the professional perception and image of nursing among nurses working in surgical units: An online study

BACKGROUND: Understanding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perception and image of the profession are key factors in nurses' perceptions regarding their roles and their future. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perception and image of the nursing profession among nurses working in surgical units. METHODS: This cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with 216 nurses using the random sampling method between 10 and 30 March, 2022. The study data were collected using an information form, the Perception of Nursing Professional Scale (PNPS), and the Scale for the Image of the Nursing Profession. RESULTS: The nurses' mean age was 32.53 +/- 9.16 years (min 21, max 57) and their mean professional experience was 16.44 +/- 9.80 years (min 1, max 44). The mean PNPS score was 73.12 +/- 9.46, and the mean Scale for the Image of the Nursing Profession score was 171.11 +/- 11.16. Female nurses had significantly higher positive perceptions of nursing levels than male nurses. Gender, having a history of COVID-19, marginalization during the pandemic, and perception of the nursing profession significantly affected image perceptions of nursing at multiple linear regression analysis. These variables explained 43% of the total variance. CONCLUSION: Nurses working in surgical units during the COVID-19 pandemic exhibited a good level of professionalism and image perception concerning nursing.