FEATURE: Debunking the biggest myths about nursing profession for a better healthcare awareness

Nursing is often misunderstood. For years, it has been boxed into stereotypes; romanticized as a “calling,” dismissed as secondary to medicine, or seen as a job for the faint-hearted ones. But how much of what we think we know about nursing reflects the reality?

To uncover the truth, I spoke with practicing nurses on the front lines, recent graduates navigating the demands of the profession, and seasoned lecturers shaping the next generation of nurses. What emerged was a powerful narrative that challenges common misconceptions and sheds light on the complexity, skill, and humanity at the heart of nursing. This report unravels the myths and reveals the real stories behind one of the most vital professions in the medical realm and the medical field generally.

The Origin of Nursing Myths

For centuries, nursing has been clothed in misconceptions that fail to capture the depth and breadth of the profession. These myths are often rooted in outdated narratives and societal stereotypes. From Florence Nightingale’s portrayal as the self-sacrificing ‘lady with the lamp’ to modern depictions of nurses as mere assistants to doctors, popular culture has often painted an incomplete picture of the profession.

However, the reality is far more complex and beyond what the society thinks of it. Nursing is a science-driven career that demands rigorous education, critical thinking, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Yet, myths persist. Some believe nursing is a career exclusively for women or that it requires less intellectual effort than other healthcare professions. Others imagine nurses only follow orders, unaware of the autonomy they have in patient care.

These misconceptions undermine the profession and also contribute to the lack of understanding and respect for nurses’ vital roles. Before diving into the voices of those who live and breathe nursing every day, it’s crucial to confront these falsehoods and examine their impact on how the profession is perceived.

Nurses are not Doctor’s Helpers

When asked about the popular belief that nurses are merely assistants to doctors, hospital workers that can be sent on errands by doctors, Nurse Abdullahi Halilu, an intern at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, responded passionately, emphasizing the fact that nursing is far from being a subordinate role. “Nurses are highly educated, skilled, and they are professionals in healthcare provision. Nurses have a whole lot of jobs, ranging from assisting patients with care plans, administering drugs, providing emotional support, and collaborating with other healthcare personnel. They think critically when doing a lot of things. This brings them very much above the level of being just doctor’s helpers”, he said.

Nurse Halilu also pointed out at maternal health as a unique domain where nurses take the lead. He described nurses as key figures in this area, sometimes even teaching physicians. Hence, the common belief that Nurses are just doctors helpers is very much far from being the truth.

Understanding Autonomy in Nursing

Addressing the issue of autonomy, Halilu explained further that autonomy for nurses varies based on the setting and policies of the health facility. He identified limited autonomy, moderate autonomy and full autonomy as the three levels of autonomy for nurses.

He explained limited autonomy as the type of autonomy found in general hospitals where physicians often have the final say, but nurses still play a critical role. Even here, they independently perform procedures such as cannulation and nasogastric tube insertion. Going further with moderate autonomy, he explained that it’s the type of autonomy seen in primary healthcare facilities, where nurses work independently and handle patient care without the need for constant collaboration.

He gave the final verdict on full autonomy as the one common in educational settings, where nurses teach and practice independently.

Nurse Halilu acknowledged the fact that misconceptions about the nursing profession often stem from the inexperience of some nurses who struggle with basic procedures. This, he noted, can reinforce the stereotype of nurses being mere aides to doctors. However, he firmly stated, “Nurses are members of the healthcare team and not just there for the sake of being there.”

“Is Nursing Easy?”: Insights

Nurse Bello Sani Wase, a lecturer at the Department of Nursing Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, tackled the misconception that nursing is an easy career. He emphasized the role of passion and interest in shaping one’s experience within the field.
“Everything is encapsulated in interest. We’ve always seen people who thought something was hard but found it easy when their interest grew in it. In the aspect of studying nursing, one will find it hard to study without interest”, Nurse Wase explained.

He further highlighted the breadth of training nurses receive, explaining that their education extends beyond learning how to carry out bedside care. The curriculum includes diverse courses in management sciences, political sciences, economics, and entrepreneurship, all designed to foster productivity and versatility in nurses.

