Have a question about why nursing is a conservative profession.

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I'm currently in the process of enrolling, well competing for enrollment, into LPN school. I'm working on the questions we were given to answer as part of our application...and am sort of stuck.

One of the questions is:

"Nursing is a conservative profession with high standards. Why do you think you would be a good fit for the profession?"

Now, I in no way want anyone to answer the question for me. I want very much to do this all on my own. Not to mention I believe the important part of the question is the part only I can answer.

I'm just curious if anyone could offer some enlightment or explanation to the "conservative profession" part. Conservative has so many definitions in the dictionary, not to mention it's political relation, that I'm at a loss exactly what the questioners intended meaning was.

I am not trying to get answers to the question. Just a better understanding of what the question means. :)

Thanks a bunch to any that reply!! icon_biggrin.gif

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"Conservative profession?" Does that mean a hyper partisan liberal like myself won't get in? ;)

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

that is an odd question especially in todays world. When I think of the term conservative nurse, the image that 1st comes to mind is the white dress/hose/shoes and hat who stands up when the Dr enters and replies

"Yes Dr" with her head down.

One of our house supervisors is a gum chewing, multi bracelet/ring/necklace wearing, with teased highlighted hair gal,who happens to be in her mid 30s ...She has been known to call Drs "sweet cheeks" and "honey"----yet even though she looks dingy as all get out, she is smart, kind and dedicated. And if she doesnt drive you crazy with her baby talk and cackle of a laugh, to know her is to love her..and all the Drs amazingly respect her. Conservative---NO WAY...

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Specializes in DOU.

I think in the context they worded the question, they are implying conservative nursing practice, such as sticking with evidence-based practices.

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I think in the context they worded the question, they are implying conservative nursing practice, such as sticking with evidence-based practices.

So conservative nursing practice, meaning evidence-based practices, tried and true procedures (that don't need me adding my own spin :chuckle), and sticking to the guidelines that have been set forth for good reason? But...at the same time being able to improvise and think outside the box if the situation calls for it or if you're worried 'the rules' are going to endanger a patient more than help?

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Specializes in ER.
I'm currently in the process of enrolling, well competing for enrollment, into LPN school. I'm working on the questions we were given to answer as part of our application...and am sort of stuck.

One of the questions is:

"Nursing is a conservative profession with high standards. Why do you think you would be a good fit for the profession?"

Now, I in no way want anyone to answer the question for me. I want very much to do this all on my own. Not to mention I believe the important part of the question is the part only I can answer.

I'm just curious if anyone could offer some enlightment or explanation to the "conservative profession" part. Conservative has so many definitions in the dictionary, not to mention it's political relation, that I'm at a loss exactly what the questioners intended meaning was.

I am not trying to get answers to the question. Just a better understanding of what the question means. :)

Thanks a bunch to any that reply!! icon_biggrin.gif

more of a cultural idea of nursing, think Florence Nightingale. Conservative in that nurses generally aren't seen with tattoos (ahem!) piercings, blue hair, that kind of thing. Viewed as conservative by the general American culture I think too. You could probably find LOADS of information if you googled "conservative professions and nursing." I'll be interested to see what kind of answer you come up with... good luck! just a thought, careful not to put biases or judgments in your answer.. maybe just values, that kind of thing.

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more of a cultural idea of nursing, think Florence Nightingale.

Actually, Flo was extremely radical for her time and culture ...

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personally?

i think it's the conservative idealogies that have undermined the initiative of some women, to act in direct, challenging and powerful ways.

the challenge the nsg profession faces, is to disrupt the current discourse that promotes and sustains powerlessness:

and to support one another in raising the profile and esteem of the nsg profession.

it's time to change from conservative to innovative.

it's time to become shakers and movers.

trust me, it's time...

leslie:twocents:

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Specializes in ER.
more of a cultural idea of nursing, think Florence Nightingale. Conservative in that nurses generally aren't seen with tattoos (ahem!) piercings, blue hair, that kind of thing. Viewed as conservative by the general American culture I think too. You could probably find LOADS of information if you googled "conservative professions and nursing." I'll be interested to see what kind of answer you come up with... good luck! just a thought, careful not to put biases or judgments in your answer.. maybe just values, that kind of thing.

also other "conservative" professions out there are lawyers, local politicians, pastors, priests, teachers... those professions that are viewed as having rigid standards, have a code of ethics... that sort of thing.

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Specializes in ER.
Actually, Flo was extremely radical for her time and culture ...

I was thinking the hat, dress, nurturing others ("our" view of her, being the model for nursing), caring, compassionate, that idea...

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Specializes in ER.
personally?

i think it's the conservative idealogies that have undermined the initiative of some women, to act in direct, challenging and powerful ways.

the challenge the nsg profession faces, is to disrupt the current discourse that promotes and sustains powerlessness:

and to support one another in raising the profile and esteem of the nsg profession.

it's time to change from conservative to innovative.

it's time to become shakers and movers.

trust me, it's time...

leslie:twocents:

we could start be removing the word "NURSE" and replace it with a less female identifying word... I don't know what, but something other than the word nurse... that's always bothered me. Probably because "nurse" and "nursing" (the breasts) go hand in hand, that should be eliminated. Guys in this field can't like it - thinking of the Fockers here... my husband thinks it's a riot too.... :twocents:

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also other "conservative" professions out there are lawyers, local politicians, pastors, priests, teachers... those professions that are viewed as having rigid standards, have a code of ethics... that sort of thing.

I think those comparisons are going to help. It's all ready giving me a better idea of what the question might be getting at. Maybe they're just looking to make sure I will be well accepted by all patients (although...the care I'll be able to provide should be the only worry) and that I'm not so insane I'm unable to put in the effort the program deserves.

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