Licensure is not synonymous with professionalism: it's time to stop the hypocrisy
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: March 3, 2023
Monica Miller Kidder1, Patsy B Cornelius
1Medical-Surgical Services, Ottumwa Regional Health Center, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501, USA. mkidder@orhc.com
Abstract:
Most professional disciplines are defined by the educational degree required to practice. Unfortunately, nursing is not one of those disciplines. To that end, the authors discuss the contribution multilevel entry into practice has on nursing's negative appeal to the emerging workforce and the misconception that licensure equates with professional status. They then propose a workable solution to the problem.
Related Concept Videos
Nurses' Legal Responsibilities III
Cultivating a culture of collaboration and mutual respect among nurses transcends mere enhancement...
Accountability and Responsibility of a Nurse II
For example, a nurse demonstrating respect and compassion might listen attentively to a patient's concerns, provide comfort...
The Professional Nurse
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
Professional Values
The values that are the foundation of the nursing profession are altruism, autonomy, human dignity, and social justice.
First, altruism refers to the concern for the welfare and well-being of others without personal...
Accountability and Responsibility of a Nurse I
Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution itself.