Carol P. Wiseman
Nurse Educator
At the end of this session students will
be able to:
1. Define the terms profession and
professionalism.
2. Outline the criteria for a profession.
3. Discuss the arguments for classifying
nursing as a profession.

A profession is a calling that requires
advanced knowledge, skill, and
preparation; and grows out of
society’s need for special services.

A profession is an occupation based
on specialized intellectual study and
training, the purpose of which is to
supply skilled services with ethical
components.
Strong Theoretical Base

Theories define and clarify nursing and the
purpose of nursing practice.

Use of theory of nursing leads to coordinated
and less fragmented care.
Strong Theoretical Base

Florence Nightingale – 1859

Virginia Henderson – 1955

Dorothea Orem – 1971(Self Care)

Callista Roy 1976 (Adaptation Model)

Jean Watson – 1979 (Caring)

Patricia Benner – 1984 (Novice to Expert)
A profession has a unique body of
knowledge/theory

There is a limited body of knowledge
that has been tested and identified
as underlying nursing practice
Prolonged Specialized Training
 Three years or more in college or
universities.

Liberal arts education in addition to
the biologic and social sciences and
the nursing discipline.
Prolonged Specialized Training

Varying entry levels into profession –
Diploma, Associate Degree, BSc

Varying length of education
A profession has autonomy of practice

NCTT
Determines scope of practice
Control over registration
Disciplinary powers
Standards of education and
practice
Strong Service Orientation

A profession is motivated to serve the needs
of the community, rather than its own selfinterests.


Many consider altruism (selfless concern for
others) the hallmark of a profession.
Nursing has a tradition of service to others.
A PROFESSION HAS A CODE OF ETHICS

ICN Code of Ethics and universal moral
principles serve as the blueprint for other
local codes of ethics.
Participation in the Professional Organization



Trinidad & Tobago Registered Nurses
Association (TTRNA)
For nursing to be a profession the TTRNA
must be supported by the members of the
occupation
Membership at approximately 45-50 %
A Credentialing System to Ensure
Competence.


Must successfully complete RENR and be
recommended by school Principal to be
entered on the register as a Nurse.
Annual registration with the NCTT to practice
as an RN in Trinidad and Tobago.
Advancement Of The Profession By On-going
Research
 Evidence Based Nursing e.g.
Wound management techniques
Catheter care
Retention of nurses
Approaches to education
Health promotion studies

Services offered traditionally associated with
wives and mothers.

Historically seen as subservient to medicine.

Education requirements not yet standardized

Three tier entry level into practice.

Autonomy not complete – still dependent on
medicine to direct most of its practice



An individual who displays competent and
skilful behaviors in alignment with their
profession (Gokenbach,2012).
The act of behaving in a manner defined and
expected by the chosen profession
(Gokenbach,2012).

Embraces a set of attitudes, skills, and
behaviors, attributes and values which
are expected from those to whom
society has extended the privilege of
being considered a professional
(Swick, 2000).

Those attitudes or ways of being that
are born out of valuing ones work and
which demonstrate a capacity and
willingness to serve others.
A professional looks the part

The way one dresses symbolizes role
identity, authority, professional image,
and confidence- as well as the way the
nurse feels about themselves
(Mangum, et. Al., 1991).
Treatment of Others
A
professional treats everyone
with dignity and respect.
Commitment to lifelong learning

School is never out for us – keeping
up with professional magazines and
websites, attending personal or
professional conferences, or simply by
listening to and learning from others.
Attitude to work

Professionals are committed to
excellence whether they “feel like it” or
not, whether external circumstances
warrant it or not.

“ Nursing is an art, and, if it is to be made an
art, requires as exclusive a devotion, as hard
a preparation, as any painter or sculptor’s
work; for what is the having to do with dead
canvas or cold marble, compared with having
to do with the living body- the temple of
God’s spirit? It is one of the fine arts; I had
almost said, the finest of Fine Arts”