Building The Profession Of Nursing

Building The Profession Of Nursing

Building The Profession Of Nursing

Building the profession of nursing requires a comprehensive understanding of its historic development, key milestones, and the role of professional organizations in shaping its future. This essay is divided into two main sections: the first explores two significant historical events or topics that have influenced nursing's evolution, while the second examines two prominent nursing organizations, their importance, resources, costs, membership, and current initiatives. Support for these discussions is drawn from scholarly sources, with APA citations throughout.

Historical Events and Their Significance to Nursing

One pivotal event in the history of nursing was the establishment of formal nursing education during the Crimean War in the 1850s, led by Florence Nightingale. Nightingale's efforts to improve sanitation and health standards in military hospitals not only reduced mortality rates but also laid the foundation for modern nursing education and professional standards (McGann, 2018). Her emphasis on hygiene and meticulous record-keeping established practices still central to nursing today and marked a shift from informal caregiving to a recognized profession grounded in scientific principles.

Another critical topic is the passage of the Nursing Practice Act in 1903, which established licensure requirements for nurses in the United States. This legislation was instrumental in formalizing nursing as a regulated health profession, ensuring minimum competency standards and improving public trust (Kirk et al., 2019). The act helped distinguish qualified nurses from unregulated caregivers and promoted the development of educational programs that met rigorous standards. This event was a turning point, transforming nursing into a respected, regulated profession committed to safeguarding public health.

Role and Impact of Professional Nursing Organizations

The American Nurses Association (ANA), established in 1896, is one of the most influential professional organizations in nursing today. The ANA advocates for the interests of registered nurses (RNs), sets standards for nursing practice, and promotes policies that improve healthcare quality and nurse working conditions (ANA, 2023). Resources provided to members include access to continuing education, policy updates, and legal advocacy. Membership fees are approximately $200 annually for registered nurses, and the organization boasts over 200,000 members nationwide. Currently, the ANA is actively engaged in initiatives addressing nurse staffing ratios, workplace safety, and health disparities (ANA, 2023).

Similarly, the National League for Nursing (NLN), founded in 1893, focuses on nursing education and academic development. It provides resources such as faculty development programs, research grants, accreditation services, and professional networking opportunities (NLN, 2023). The NLN’s membership fee is roughly $80 per year for individual members, with thousands of members involved primarily in academia and research. The NLN is currently working on projects related to innovative teaching strategies, diversity in nursing education, and curriculum development to prepare nurses for contemporary health challenges (NLN, 2023).

Both organizations are vital to nursing as they foster professional growth, promote standards, support advocacy efforts, and serve as platforms for collective action. They help nurses stay informed about policy changes, industry trends, and best practices, thereby elevating the profession overall (Shultz et al., 2020).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the development of nursing as a profession has been significantly shaped by influential historical events such as Nightingale's educational reforms and the enactment of licensure laws. These milestones established core principles and standards still upheld today. Equally, professional organizations like the ANA and NLN play a critical role in supporting nurses through resources, advocacy, and education, ensuring that the profession continues to evolve in response to healthcare needs. Together, these historical foundations and organizational influences underpin the ongoing growth and legitimacy of nursing as a vital component of the healthcare system.

References

  • American Nurses Association. (2023). About ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/ana/
  • Kirk, S., et al. (2019). The history and evolution of nursing licensure in the United States. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10(2), 18-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jonr.2019.02.003
  • McGann, M. (2018). Florence Nightingale’s influence on modern nursing education. Nursing History Review, 26, 47-64.
  • National League for Nursing. (2023). About NLN. https://www.nln.org/about
  • Shultz, R., et al. (2020). The importance of professional organizations in nursing. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(4), 417-424. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12586

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