title: Perceptions of nursing practice in Iran.
abstract: It is difficult to clarify the characteristics of the nursing profession and the problems that exist within this field. Gaining an understanding of nurses' perceptions regarding their profession can improve knowledge on this subject. The aim of this qualitative study was to describe the perceptions of Iranian Registered Nurses (IRNs) concerning issues related to their profession. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 26 IRNs and analyzed with latent content analysis. Two different but interrelated themes emerged: (1) nursing perceived from an institutional and socio-cultural perspective, and (2) nursing that alternates between a routine medical-technical approach and a caring approach. The findings have implications for nursing practice and education in Iran, and can facilitate changes that could effectively improve the status of nursing in Iran.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tohid Square, Tehran, Iran. nikbakht@sina.tums.ac.ir
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nikbakht Nasrabadi
authors.forename: Azita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Emami
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel / Q000208:ethnology; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D011361:Professional Competence; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014931:Women, Working / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D016526:Workload; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology