Occupational prestige for registered nurses in the Asia-Pacific region: status consensus Original Research Article

Occupational prestige for nurses may result in improved job satisfaction, enhanced abilities in health promotion activities, and autonomy in decision-making related to patient care. Regional consensus in the ascription of professional occupational status and consequent prestige, between health workers and within registered nurses, has been investigated within the Asia-Pacific region and other countries. Consensus for registered nurses and medical officers at the level of professional was supported for 66% of countries. Australia, although rapid and complete in its transition to degree level education, still reflects a paraprofessional status compared with the professional status of medical officers. Registered nurses from Thailand and the Philippines led the region in within-group consensus with 80% of registered nurses holding a degree as their minimum educational qualification. Findings highlight the need to promote professional status for all registered nurses within the Asia-Pacific region and outline areas for potential disjuncture between status and prestige achievement.