This document discusses the significance of nursing education and professionalism. It covers topics such as the history of nursing education, barriers to nursing education, gender issues, ethical issues, and characteristics of the nursing profession. It also discusses the growth of baccalaureate nursing education and the impacts of social media on nursing. Nursing education has evolved from hospital-based diploma programs to associate's and bachelor's degrees. Barriers to nursing education include cost, time management, and educator shortages, though online programs and financial assistance have helped facilitate access.

1. Significance of Nursing
Education
Samantha McGinnis, RN
Castleton University

2. Nursing Professionalism
Topics of Discussion
 Variability in nursing education
 Barriers in nursing education
 Gender issues
 Historical influences
 Ethical issues
 BSN Internal/external conflicts
 Characteristics of Profession
 Baccalaureate education growth
 Social media impact on nursing

3. Nursing Professionalism
Varying Degrees of Education
Any of the first three degrees qualifies for entry level and
lead to licensure:
 Hospital-based Diploma program
 Earliest form of nursing education – 1920’s-1930’s
 No formal college education
 ADN – Associates Degree
 Typically 2 years
 BSN – Bachelor’s Degree
 4 year curriculum
 Combines nursing courses with general
education courses
 Advanced Degrees
 Master’s or Doctorate Black, 2017, p. 69-70

4. Nursing Professionalism
Barriers and Facilitators
of Nursing Education
Barriers
• Cost of education
• Time Management
• Balance of home, work
and school
• Decrease of educators
• Varying degrees
Facilitators
• Online programs
• Employer financial
assistance
• Government tuition
assistance
• High demand
• Job opportunities
• Good compensation

5. Nursing Professionalism
Gender Issues
 Stereotyping of female and males have affected nursing for 160 years
 Women are the caregivers and take care of the family
 Men are the breadwinners and financially support the family
 First nurses recruited for training were “respectable” women
 Nursing is a female dominated profession
 There may never be a balance between male and female nurses
 Attracting men to the nursing profession continues to be a priority
 About 11% are men enrolled in programs today
 Men are more likely to be younger
 Nursing is a second career
 Motivation to become a nurse are similar for both genders
 Desire to help people
 Profession growth and career paths
 Stable career Black, 2017, p. 38-39:60

6. Nursing Professionalism
Historical Influences
The profession of nursing has been influenced by the political,
economic and social climate of our times.
 Florence Nightingale - (1820-1910)
 Founder of modern nursing
 Impact on areas of infection control; hospital
epidemiology; hospice care
 Upgrading conditions for sick/wounded in military
 Hospital reform
 Established training schools
 1859 famous publication “Notes on Nursing: What It Is and
What It Is Not”
 A unique knowledge is required for nursing practice
Black, 2017, p. 25-26

7. Nursing Professionalism
Historical Influences
The profession of nursing has been influenced by the political,
economic and social climate of our times.
 Mary Seacole – (1805-1881)
 Voted “Greatest Black Briton” in history in 2003
 Established a hotel to care for wounded soldiers
 Visited battlefield to care for sick and wounded
 Cholera – effects and management
 Dorothea L. Dix
 Superintendent of Women Nurses by the Union Army
 Mary Ann (“Mother”) Bickerdyke
 Created alternative treatments with plants and herbs
 Clara Barton
 Founded the American Red Cross
Black, 2017, p. 26-28

8. Nursing Professionalism
Ethical Issues
Ethical practice is a priority for Nurses, but issues and conflicts arise
 Conflict between personal and professional values
 Conflicts between peers or other healthcare professionals
 The use of social media
 Substance abuse
 Dilemmas in regards to patient rights
 Ethical issues related to Migration and Immigration
 Patient data – technological safety of information
Black, 2017, p. 138-147

9. Nursing Professionalism
BSN – Internal & External Conflicts
External
• Rise in tension
between nursing and
medicine
• Increased
responsibilities
• Resources toward
lobbying efforts
• Higher education
levels needed
Internal
• Subgroups and
dissension
• Tension among varying
degree nurses
• Internal competition
• Less than 10% are
members of ANA
Black, 2017, p. 62

10. Nursing Professionalism
Characteristics of Professionalism
“Being good and doing good: The culture of professionalism in the health
professions”
Be Respectful Be ethical
Be honest Be the best
Be consistent Be a communicator
Be accountable Be collaborative
Be forgiving Be current
Be involved Be a model nurse
Be responsible for own learning Be prepared
Box 3-2 Black, 2017, p. 60

11. Nursing Professionalism
Occupation vs Profession
Occupation
 On the job training
 Training length varies
 Largely manual work
 Decisions made by experience or
trial and error
 Values, beliefs and ethics are not
prominent features
 Commitment varies
 Workers are supervised
 Change of jobs
 Main motivation is material
 Accountability rests with
employer
Profession
 College or university education
 Education is prolonged
 Work involves mental creativity
 Evidence based practice
 Values, beliefs and ethics are
integral part of preparation
 Commitment and personal
identification are strong
 Workers are autonomous
 Unlikely to change jobs
 Commitment outweighs material
 Individual accountability
Box 3-1 Black, 2017, p. 54

12. Nursing Professionalism
Baccalaureate Education
Why transition from RN to BSN
 In 1965 the ANA issued a position paper advocating the BSN as
minimum requirement for entry into profession.
 BSN degree would help nursing become a recognized profession
 BSN would help provide leadership in administration, public health
and teaching.
 1996 the AACN board approved the statement, The Baccalaureate
Degree in Nursing as Minimal Preparation for Professional Status
 More job opportunities and career advancement
 Evidence Shows That Nurses With a BSN Give Better Care
 BSN degree may become the requirement Black, 2017, p. 70-74

13. Nursing Professionalism
Baccalaureate Education
Why transition from RN to BSN
Nurse Journal
A recent study of 187,000* nursing job ads posted over a 90-day period
found that education requirements for the jobs broke down as follows:
 Diploma or associate’s degree – 51%
 Bachelor’s degree – 37%
 Graduate degree – 23%
 High school – 6%
These stats show that an RN with an ADN or diploma is eligible for 51% of
these jobs, while candidates that hold a BSN are going to be eligible for 88%.
 Better pay scale for BSN
or higher degrees vs RN

14. Nursing Professionalism
Social Media
Social Media can be both damaging and helpful
 Nurses face a serious ethical challenge in the use of social media
 The ANA has developed a Social Networking Principles toolkit
 Patient confidentiality – potential issue of giving out too much
information
 Posting pictures of patients or family members
 Blurring of professional and personal boundaries
Black, 2017, p. 142-143
 Social Media used correctly can help nurses
 Able to network with other nurses around the world
 Take part in education blogs and discussions
 Organizations to update and educate the community

15. Nursing Professionalism
Social Media
Social Media can be both negative and positive in the portrayal
of the Nursing Profession

16. References
Black, B., (2017). Professional Nursing Concepts and
Challenges. 8th Edition. Elsevier, Inc. St. Louis, Missouri.
Nurse Journal. (2017). BSN Degree vs RN Differences.
Retrieved from https://nursejournal.org/bsn-degree/bsn-
degree-rn-differences/