Building The Profession Of Nursing 654303

Building the Profession of Nursing

Start by reading and following these instructions: Assignment: 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 (i.e., 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 these questions, answer in detail: Why are Professional Organizations in general important to nursing as a profession?

Paper For Above instruction

Nursing is a dynamic and evolving profession that has played a crucial role in healthcare for centuries. Its history is marked by significant events and milestones that have shaped its development, as well as professional organizations that support its practitioners. Understanding the historical context of nursing and the importance of professional organizations provides insight into how the profession continues to grow and adapt to societal changes. This paper explores two pivotal historical events in nursing, examines two professional nursing organizations, and discusses their relevance to the nursing profession overall.

Historical Events in Nursing

The evolution of nursing can be traced through numerous key events, two of which stand out for their profound influence: Florence Nightingale’s establishment of modern nursing and the signing of the Nurse Practice Act. Florence Nightingale’s contributions in the mid-19th century revolutionized nursing by emphasizing sanitation, patient care, and formalized education. During the Crimean War (1853–1856), Nightingale's insistence on hygiene and sanitary conditions drastically reduced mortality rates among wounded soldiers. Her work laid the foundation for nursing as a professional discipline rooted in evidence-based practices and public health (Dossey, 2010). Nightingale’s promotion of formal education for nurses raised standards that continue to underpin nursing education today.

Another critical event was the enactment of Nurse Practice Acts in the early 20th century, which established licensure standards for nurses. These laws were designed to protect the public by ensuring that only qualified individuals could practice nursing, thereby formalizing the profession’s credibility and accountability. The first Nurse Practice Act was passed in North Carolina in 1903, signaling a national movement towards regulation of nursing practice and scope (Berman et al., 2016). These statutes helped define nursing roles, set educational requirements, and regulate care standards, thereby elevating the profession’s status and scope of practice.

Professional Nursing Organizations

Two prominent organizations crucial to the nursing profession are the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA). The ANA, founded in 1896, serves as the leading organization representing registered nurses in the United States. It advocates for the rights of nurses, influences healthcare policy, and promotes professional development. The ANA provides resources such as policy updates, continuing education, and ethical guidelines that support nurses in all practice settings (American Nurses Association, 2020). Membership fees are approximately $200 annually, with over 4 million nurses participating in some form of affiliation. The organization actively works on issues like healthcare reform, nursing workforce shortages, and workplace safety.

The NSNA, established in 1952, focuses on the needs of nursing students and future registered nurses. It fosters leadership, professional socialization, and advocacy among nursing students across the country. Resources offered include leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, scholarship chances, and access to nursing journals and publications (National Student Nurses Association, 2021). The annual membership fee is around $60. The NSNA’s current initiatives include promoting diversity in nursing, addressing student mental health, and preparing students for advanced roles in healthcare. With thousands of members, the organization is vital in shaping future nursing professionals.

Importance of Professional Organizations

Professional organizations are integral to nursing because they provide a collective voice for advocacy, support ongoing education, and uphold standards of practice. They serve as platforms for policy influence, ensuring that nurses’ interests are represented in legislative decisions that affect healthcare delivery. Furthermore, these organizations foster professional growth through conferences, certifications, and leadership opportunities that enhance nurses’ skills and knowledge (George, 2019). They also promote ethical standards and provide resources for dealing with workplace challenges, thus safeguarding the integrity of the profession. Overall, membership in professional organizations enhances credibility, networking, and continuing competence, which are vital for maintaining high-quality care and advancing the nursing profession.

Conclusion

The history of nursing is marked by key events that have established its foundations of professionalism, education, and regulation. Simultaneously, professional organizations continue to support nurses through resources, advocacy, and leadership development, playing a crucial role in the growth and sustainability of the profession. As healthcare continues to evolve, active participation in nursing organizations ensures that nurses remain resilient, knowledgeable, and capable of meeting the needs of diverse populations. Together, historical milestones and professional organizations underpin the ongoing advancement of nursing as a vital healthcare discipline.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2020). About ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/about-ana/
• Berman, A., Snyder, S., & Frandsen, G. (2016). Community & Public Health Nursing: Evidence for Practice. Pearson.
• Dossey, B. M. (2010). Florence Nightingale: Connecting the dots in a new millennium. Nursing Science Quarterly, 23(4), 299-301.
• George, J. B. (2019). Nursing Leadership & Management. Elsevier.
• National Student Nurses Association. (2021). About NSNA. https://www.nsna.org/about-NSNA.aspx
• Robin, S. L. (2013). Nursing history: A look back before moving forward. Journal of Nursing Education & Practice, 3(12), 1-5.
• Peate, I. (2016). Fundamentals of Nursing. Wiley Blackwell.
• Scully, J. L., & Rogers, K. (2019). Essentials of Nursing Leadership & Management. Pearson.
• Stanley, C. A. (2020). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Nursing Outlook, 68(2), 147-152.
• Turkel, M. C. (2015). Contemporary Issues in Nursing. Jones & Bartlett Learning.