Abstract:
The paper examined the historical development
of nursing education and practice in two selected
African countries as a background for
analysing the image of nurses and nursing.
Mead's (1934) Symbolic InteractionistTheof\'
was employed to describe the basis of nurse;'
low social and professional image which has
been perpetuated by feminization of nursing,
its classification as a low status occupation, its
consignment as an appendage of medicine and
widespread discrimination against womcn in
Africa. Since reality construction is a continual
creation as individuals interact in any social situation
and as the social status and professional
roles of nurses improve the image and self presentation
will be enhanced. The submissive, accepting
and passive doer-oriented critical mass
of practising nurses in these countries cxplains
the need for expanding degree programmcs that
will facilitate collegiality in clinical relationships.
It is argued that liberal university education
is an important prerequisite for nurses to
effectively use the concepts of assertiveness,
power and influence to bring about positive
change in their image and provision of quality
nursing care. Recommendations made include
need for nurses to convey messages of maturity,
responsibility and expertise to patients, relatives
and other stakeholders in health care services
through their appearance, language, behaviour
and performance of their professional responsibilities.
