The invisibility of advanced practice nurses in popular magazines.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the image portrayed in the media of nurses and particularly nurse practitioners (NPs) compared with other health care providers.


METHODS
An analysis of advertisements and articles in popular magazines aimed at female, male, and gender-neutral audiences was conducted between 12/99 and 06/00. Relationships between target audience and content of advertisements and articles, as well as portrayal of health care providers were also explored.


CONCLUSIONS
A review of 100 consecutive advertisements for health-related products and 96 consecutive health-related articles in popular magazines revealed that the media continues to overwhelmingly depict and promote physicians as the source of health care and health-related advice.


CONCLUSIONS
Because when there are few references to a group, such as NPs, it is reasonable to assume group members have little influence, standing, and authority, NPs should be concerned about the implications of these findings. Strategies for increasing the visibility of NPs as credible and valuable members of the health care team are shared.
Norwood
S L
SL
Department of Nursing at Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, USA. norwood@gu.gonzaga.edu
D000329:Advertising; D003142:Communication; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D011287:Prejudice; D011639:Public Opinion