Abstract:
Background: The perception of nurses to their professional practice has evolved over many
years and affecting the profession until today. This perception may vary depending on age,
educational level, social and professional experiences and other occupational factors. The more
good perception of nursing profession by nurses, the more they challenge the traditional and
cultural factors leading to poor perception.
Objective: To assess nurses perception towards nursing profession and identifying factors
affecting their perception
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted to assess nurses’ perception towards their
profession in Jimma Health Center, Jimma Higher Two Health Center, Mendera Kochi Health
Center and Shenen Gibe Hospital during study period of February 1-5,2014GC. Data was
collected by distribution of carefully designed questionnaires to 56 nurses selected from the
study population. Finally the data was analyzed and presented by tables and percentages and
the result of the study was disseminated to concerned body.
Result: The response rate was 55(98.2%). Majority of them were female nurses 40(71.4%).the
result showed that majority 40(71.4%) of nurses have good perception towards the profession.
this study also showed that 38(66.9%) of nurses are affected by factors affecting nursing
perception.
Conclusion: this study revealed that majority of nurses who participate in this study had good
perception toward nursing profession. Generally the more nurses affected by factor affecting
nurses’ perception, the less perception they have for their profession.
