Nursing profession-Ethics

1. I am currently finishing my BSN degree. I have had my ADN for 2 years. For my ethics class we have to debate "Is nursing a profession?" Just looking for more information and what other people think about that statement. Any input is appreciated.

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2. 

   About blondiemay77

   Joined: Feb '03; Posts: 15
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   11 Comments

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3. 
   Apr 6, '03

   I know that this sounds corny, but to me nursing was a calling not a profession. I felt like God called me to be a nurse. It was something that I felt since I was a small child. When I graduated I turned it over to God and he took care of me and it since.
4. 
   Apr 6, '03

   Just because it's a calling doesn't mean it can't be a profession as well, disablednurse.
   
   A minister is a professional.
   So is a nurse.
5. 
   Apr 6, '03

   I generally hear daily from atleast some of the people I care for that I am such a "caring person". To me, nursing is a calling- it's really who I am- a part of me. I laugh with them, I cry with them- I hurt with them. It's just as much a part of me as I am of it. It is a profession- but one that takes something special inside to be able to do-and do well.
6. 
   Apr 6, '03

   Originally posted by Sleepyeyes
   Just because it's a calling doesn't mean it can't be a profession as well, disablednurse.
   
   A minister is a professional.
   So is a nurse.

   EXCELLENT POST, Sleepeyes .....some of us enter nursing NOT as a ministry, BUT as a a profession we desire. Disabled, Your "calling" definition is narrow and does not begin to cover us all. I know I am no Mother Theresa myself.
   
   I believe nursing IS a profession, but many will tell you it won't be until ALL nurses are BSN-or-higher-prepared. Many will say only vocations where a bachelor's degree or higher is required for entry are TRUE professions. However, THAT is another thread.....one addressed MANY times already and very heatedly; I wont' give my opinion on that belief here. But to answer your question, YES OF COURSE IT IS A PROFESSION.......on the level of any other, to my thinking.
7. 
   Apr 6, '03

   I had to do this one as a presentation for college and this was a little out there but it brought the house down! First of all we did it as a team. There were two of us - I was dressed as a 50's Australian nurse white uniform, stockings, red cape VEIL (for gosh sakes) the works! Trish was in more or less a uniform the leeryist puple and gold pullover with make-up huge earings - the works. We had a list of crtieria for a profession - separate knowledge base, able to operate as independant etc (can't remember them now) but Trish was the "for" and I was the "against" in the meantime deriding her for looking unprofessional. It was a riot! we had people argueing along with us AND it mixed in the beliefs about "professional behaviour" as opposed to "professional", Hope this helps

   Last edit by gwenith on Apr 6, '03
8. 
   Apr 7, '03

   My Oxford American Dictionary says that a Profession is "an occupation, especially one that involves knowledge or training in a branch of advanced learning, the dental profession."
   
   My personal belief is that nursing is a profession, and that nurses are professionals. What else can I say?
9. 
   Apr 7, '03

   I believe there is a legal definition of "professon" out there too, and nursing qualifies.
10. 
    Apr 7, '03

    There are alot of definitions about what a profession is,nursing will fit some of those definitions and not fit some.
    Why is this important that we define nursing as a profession?
    What is the difference between a profession and acting professionally?
11. 
    Apr 7, '03

    We had a very good discussion about this very topic not too long ago in this thread, called Are We Really a Profession?
    
    I encourage you all to continue commenting on it.

    Last edit by Susy K on Apr 7, '03
12. 
    Apr 7, '03

    Thanks Susy K.....I missed that one but it looks good!
13. 
    Apr 7, '03

    That thread was very good indeed! But there are numerous books and articles written about this theme too.
    It is always interesting to debate about this, but can't they find something new to write about? LOL (sorry, had a tough day, debating with my students in my ethics lecture)

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