While explaining, he said, “We have various specializations one can venture into, which are very much in parallel with bedside care, even though bedside is the prestige of nursing. However, people have a myopic idea of the nursing profession, but it is far beyond what they think.”

The Legality of ‘Auxiliary Nurses’

When asked about the issue of auxiliary nurses; individuals who undergo informal training and claim to be professionals, Nurse Wase was unequivocal in his response:

“There has never been anything called auxiliary nurses. They’re all quacks and are not to be counted as nurses. Not everyone in white is a nurse. The council that regulates the profession doesn’t recognize anything of such.”

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He elaborated on the rigorous training required to become a licensed nurse in Nigeria. Students in nursing sciences must complete at least 70 courses, all of which require a minimum score of 50 out of 100 to pass. Furthermore, nursing students often sacrifice their holidays for clinical rotations and training. This intensive process ensures that qualified nurses are well-equipped to prioritize patient happiness and uphold professional ethics.

“Anyone who wants to bear the name ‘nurse’ should go through the required training. Auxiliary nursing is not legal,” he concluded,

Nursing is not for only women

The belief that nursing is exclusively a woman’s profession has persisted for generations, rooted in historical narratives. Addressing this, Isah Habiba, a nursing graduate from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, took her time to explain this.

“As the popular belief goes, nursing is a woman’s profession. This perception comes from the history of nursing, with Florence Nightingale, the founder of the profession, being a woman. At that time, most of those in the profession were women as well. Nursing isn’t a profession one ventures into without having passion for it. We have many male nurses who have performed their duties as expected. I personally have come across so many. One thing about the nursing profession is that you just have to be empathetic and passionate about it and I’ve seen male nurses performing their duties diligently”, she remarked.

Flexibility and Opportunities in Nursing

When asked about flexibility and opportunities in nursing, Habiba described the profession as versatile and full of potential. “The nursing profession is very flexible. Speaking of opportunities, there are so many available opportunities for nurses. Nursing is so, so beyond the regular bedside care people know”, she narrated.

She urged the public to look beyond the surface, emphasizing the range of specialties nurses can pursue. These include areas like pediatrics, oncology, anesthesiology, geriatrics, and public health. She revealed nursing as a career with diverse pathways, allowing professionals to adapt their roles to their interests and ambitions.

Is Nursing a Dying Profession?

Nurse Arowosegbe Obafemi, popularly known as Nurse Krypton and the convener of the Nightingale Summit, was resolute when addressing the question of whether nursing is a dying profession. He firmly rejected this claim, stating that nursing is very much far from being eliminated and is, in fact, evolving into an even more critical component of healthcare.

Nursing is not a dying profession, nor is it likely to be eliminated. On the contrary, it is evolving and becoming more critical due to the increasing global demand for healthcare services, Obafemi stated.

He outlined key factors that buttress the continued relevance and growth of the profession; the aging population, technological advancements that complement rather than replace nursing, and global health challenges such as pandemics and chronic diseases.

“Nursing is a dynamic profession that adapts to the changing healthcare landscape, and its importance will only grow in the future,” he concluded.

The Diversity of Nursing Roles

On the question of whether all nurses perform the same tasks, Nurse Krypton stressed the remarkable diversity within the profession, while explaining further, that nursing is not a one-size-fits-all role but rather a multifaceted field with a wide range of specialties. He explained that nurses work in various clinical areas, from pediatrics to oncology, cardiology, and emergency care. There are also advanced practice roles like nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, who provide advanced care and often perform tasks similar to physicians.

In addition to clinical care, nursing extends into public health and community care, where nurses focus on preventive measures and health promotion. He also highlighted the importance of nursing in education and research, noting that nurses contribute by teaching future practitioners and conducting studies to improve patient care. Moreover, nursing offers leadership and administrative opportunities, where professionals manage healthcare facilities, create policies, and ensure effective delivery of care.

“This diversity allows nurses to work in various environments, from hospitals to schools, research labs, and even tech companies,” he explained.

By: Sebiotimo Abdullateef Ayomide

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