| The purpose of this study was to determine if textbooks published in the 1980s promote a more progressive image of the nurse than textbooks published in the 1960s. The content of the textbooks with a clinical focus were analyzed using a content analysis design. Both the narrative text and pictures were analyzed for the treatment of sexism, race, situational context, and personal appearance.;Nursing textbooks published in the 1960s were found to portray a traditional image of nurse, both in the narrative text and pictures. The nurse was female, white, young or middle-aged, dressed in a white uniform and cap with hair confined. The nurse was shown working in the hospital and working under the physician's control. Frequently the nurse's role was compared to that of "mother.".;Textbooks published in the 1980s presented contrasting images of the nurse. The image in the narrative text reflected the goals of nursing set forth to establish professional status. Descriptors commonly included were: Autonomous, independent, educated, researcher, and leader. However, the pictures continued to promote a traditional image of the nurse with the exception of personal appearance. Nurses were shown capless and with free flowing hair. Also, the 1980s nurse was more likely to be depicted wearing a white lab coat or surgical scrubs. The findings show that nursing textbooks continue to promote a traditional image of the nurse. |
