A study by Wynd (2003) identified several of these characteristics as important. In this survey of professional nurses, Wynd reported that professionalism is significantly related to the years of experience as an RN, higher educational degrees in nursing, membership in organizations, and specialty certification. She further purported that nursing is evolving as a valuable public service.

Professional Nursing

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Characteristics of the Professional Nurse

A study by Wynd (2003) identified several of these characteristics as important. In this survey of professional nurses, Wynd reported that professionalism is significantly related to the years of experience as an RN, higher educational degrees in nursing, membership in organizations, and specialty certification. She further purported that nursing is evolving as a valuable public service.

Historically, these characteristics are influenced by the needs of society, which have served to reshape the professional role of nursing. This is important to consider as your profession tackles current trends such as nursing shortage, economic instability, and healthcare reform. It is critical that you collectively and individually value and integrate strategies to ensure you are vigilant in fulfilling these characteristics that define your profession.

References: Epstein, E., & Turner, M. (2015). The nursing code of ethics: Its value, its history. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 20(2). doi: 10.3912/OJIN.Vol20No02Man04 Wynd, C. A. (2003). Current factors contributing to professionalism in nursing.

Journal of Professional Nursing, 19(5), 251–261.