Professional image and intention to emigrate among Israeli nurses and nursing students

SummaryUnder globalization, nurse migration has become an increasingly widespread phenomenon. One factor motivating it might be nurses' perception of the profession's image. The purpose of this study was to examine the connection between Israeli working nurses' and student nurses' perceptions of nursing's professional image and their intention to emigrate. One hundred thirty-two nurses and students participated in this cross-sectional study, the data collected by means of a structured questionnaire.Fifty-five percent of the sample were considering emigration or definitely intended to emigrate. Significantly more participants under the age of 35 were considering or had decided to emigrate than older participants. No statistically significant correlation was found between intention to migrate and perception of the profession's image. However, perceived professional image, as a component of professional reasons for emigrating (to get a better salary, working conditions, etc.), did contribute to the intention to emigrate.