"Image of Nursing: Palvako's Characteristics of a Profession"

The nursing profession is one of the largest in the United States, with more than 3 million registered to practice. It is evident that nursing is a useful and necessary profession, both in the support of medical doctors and other clinicians and as a stand-alone caregiver. We can explore the nursing profession further using Palvako's characteristics of a profession, of which four are explored below in the context of nursing to help illustrate the importance and legitimacy of the career choice.

One of the most obvious characteristics of nursing that can be found in Palvako's dogma is that nursing is a profession with relevance to social values. Not only is nursing based around the altruistic care of others, but it is also adaptable and reflects current social needs. The first point is extremely important, as the altruistic care of others is intrinsic to the human race and therefore a true reflection of our social values. It is also something that is lacking from other things that could be deemed professions, which can seem like they are operating on purely selfish virtues. The ability to adapt to current needs is also important in a profession, and in this case, nurses are the primary providers of preventative care (whereas other clinicians tend to be involved in curative care), something that is becoming increasingly important in a world where chronic diseases are becoming more commonplace.

Another aspect of a profession that is mentioned in the list provided by Palvako is that a profession must have a code of ethics. In nursing (and other healthcare professions) this is very important, as the code of ethics is in place to protect both the nurse and the patient. The ethical code for nurses is perhaps one of the most extensive of any profession, comprising of several rules that vary from state to state and country to country, but are essentially based around the same central dogma; to provide the very best care in the very best way to each and every patient regardless of any differences in race, religion or other values.

Something else that is mentioned is that having a professional means having a lifelong commitment to the work. It is stated that 83% of the current registered nurses are working in healthcare professions, suggesting that a large proportion remains in the profession after training and years of work. This is important because it shows commitment to the patients and the job itself, ensuring that training isn't wasted on people using the profession as a stepping stone to another. It is also interesting that nurses do not seem to do this, and generally do not leave to seek higher salaries but instead continue to work in the altruistic profession that they set out to do.

This is also underpinned by the extensive training that nurses have to complete to become registered, fully-functioning nurses. This is another thing that is mentioned in Palvako's list of necessary components to a profession; training is required. Nurses can become registered nurses by several routes, for example by completing a standard university education or by completing a diploma in nursing. In any case, nurses must usually complete at least one year (usually more) of training before they are allowed to operate in a clinical situation. It is evident that nurses must be completely dedicated to their profession because of the intense training (as well as the pressures of the job).