What makes a nurse today? A debate on the nursing professional identity and its need for change

In 2020, due to the Nightingale year and COVID-19 crisis, nursing is in public eye more than ever. Nurses often are being seen as compassionate helpers. The image of nursing, however, also consists stereotypes such a ‘doing’ profession care ‘female’ characteristic. Next that, associated with images from past, ‘the lady lamp’. Therefore, at least, identity seems simple straightforward enough construct, but nothing less true. Looking what professional of, historic social developments influence group construct. addition, individual, contemporary societal moralities, including stereotypes, play its role. themselves reinforce order fit into expected, even when they believe behaviour encompasses other features. They may do so individually well context. But actually be better off viewed upon diverse, autonomous profession. Moral values compassion motivate nurses enter Research shows that if addressed daily practice, could perhaps saved leaving because feeling unfulfilled. Another aspect concerns huge body knowledge. If ground on which standing, it would contribute different simplified not acknowledge complex nature This paper challenges idea unchangeable notion ‘a nurse will always nurse’. By doing so, contributes debate supposed ‘true’ opens discussion need for change.