Social representations of nursing by non-nursing health professionals

Aims: To analyze the social representations of nursing by non-nursing health professionals. Method: This is a descriptive, exploratory research, with a qualitative approach, using Social Representation Theory as a structural approach. A total of 53 non-nursing health professionals participated in this research. The technique used to collect the data was based on free and hierarchical opinions, using the inductor terminology "nursing". Data analysis was treated through the software EVOC 2005. Results: The following are among the core terms used to socially represent nursing: care, team, responsibility and work. Discussion: It was to form a balance between the functional, normative, and perceived image of the representation, which includes cognitive and evaluative elements. There is a positive view towards the study object. Conclusion: This representation has been carefully presented as professionals relate to concrete and tangible formats to express the nursing professional, and then they are able to reconstruct the object nursing. Descriptors: Nursing; Nurses; Professional Autonomy.