Purpose of this Assignment
This is the first formal scholarly writing assignment in the program. In completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your ability to:
- Follow assignment-specific guidelines
- Apply APA format and style guidelines in scholarly writing
- Structure and communicate ideas effectively in written communication
- Paraphrase and cite ideas from outside sources
- Synthesize ideas from trusted sources to support your ideas
- Think critically about how nursing meets one of the criteria for a profession
Assignment Guidelines
- Write a two-page scholarly paper about how nursing meets one of the traditional criteria for a profession in Table 1.6 of the Stegen and Sowerby (2019) textbook on page 19.
- Follow APA format and style guidelines including a title page and references page (which are not included in the page count).
- Include an introductory paragraph and a concluding paragraph in addition to the body of the paper.
- Do not make non-original generalizations without citing a source.
For example, an assertion such as “nursing is the most trusted profession” is a generalization that requires a citation such as (Gallup, 2017), because this information is not common knowledge. It is the product of an annual Gallup survey. Contrast this with a statement such as “nurses work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and health departments,” which is more aligned with common knowledge and does not have to be cited.
- Each paragraph should be a minimum of three sentences but no more than six or seven sentences.
- Include ideas from a minimum of two reliable sources to support your own ideas about how nursing meets one of the criteria for a profession.
- Paraphrase and cite the sources using APA format.
- Do not use direct quotations. Points will be deducted for use of direct quotations.
- You may use the textbook as one of your sources plus an article or a professional web site such as the American Nurses Association site.
- Ensure that every source cited in the body of the paper is listed on the references page, and every source listed on the references is cited in the body of the paper. Points will be deducted if a source is listed in one place but not the other.
- Refer to the syllabus for the late policy and deductions that will take place if you do not turn your assignment in on time.
- Table 1.6 How Nursing Meets the Traditional Criteria for a Profession*
| Criterion | How Nursing Meets the Criterion |
| Possession of a Body of Specialized Knowledge | Critics state that nursing borrows from biologic sciences, social sciences, and medical science, and then combines the various skills and concepts. This amalgamation and synthesis may be one of nursing’s distinctive qualities. Nursing researchers work to develop an organized body of knowledge unique to nursing along with a specialized language of nursing (discussed later in this chapter). As this body of knowledge expands, this criterion is more nearly met. |
| Use of Scientific Method to Enlarge the Body of Knowledge | Much work has been done toward systematically gathering and analyzing data, correctly identifying problems, selecting alternates, and evaluating client care. Evidence-based practice and evidence-based education are at the forefront of nursing today (see Chapter 16). |
| Education Within Institutions of Higher Education | Over time, the settings in which nurses are educated have changed, with most programs under the auspices of colleges or universities. Controversy over the length of nursing programs (associate degree vs. baccalaureate degree) and the technical aspects of client care continues. A few programs continue to be offered by hospitals. |
| Control of Professional Policy, Professional Activity, and Autonomy | Today, nurses are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating the care clients receive and are accountable for that care. Nursing policies and protocols, standards of practice, and evaluative measures and criteria have been developed by nurses (see Chapter 6). In some settings, nurses are eligible for third-party payment. More collaborative relationships are occurring with other healthcare team members, including physicians. |
| A Code of Ethics | The general standard for the professional behavior of nurses in the United States is the ANA Code for Nurses, which is periodically revised. The International Council of Nurses also has developed a code for nurses that sets the standards of ethical practice by nurses throughout the world (see Chapter 8). |
| Nursing as Lifetime Commitment | Most nurses view themselves as committed to their profession and continue to identify themselves as nurses long after they retire. However, some do leave the profession due to “burnout” and stress. Better educational and clinical pathways encourage continued growth and retention in the profession. |
| Service to the Public | Although discussion occurs with regard to altruism, remuneration for services, and collective bargaining (see Chapter 5), there is no question that nursing provides a service to the public. |
