Abstract

Aim: To examine the public professional image of nurses in Israel and its contribution to the perceived prestige and attractiveness of nursing relative to other health professions.

Background: Nursing’s image varies across cultures, shaped by media, history, and social values. Despite advances in education, misconceptions persist: the complexity and scientific basis of nursing are often underrecognized; the essence of the role is not always clear (Hallam, 2000), and the evidence-based nature of modern nursing is underappreciated (González et al., 2023).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey used convenience sampling of 280 adults. The questionnaire captured sociodemographic data, appraisals of nurses’ professional image, and comparative rankings of prestige across eight health professions.

Results: The public rated nurses’ image as moderately high, yet nursing ranked fifth of eight professions in prestige. Prior exposure to nursing care—during hospitalization or community services—was associated with more favorable perceptions.

Discussion: Findings indicate a positive image but only moderate prestige. Prestige appears driven more by perceived roles, responsibilities, and day-to-day visibility than by salary alone. Closing the status gap requires coordinated policy, organizational, and educational strategies that broaden clinical autonomy, leadership opportunities, interprofessional voice, and public-facing responsibilities, while making evidence-based contributions more visible.

Conclusions and Imlications: Enhancing nurses’ visibility is essential to strengthening public image and organizational presence. Continuing education—alongside advanced practice pathways and dissemination of outcomes—can foster professional growth and reinforce nursing’s influence across the health system.