Based on its origin, the word profession signifies someone who has received the “profession” of God. Therefore, people traditionally called professionals, such as clergy, university professors, doctors, and lawyers were supposed to conduct God’s will as agents of God’s work. With the development of science and technology, the traditional notion of the professional as a divine oracle has transformed into a modern professional in today’s society. In contemporary times, being part of a profession requires a high level of competency and taking on the responsibility of maintaining and expanding specialized knowledge and skills. A person is considered to be performing a professional job based on certain values that are upheld, such as altruism, autonomy, human dignity, professional ethics, and fairness. Moreover, a profession is a socially recognized occupation based on professionalism, which is a clear occupational responsibility; thus, the primary goal of a professional is to contribute honestly to society.
The nursing profession protects people’s health based on altruism, keeping the interest of the patient at its core. It is a profession that requires a deep understanding of people, life, and society, respect for human rights, specialized knowledge and skills, accurate judgment, the ability to take appropriate actions, and a sense of responsibility. The Japan Nursing Association’s “Code of Ethics for Nurses” specifies to society the scope of responsibilities that nurses assume as part of their profession.
References- Charter of Professionalism in the New Millennium. (n.d.). Medical professionalism in the new millennium.
Retrieved from http://acpjc.naika.or.jp/jpnchap/chart3.html - Hishinuma, N., Inoue, T., Takeda, T., & Others. (2009). Principles of nursing: The essence and appeal of caring. Life Support Publishing.
- Japan Nursing Association. (n.d.). Code of ethics for nurses.
Retrieved from http://www.nurse.or.jp/nursing/practice/rinri/rinri.html - Schön, D. A. (2001). Expert wisdom: Reflective practitioners think while acting (Sato, M., & Akita, K., Trans.). Yumiru Publishing.