ABSTRACT
It is believed that the attitudes of nurses have changed over the years from the orientation of 'ideal service to the public' (altruism) to self interest as a primary goal. The study aimed at investigating if there is in fact a change of attitude and the reasons for change. The convenient sample included Registered Nurses, other health care workers and members of the public. The findings revealed that there is a change in the attitude of nurses towards patients and that dissatisfaction with salary and inadequacy factors contributed to this change. The demands imposed by society influence to some extent the change in the orientation of the nurses. Members of the public are concerned and express some degree of sympathy with the nurses in view of their adverse working condition and economic deprivation. The information gained from this study can serve at least two purposes: 1. To sensitize nurses to the importance of examining our attitudes towards clients and seek to bring some improvement. 2. To provide information to make recommendation for improvement in the social and economic welfare of nurses. (AU)