Nursing and nursing professionals are associated with social stereotypes, which may hinder
the profession’s development and future prospects as a scientific discipline. The aim of this study
was to identify and describe the stereotypes associated with the nursing profession—students and
professionals. Therefore, we carried out an integrative review. The search was conducted using
PubMed, WOS, and CINAHL databases, and its search strategy was based on a combination of
standardised keywords and natural vocabulary, with a temporal limit between 2016 and 2021. The
data extraction and analysis was based on the conceptual framework developed by Whittemore and
Knafl. Twenty-seven studies were included in the review, and their results were classified and coded.
Two categories emerged, namely, stereotypes relating to the professionals’ gender and stereotypes
relating to the profession itself. We concluded that the nursing profession is viewed as female with
low skills, social status, salary, academic level and entry requirements, and with little autonomy. Male
nurses’ professional competencies and masculinity are questioned, while the work carried out by
female nurses is viewed as unprofessional. To reduce these stereotypes and bias we must present the
nursing profession as a scientific discipline, developed by both men and women. Specific channels for
this awareness-raising work include interventions from universities and the media, and participation
in health policies
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