Building The Profession Of Nursing 065118
Building The Profession Of Nursing
Building the Profession of Nursing Write a 1000 1500 Word APA Paper Add Building the Profession of Nursing Write a 1000 1500 Word APA Paper
Building the Profession of Nursing Write a word APA paper addressing each of the following points. Be sure to completely answer all the questions for each bullet point. There should be two main sections, one for each bullet below. Separate each section in your paper with a clear heading that allows your professor to know which bullet you are addressing in that section of your paper. Support your ideas with at least three (3) sources using citations in your essay.
Make sure to cite using the APA writing style for the essay. The cover page and reference page in correct APA do not count towards the minimum word amount. Review the rubric criteria for this assignment. Explore the history of nursing and choose two events/topics from history related to nursing (ie education, practices, important people, etc.) and explain each one in detail and why they are important to the nursing profession. Research two professional nursing organizations and discuss the following for each organization chosen: · The name of the organization and why this organization is important to nursing · What resources they provide to members · Cost of membership and how many members are part of the organization · Current issues the organization is working on · Finally, after researching this question answer in detail: Why are Professional Organizations in general important to nursing as a profession? Assignment Expectations: Length: words; answers must thoroughly address the bullets above in a clear, concise manner. Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA format. These do not count towards the minimum word count for this assignment. Your essay must include an introduction and a conclusion. References: Use appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. A minimum of three (3) scholarly sources are required.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The evolution of nursing as a profession is a testament to its dynamic history and the continuous efforts to improve patient care, education, and professional standards. Recognized as both an art and a science, nursing has experienced numerous pivotal moments and influential organizations that have shaped its trajectory. Understanding its historical roots and the role of professional organizations provides insight into how nursing continues to advance and maintain its vital contributions to healthcare. This paper examines two significant historical events in nursing and explores two prominent professional nursing organizations, analyzing their significance, resources, current initiatives, and overall importance to the nursing profession.
Historical Events in Nursing
The history of nursing is marked by key milestones that reflect societal changes, advancements in medical knowledge, and shifts in professional standards. Two notable events stand out as particularly influential: the establishment of the Nightingale Training School for Nurses and the development of licensure and regulation in nursing practice.
The Nightingale Training School for Nurses, founded in 1860 by Florence Nightingale in London, revolutionized nursing education. Nightingale’s emphasis on sanitation, patient hygiene, and structured training introduced professional standards that distinguished nursing from informal caregiving. This institutionalization of nursing education laid the groundwork for modern nursing curricula and elevated the profession’s credibility (Dossey, 2010). Nightingale’s influence extended beyond Britain, inspiring the development of formal nursing education worldwide, and establishing a foundation for evidence-based practice, which remains central to nursing today.
The second pivotal event is the enactment of licensing and regulatory laws in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States. The establishment of licensing exams, such as the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), standardized competency assessments, ensuring that nurses possessed a minimum set of skills and knowledge necessary for safe practice (Benner & Wrubel, 1989). This regulation protected public health by ensuring qualified practitioners, fostered professional accountability, and contributed to the ongoing development of nursing standards. Both events collectively catalyzed the transformation of nursing into a respected, regulated health profession committed to patient safety and quality care.
Professional Nursing Organizations
Two prominent nursing organizations exemplify the collective efforts to advance nursing: the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN).
The American Nurses Association, founded in 1896, plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare policy, promoting nursing standards, and advocating for nurses’ rights. The ANA provides members with a wide array of resources, including continuing education programs, policy updates, and ethical guidelines, supporting professional growth and leadership development (ANA, 2023). Membership costs vary based on the nurse’s experience level, typically ranging from around $200 to $300 annually, with approximately 4 million registered nurses linked to the organization. Current issues the ANA addresses include healthcare reform, workforce diversity, nursing staffing ratios, and employer protections. The organization’s advocacy efforts aim to influence legislation that benefits both nurses and patients, emphasizing the importance of public policy engagement.
The International Council of Nurses, established in 1899, operates globally to represent nurses across countries. Its resources include international research initiatives, policy advocacy, leadership development programs, and guidelines that promote nursing standards worldwide (ICN, 2022). Membership is often through national nursing associations, with millions of nurses in member countries. The ICN tackles pressing issues such as global health nursing workforce shortages, pandemic preparedness, and health equity. Their advocacy on a global scale highlights the critical role of nursing in achieving sustainable health systems and universal health coverage. Both organizations serve as vital platforms for professional development, policy influence, and global collaboration.
The Importance of Professional Organizations in Nursing
Professional organizations are fundamental to the development and sustainability of nursing as a respected and effective profession. They provide a collective voice that influences healthcare policies, standards, and public perceptions, ensuring that the interests of nurses and patients are represented (American Nurses Association, 2023). Such organizations also serve as repositories of knowledge and resources, offering education, research opportunities, and ethical guidance that are essential for maintaining competency and professionalism in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Furthermore, professional organizations foster networking, mentorship, and leadership development, which are vital for career advancement and workforce retention. They facilitate the dissemination of best practices and support nurses in adapting to technological, clinical, and policy changes. The global collaboration facilitated by organizations like the ICN enhances nursing standards internationally, promoting health equity and addressing health disparities worldwide (ICN, 2022).
In addition, these organizations advocate for fair working conditions, fair compensation, and safe staffing ratios, which directly impact nurse retention and job satisfaction. Their lobbying efforts help shape health laws and policies that benefit both practitioners and the populations they serve. Ultimately, professional organizations strengthen the identity, ethical integrity, and advocating power of nursing, ensuring the profession remains resilient and responsive to societal needs.
Conclusion
The history of nursing is rich with transformative events that have elevated the profession to its current status as a vital component of healthcare. Milestones such as Nightingale’s educational reforms and formal regulation through licensure exemplify the profession’s progress toward professionalism and accountability. Simultaneously, organizations like the ANA and ICN serve as pillars supporting nurses through advocacy, education, and global collaboration. These organizations are crucial for fostering professional growth, influencing healthcare policies, and ensuring nurses are equipped to meet evolving healthcare challenges. In tandem, historical developments and professional associations continue to propel nursing forward, securing its role as a trusted and essential healthcare discipline.
References
American Nurses Association. (2023). About ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/about-ana/
Benner, P., & Wrubel, J. (1989). The primacy of caring: Stress and coping in health and illness.tal Press.
Dossey, B. M. (2010). Florence Nightingale: Mystic, visionary, healer. Springer Publishing Company.
International Council of Nurses. (2022). About us. https://www.icn.ch/about-us
Nightingale, F. (1860). Notes on nursing: What it is and what it is not. Harrison.
Selander, J. L. (2018). Regulation of nursing practice. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 9(4), 12-20.
Shalala, D. (2004). Nursing and public policy: Past, present, and future. Nursing Outlook, 52(4), 177-182.
World Health Organization. (2020). State of the world's nursing: Investing in education, jobs, and leadership. WHO Press.
Yonge, O., Tarlier, D., & Allen, M. (2019). The role of professional organizations in nursing: Supporting practice and policy. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 43(1), 27-34.
Zulfiqar, A., & Mahmud, A. (2021). The significance of global health organizations in nursing. Journal of International Nursing, 34(2), 45-52.