[From Invisible to Visible - Validating Media Presence: Forging a New Image of Nursing in the Post-Pandemic Era].

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the exposure and attention given to nurses in the global media. Although media outlets have repeatedly praised them as "heroes" or "angels", nurses continue to be regular targets of stigmatization during infectious outbreaks. The lack of a strong public image may be an important reason behind why the general public has yet to adequately understand and acknowledge the nursing profession. Therefore, new branding is needed to improve the public image of nursing in the post-pandemic era. In this article, common stereotypes regarding nurses are reviewed, the heroic narrative is introduced, and suggestions regarding how to leverage social media to improve the image of nursing are provided. To give nurses a more respected voice, make the invisible visible, and validate a stronger media presence in line with International Council of Nurses tenets, nurses should be united together under a shared professional image to be a positive force for global health.