Introduction. The image is one of the important aspects of the nursing profession because it affects its social prestige and position among other professions related to health care. Aim. The aim of the research carried out as part of this paper was to assess the perception of the nursing profession by nursing students Material and methods. The research was longitudinal and was conducted among 196 undergraduate nursing students at four universities. The research tool was the author's original questionnaire designed for the needs of the research. Results. In subsequent years of undergraduate nursing studies, the image of the nursing profession in the assessment of the surveyed students became more negative. The most positive image of the nursing profession was reported by the students starting nursing studies, but in later years of studies it deteriorated. Conclusion. In subsequent years of study, nursing students perceived their profession more negatively. There is therefore a need to strengthen the positive image of nursing at universities, as well as in the professional environment and the society.

Key words: image of nursing profession, professional stereotypes, nursing students, image management.