Alvarez-Munoz, EdgardoEdgardoAlvarez-MunozAravena-Nunez, MaximilianoMaximilianoAravena-NunezGonzalez-Luis, HildegartHildegartGonzalez-LuisMaggie Campillay CampillayRivas-Riveros, EdithEdithRivas-Riveros2026-07-072026-07-072025CULTURA DE LOS CUIDADOS, 29(71), 63-81 (2025). https://doi.org/10.14198/cuid.291971138-17281699-6003https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12740/24623Introduction: Nurses' identity and image are interrelated concepts that reflect the sense of self and social perceptions about the profession. Both are essential to the development of a confident and respected practice. Objective: To unveil the conceptual framework associated with the professional image and identity of nursing from the perspective of retired nurses. Materials and methods: Qualitative study based on the constructivist paradigm and Grounded Theory according to Morse, which explores the professional identity and image of nursing in Chile through interviews and focus groups with retired nurses. For data analysis, the methodology proposed by Charmaz was followed. The ethical rigor of the study was evaluated and approved by an independent Scientific Ethics Committee. Results: Twenty retired nurses with an average age of 74 years participated in this study. Four categories that construct the social image of nurses and three categories that construct their professional identity were established. Discussion: Stereotypes such as the feminization of nursing and its subordination to medicine, widely described in the literature, have diminished, with the COVID-19 pandemic being an event that, according to the participants, improved public perception of the profession, as other studies have reported. Participants see themselves as natural leaders, but note dehumanization due to burnout, administrative tasks, and technological advances. Conclusions: Highlighting an authentic image and coherent professional identity of the profession strengthens its value, status and social recognition, which in turn, positively impacts the quality of care provided to patients.info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessNursingsocial identificationqualitative researchprofessional identitygrounded theoryArticulohttps://doi.org/10.14198/cuid.29197