SAS 1
PROFESSION
● A job or calling requiring advanced training in a specialized field to serve society.
CRITERIA OF A PROFESSION (According to William Shepard)
1. Meets vital social needs; based on accepted scientific principles.
2. Requires proper pre-professional and cultural education.
3. Demands specialized and organized training.
4. Shows necessary skills not common to the public.
5. Has a scientific technique developed through experience.
6. Requires discretion and judgment in performance—not standardized.
7. Promotes growth of scientific knowledge using technical language.
8. Has strong motivation to retain members for life—not a stepping stone.
9. Requires adherence to a code of ethics.
QUALITIES OF A PROFESSION (Cited by Flexner and other authors)
1. Applies knowledge to human welfare; seniors mentor juniors.
2. Constantly updates its knowledge; members must stay current.
3. Acts independently in making and monitoring professional policies.
4. Uses organized, intellectual knowledge related to its focus.
5. Has clear educational standards for entry.
6. Has distinct culture, norms, and values shared by members.
Genevieve K. and Roy W. Bixler also state that a profession
1. Uses well-organized, intellectual, specialized knowledge.
2. Continuously expands knowledge; improves education and service using science.
3. Education is entrusted to higher institutions.
4. Applies knowledge to essential human/social services.
5. Has autonomy in policy-making and controlling its activities.
6. Attracts intelligent, service-oriented individuals committed to the profession.
7. Offers freedom, growth opportunities, and financial stability to members.
DEFINITION OF A PROFESSIONAL NURSE
● A nurse who has completed basic nursing education and is licensed in their country or
state.
MEANING OF PROFESSIONAL NURSING
● Governed by R.A. 9173 (Philippine Nursing Act of 2002), which defines nursing scope.
ARTICLE VI – NURSING PRACTICE
SEC. 28. Scope of Nursing
● Practicing nursing includes solo or team-based health care delivery to individuals,
families, and communities.
● Covers all life stages: from conception to old age.
● Nurses act independently in promoting health and preventing illness.
● Collaborate with other providers for cure, rehabilitation, health restoration, and peaceful
death.
Duties of the Nurse
a. Provide nursing care using the nursing process, including traditional and innovative methods,
techniques, and health teaching; perform procedures like internal exams and medication
administration.
b. Connect with community resources and coordinate with the health team.
c. Educate individuals, families, and communities about health.
d. Teach and supervise nursing students and provide consultation and management.
e. Conduct training and research, including developing advanced nursing roles.
Note: Nursing students are exempt from this section if supervised by qualified faculty. Nurses
must follow the Code of Ethics and maintain competence through continuing education
approved by the Board.
QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES OF A PROFESSIONAL NURSE
A. Professional Preparation
● Must:
1. Be licensed in the country
2. Hold a BS in Nursing
3. Be physically and mentally healthy
B. Personal Qualities and Professional Proficiencies
● Includes:
1. Interest in working with individuals/groups in varied settings
2. Warm personality and concern for people
3. Creativity, emotional balance
4. Teamwork skills
5. Drive for self-improvement
6. Competence in using the nursing process
7. Good decision-making, communication, and research skills
8. Active involvement in nursing-related issues
BASIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM IN NURSING
● Before 1983: Only 4-year BSN program.
● 3-year hospital-based program (Graduate in Nursing) was phased out.
● Program revisions are ongoing via the Council of Deans, CHED, and PCN.
● From 1998-1999: 2-year Associate in Health Science Education (ASHE) implemented.
THE BSN CURRICULUM
● A 4-year, competency-based, community-oriented curriculum.
● Prepares nurses for entry-level jobs in hospitals, clinics, homes, communities.
End-of-Program (Terminal) Competencies
1. Use the nursing process:
○ Assess health, plan with client, implement care, adjust, and evaluate outcomes.
2. Communicate effectively:
○ Use therapeutic self, document/report, relate to health teams and clients.
3. Apply management:
○ Use management process, help form policies, work solo or with others.
4. Use research in care.
5. Be responsible for personal and professional growth:
○ Promote growth, accept accountability, help solve health/social issues.
Overall BSN Graduate Behaviors
● Shows:
1. Caring behavior (compassion, competence, commitment)
2. Legal, ethical, moral responsibility
3. Critical and creative thinking
4. SKA (skills, knowledge, attitude) and values for:
■ Health promotion
■ Illness prevention
■ Health restoration
■ Suffering relief
■ Peaceful, dignified death
