Carol P. WisemanNurse 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 TrainingThree 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, BScVarying 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 45-50 %

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 ResearchEvidence 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”