Carol P. Wiseman Nurse Educator

At the end of this session students will be able to: 1. Define the terms profession and professionalism. 2. Outline the criteria for a profession. 3. Discuss the arguments for classifying nursing as a profession.

 A profession is a calling that requires advanced knowledge, skill, and preparation; and grows out of society’s need for special services.

 A profession is an occupation based on specialized intellectual study and training, the purpose of which is to supply skilled services with ethical components.

Strong Theoretical Base  Theories define and clarify nursing and the purpose of nursing practice.  Use of theory of nursing leads to coordinated and less fragmented care.

Strong Theoretical Base  Florence Nightingale – 1859  Virginia Henderson – 1955  Dorothea Orem – 1971(Self Care)  Callista Roy 1976 (Adaptation Model)  Jean Watson – 1979 (Caring)  Patricia Benner – 1984 (Novice to Expert)

A profession has a unique body of knowledge/theory  There is a limited body of knowledge that has been tested and identified as underlying nursing practice

Prolonged Specialized Training  Three years or more in college or universities.  Liberal arts education in addition to the biologic and social sciences and the nursing discipline.

Prolonged Specialized Training  Varying entry levels into profession – Diploma, Associate Degree, BSc  Varying length of education

A profession has autonomy of practice  NCTT Determines scope of practice Control over registration Disciplinary powers Standards of education and practice

Strong Service Orientation  A profession is motivated to serve the needs of the community, rather than its own self- interests.  Many consider altruism (selfless concern for others) the hallmark of a profession.  Nursing has a tradition of service to others.

A PROFESSION HAS A CODE OF ETHICS  ICN Code of Ethics and universal moral principles serve as the blueprint for other local codes of ethics.

Participation in the Professional Organization  Trinidad & Tobago Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA)  For nursing to be a profession the TTRNA must be supported by the members of the occupation  Membership at approximately %

A Credentialing System to Ensure Competence.  Must successfully complete RENR and be recommended by school Principal to be entered on the register as a Nurse.  Annual registration with the NCTT to practice as an RN in Trinidad and Tobago.

Advancement Of The Profession By On-going Research  Evidence Based Nursing e.g. Wound management techniques Catheter care Retention of nurses Approaches to education Health promotion studies

 Services offered traditionally associated with wives and mothers.  Historically seen as subservient to medicine.  Education requirements not yet standardized

 Three tier entry level into practice.  Autonomy not complete – still dependent on medicine to direct most of its practice

 An individual who displays competent and skilful behaviors in alignment with their profession (Gokenbach,2012).  The act of behaving in a manner defined and expected by the chosen profession (Gokenbach,2012). 

 Embraces a set of attitudes, skills, and behaviors, attributes and values which are expected from those to whom society has extended the privilege of being considered a professional (Swick, 2000).

 Those attitudes or ways of being that are born out of valuing ones work and which demonstrate a capacity and willingness to serve others.

A professional looks the part  The way one dresses symbolizes role identity, authority, professional image, and confidence- as well as the way the nurse feels about themselves (Mangum, et. Al., 1991).

Treatment of Others  A professional treats everyone with dignity and respect.

Commitment to lifelong learning  School is never out for us – keeping up with professional magazines and websites, attending personal or professional conferences, or simply by listening to and learning from others.

Attitude to work  Professionals are committed to excellence whether they “feel like it” or not, whether external circumstances warrant it or not.

 “ Nursing is an art, and, if it is to be made an art, requires as exclusive a devotion, as hard a preparation, as any painter or sculptor’s work; for what is the having to do with dead canvas or cold marble, compared with having to do with the living body- the temple of God’s spirit? It is one of the fine arts; I had almost said, the finest of Fine Arts”