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Current factors contributing to professionalism in nursing.
1The University of Akron College of Nursing, OH 44325-3701, USA. cwynd@uakron.edu
Summary
Nursing professionalism is linked to experience, education, and certifications. Enhancing these factors can help retain nurses and attract new talent to address the nursing shortage.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Healthcare Management
- Professional Studies
Background:
- A significant nursing shortage poses a crisis to the healthcare system.
- Experienced nurses are leaving, and fewer young individuals are choosing nursing careers.
- Reassessing professionalism in nursing is crucial for addressing these trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine differences and relationships in nursing professionalism.
- To investigate the correlation between professionalism and factors like experience, education, organizational involvement, and specialty certification.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, comparative/correlational design was employed.
- A random sample of 774 registered nurses (RNs) participated.
- The Professionalism Inventory Scale measured attitudes across five dimensions of professionalism.
Main Results:
- Higher professionalism was significantly associated with more years of experience as an RN.
- Advanced educational degrees in nursing, organizational membership, leadership roles in organizations, and specialty certification correlated positively with professionalism.
- Professionalism dimensions included use of professional organizations, belief in public service, autonomy, self-regulation, and a sense of calling.
Conclusions:
- Nursing is evolving into a vital public service.
- Recognizing and implementing positive aspects of nursing professionalism is essential.
- These strategies can aid in retaining experienced nurses and attracting new entrants to the nursing profession.