Professionalism Verses Academic Nursing Preparation

In order to understand professionalism within the practice of nursing, we need to understand the roots of nursing. Where have we evolved from? Do we understand our past, present and where we are headed as a profession in the future? The following video from the ANA examines this question.

There is so much we can learn from our past and such dignity within the profession of nursing, that to brush it aside because of non-uniformity in education would do all nurses a disservice. As I have blogged before, the ANA must continue to work with nurses at the associate and baccalaureate degree levels in order to once and for all create the most competent, and uniform entry level into professional nursing practice. Here is yet another interesting breakdown of the differences in the associate verses baccalaureate degree levels of entry into nursing.

Another thought to consider.......................

What about the associate degree nurse looking to advance herself within the profession by entering an RN-BSN program? What unique qualities do these programs have to entice the associate degree nurse on her own professional journey?

                                                                    

  

 

Professionalism Verses Academic Nursing Preparation

The controversy is ongoing as the profession of nursing continues to struggle with an ultimate decision regarding the uniform entry level into practice. Will nurses come together and make the decision, or will it be decided for us by other professional groups within the healthcare industry?

As both practicing and student nurses, nursing as a profession is embraced by us all in one way or another. We are a dedicated, and caring profession, and advocate for our patients and our healthcare facilities. Academic nursing preparation that is consistent still continues to elude us. What counts is that we are asking the tough questions and struggling with the answers. We will get there. I am one nurse who has faith.  

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Professionalism vs Academic Nursing Preparation

What is professionalism in nursing? Is professionalism related to academic nursing preparation and if so, what should the academic preparation be?

Is professionalism more embedded into the psyche of a nurse prepared at the baccalaureate verses the associate degree level, or is professionalism learned on the job and during the course of a nursing career? Maybe it is a combination of both.

The American Nurses' Association 1965 landmark article actually discusses the need for uniformity in nursing education and that the academic preparation should be at the 4 year baccalaureate level.

Take a few minutes to reflect on your own career in nursing and how you feel that professionalism developed and what factors contributed to that development.