Professional attitude and self-respect of generation X and Y nurses

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to investigate Generation X and Y nurses’ attitudes toward the profession and their professional self-respect.
METHODS: This is a descriptive study. The sample comprised 356 nurses working in a hospital and family health center. The data were collected using an information form regarding sociodemographic and professional characteristics, the Attitude Scale for Nursing Profession, and the Scale of Professional Self-respect.
RESULTS: Of the nurses, 28.1% were from Generation X and 71.9% were from Generation Y. Attitudes toward the profession and professional self-respect were positive in Generation X and Y nurses. Attitudes toward the profession scores were higher for Generation X than for Generation Y nurses; however, no difference was found between the generations in professional self-respect.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A positive, moderate-level significant relationship was found between professional self-respect and attitudes toward nursing in both Generations X and Y. The study results can be utilized to strengthen nurses’ professional attitudes and self-respect and to develop recommendations for effective teamwork for nurses in different generations.