Professional Issues: What Defines A Profession?

Professional Issueswhat Defines A Profession Professions Involve Ess

What defines a profession? Professions involve essentially intellectual operations; they derive their raw material from science and learning; they work up this material to a practical and defined end; they possess educationally communicable techniques; they tend to self-organize; and they are becoming increasingly altruistic in motivation. Based on this definition, nursing was initially viewed as not meeting the criteria of a profession. However, further evaluation of nursing’s professional status revealed deficiencies. To qualify as a profession, an occupation must be a complex, organized endeavor preceded by extensive training aimed at acquiring exclusive knowledge necessary for providing an essential or desired service to society, leading to monopoly, autonomy, public recognition, prestige, power, and authority for practitioners. Key characteristics include expertise, autonomy, accountability, authority, and unity. These are fostered through educational requirements, guided practice, licensure examinations, certification, ongoing education, and specialization; the core idea is that professionals exercise independent judgment and responsibility, with authority granted via legal statutes and professional standards, notably the Nurse Practice Act, ensuring public safety and professional monopoly. Organizationally, unity among professionals is maintained through active memberships in associations such as the ANA, which promote collective advocacy and uphold standards of practice.

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In examining what constitutes a profession, it is essential to understand that professions are characterized by specific attributes that distinguish them from mere occupations. The foundational element is intellectual engagement—professions are rooted in scientific knowledge and learning, which serve as the raw materials for their practice. This knowledge is integrated into practical applications through systematically developed techniques that can be communicated and taught, fostering a standardized approach to professional practice (Flexner, 1915). For example, nursing, as a discipline, initially did not meet these criteria due to its early reliance on apprenticeship models and lack of standardized educational pathways (Benner, 1984). Over time, nursing has strived toward professionalization through rigorous educational programs, licensure examinations, and specialization, which have enhanced its status (ANA, 2020).

A core component of professionalism is expertise—possessing advanced, specialized skills and knowledge that are difficult to acquire and maintain. Education systems for nursing encompass undergraduate and postgraduate studies, guided clinical practice, and continuous professional development (Wendt et al., 2020). These educational pillars support the development of expertise, which is vital for autonomous decision-making and effective practice. Licensure exams, such as those administered by the NCLEX-RN, serve as gatekeepers, ensuring only qualified individuals enter practice, thus protecting the public healthcare system and establishing the profession’s authority (American Board of Nursing Specialties, 2019).

Autonomy is another essential trait, allowing professionals to make independent decisions within their scope of practice. For nurses, autonomy is articulated through the ability to perform nursing diagnoses, initiate treatments, and exercise judgment based on evidence and ethical standards. The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics emphasizes nurses' responsibility for autonomous decision-making, reinforcing their independence within a regulated framework (ANA, 2015).

Accountability binds the professional to societal and legal standards. It entails answering for one's actions and maintaining integrity and ethical conduct. Nurses are accountable to their patients, employers, the profession, and regulatory bodies. This accountability is operationalized through adherence to the ANA Standards of Practice, state Nurse Practice Acts, and facility-specific policies, which collectively uphold public trust and ensure safety (ANA, 2015; Bames et al., 2019).

Authority confers legitimate power to practice within a legal framework established by statutes and regulations, such as the Nurse Practice Act. This authority is granted through licensing, which delineates the scope of practice and aims to safeguard the public from unqualified practitioners while protecting the profession's prerogatives (Grubb & Newman, 2017). The authority to practice is a legal acknowledgment that nurses possess the requisite knowledge and skills to serve society's healthcare needs.

Unity within the profession fosters organizational cohesion and reinforces collective identity and standards. Active membership in professional associations such as the ANA or state nursing organizations promotes advocacy, policy influence, and shared standards. This unity ensures that nurses speak with a collective voice, support each other's development, and uphold the profession’s integrity (McGillis Hall et al., 2018).

In conclusion, achieving professional status involves a multifaceted approach encompassing specialized education, autonomous functioning, ethical accountability, legal authority, and organizational unity. Nursing has made significant strides in these areas, strengthening its position as a vital and legitimate health profession. Continuous efforts toward education, ethical practice, legislative advocacy, and professional organization membership are essential for maintaining and advancing the profession’s role and societal perception. As healthcare evolves, so too must nursing adapt, ensuring that it continues to meet the complex needs of society with expertise, independence, and commitment to altruism and quality care.

References

• American Board of Nursing Specialties. (2019). Certification Overview. https://www.nursingcertification.org/
• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. ANA.
• American Nurses Association. (2020). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (3rd ed.). ANA.
• Benner, P. (1984). From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Addison-Wesley.
• Flexner, A. (1915). Is Social Work a Profession? The Atlantic Monthly, 115, 629–638.
• Grubb, P., & Newman, P. (2017). Power, Authority, and Legitimacy in Professional Practice. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 8(3), 31-36.
• McGillis Hall, L., et al. (2018). Nursing Professional Organizations and Advocacy: Building a Collective Voice. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 74(4), 743–751.
• Wendt, A., et al. (2020). Continuing Professional Development in Nursing: Barriers and Facilitators. Nursing Education Perspectives, 41(2), 86–92.
• Bames, V., et al. (2019). Ethical Practice and Accountability in Nursing. Nursing Ethics, 26(3), 839–850.