A senior colleague posed this question the other day...

I wonder...

This has been the subject of much discussion in several courses I've taken for my Master's degree in nursing. And in one of the classes, someone made this comment (don't recall who, which class, or the original source of the comment):

The public sees the nurse as one of the four:

1. The ministering angel (Lady with the lamp)
2. The doctor's handmaiden (Yes, Sir, let me fetch the chart and hold the towel for you)
3. A battleaxe (like Nurse Ratchett)
4. A sex symbol (No comment)

So! I'd love to hear others' opinions :)