1/25/2021

NURSING AS A
WHAT IS a PROFESSION?
PROFESSION
• an occupation that requires extensive
education or a calling that requires special
knowledge, skill, & preparation (Kozier
et.al,)

• “ an occupation or calling requiring

advance training & experience in some
specific or specialized body of knowledge
which provides service to society in that
special field” (Webster’s Dictionary)

CRITERIA OF A PROFESSION
RELATED TERMS (Kozier, et.al,)

• its requirement of prolonged,

• PROFESSIONALIZATION
Øthe process of becoming professional
• PROFESSIONALISM
Øprofessional character, spirit, or
methods
Øa set of attributes, a way of life that
implies responsibility and commitment
specialized training to acquire a
body of knowledge pertinent to the
role to be performed
• an orientation of the individual
toward service, either to a
community or to an organization
• ongoing research
• a code of ethics
• autonomy
• a professional organization

IS NURSING A PROFESSION?
Based on the following, nursing is a WHAT IS NURSING ?
profession:
• Specialized Education
• Body of Knowledge
• The act of utilizing the environment
• Service Orientation of the patient to assist him in his
• Ongoing Research recovery (Nightingale, 1860-1969)
• Code of Ethics
• Autonomy
• Professional Organization

1
 1/25/2021

WHAT IS NURSING ? WHAT IS NURSING ?

• Assisting the individual, sick or well, • The protection , promotion and

in the performance of those activities
contributing to health or its recovery,
that he would perform unaided if he
had the necessary strength, will or
knowledge & to do this in such a way
as to help him gain independence as
rapidly as possible (Henderson,
1966)
optimization of health and abilities,
preventions of illness and injury,
alleviation of suffering through the
diagnosis and treatment of human
response, and advocacy in the care
of individuals, families, communities
and populations (American Nurses
Association, 2003)

WHAT IS NURSING ? CHARACTERISTICS OF NURSING

Nursing is…
• Encompasses autonomous &
collaborative care of individuals of all
ages, families, groups & communities,
sick or well in all settings….includes the
promotion of health, prevention of illness
& the care of ill, disabled & dying people.
Advocacy, promotion of a safe
environment, research, participation in
shaping health policy & in patient & health
systems management & education are
also key nursing roles (International
Council of Nurses, 2002)

CHARACTERISTICS OF NURSING

Nursing is…
• implies valuing of some human
potential beyond the narrow concept
of health taken as absence of
Health disease
restoration

Health
maintenance

2
 1/25/2021

• concerned not merely with a

person's well-being but with his • assists the person to be greater than
more-being, with helping him the total sum of all parts
become more as humanly possible in
his particular life situation

AIMS OF NURSING
WHO IS A
FACILITATE PROFESSIONAL NURSE?
COPING WITH
PREVENT DISABILITY &
ILLNESS DEATH
• a person who has completed a basic
nursing education program & is
licensed in his/her country or state to
practice professional nursing.

PROMOTE
HEALTH
RESTORE
HEALTH

A. Professional Preparation

vBSN degree
v license to practice
v physical & mental fitness

3
 1/25/2021

B. Personal Qualities & Professional B. Personal Qualities & Professional

Proficiencies
vinterest & willingness to work & learn
vconcern for people
vresourcefulness, creativity, well-
balanced emotional condition
vcapacity & ability to work
cooperatively with others
Proficiencies
vinitiative to improve self & service
vcompetence in performing work
vdecision-making & communication
skills
vresearch orientation
vactive participation in issues
confronting nurses & nursing

Warm/pleasing personality
reflective of the following:

• poise
• good complexion
• good grooming – hair, nurse’s uniform
• good posture
• art of conversation
• spiritual health