Reallocating power

Nursing management throughout the country must accept the realization that the "profession" of nursing is at a crossroads. Nursing must either abandon its claim as a profession or revise nursing's support structures in order to provide a professional practice environment. Those who accept nursing as a profession understand the responsibility and authority of the profession. These values involve the desire to assume accountability, articulate the practice of nursing and nursing competence, and define the quality of care provided. As the majority of nurses continue to practice within the hospital setting, the challenge facing nursing management is the implementation of professional governance practices.