Nursing as a Profession

Definition of Professionalism The consistent demonstration of core values evidenced by nurses working with other professionals to achieve optimal health and wellness outcomes in patients, families, and communities by wisely applying principles of altruism, excellence, caring, ethics, respect, communication, and accountability (AACN, 2008).

American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nursing “The nurse is responsible for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse’s obligation to provide optimum patient care” (2005, p. 16).

Characteristics of a Profession Knowledge Mission Education Social construct Autonomy Accountability Culture Compensation

Professional Values and Behaviors Altruism Autonomy Human Dignity Integrity Advocacy for the welfare of patients and colleagues Show of respect of patients’ rights Show of respect for all individuals Honest actions and care

Does nursing have…. Relevance to social values and needs Lengthy and required higher education Code of ethics Self regulation

Does nursing have…. Research-based theoretical frameworks for practice (own body of knowledge) Common identity and distinctive subculture Members motivated by altruism and commitment to profession

Where is nursing on the continuum???

Educational Pathways for Nursing Diploma AA BSN MSN DNP PhD

Professional Associations “An organization of practitioners who judge one another as professionally competent and have banded together to perform social functions which they cannot perform in their separate capacity as individuals” (Merton, 1958, p. 50, as cited in Creasia & Parker, 2007, p. 73).

Aspects of Professional Organizations Mission Membership Publication Website

American Nurses’ Association (ANA) The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation's 2.9 million registered nurses (RNs) through its 51 constituent member nurses associations, its 24 specialty nursing and workforce advocacy affiliate organizations that currently connect to ANA as affiliates. The ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on healthcare issues affecting nurses and the public.

International Council of Nurses The International Council of Nurses is a federation of national nurses’ associations (NNAs), representing nurses in more than 128 countries. Founded in 1899, ICN is the world’s first and widest reaching international organization for health professionals.  Operated by nurses for nurses, ICN works to ensure quality nursing care for all, sound health policies globally, the advancement of nursing knowledge, and the presence worldwide of a respected nursing profession and a competent and satisfied nursing workforce.

National League for Nursing Dedicated to excellence in nursing education, the National League for Nursing is the preferred membership organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. NLN members include nurse educators, education agencies, health care agencies, and interested members of the public. The NLN offers faculty development programs, networking opportunities, testing and assessment, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 28,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing AACN’s educational, research, governmental advocacy, data collection, publications, and other programs work to establish quality standards for bachelor's- and graduate-degree nursing education, assist deans and directors to implement those standards, influence the nursing profession to improve health care, and promote public support of baccalaureate and graduate education, research, and practice in nursing— the nation's largest health care profession.

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing The mission of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is to support the learning, knowledge, and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide.

Specialty Nursing Organizations AORN AACCN ENA AWHONN ARN ANAC NAPNAP