Nursing and unions - Research Paper Example

Sometimes they face problems such as extended work and no appreciation, less compensations, tensed environment and so on. These conditions require some control and for controlling these negativities, nursing unions are there. With the help of unions, the nurses can get their due rights according to their hard work and the efficacy of unions cannot be rejected. Nurses accommodate the people with appropriate strategies that can be adopted for gaining optimal health. The vitality of nurses cannot be negated in the profession of healthcare.

Nurses work as individuals as well as groups to help the needy people in terms of health. Nowadays, the lack of attraction towards nursing profession poses a serious concern for the health based departments and public health is endangered. The nurses have the right to gain positive reception for their hard work and in gaining that positive reception, unions play a positive part. Some nurses believe, that one alternative to the current slide in morale is to join together as a collective voice to bring about a change in the healthcare profession, which in turn is boosting the participation in nursing unions.

It may lead to improved patient outcome because of increased job satisfaction and increased safety measures designed to protect both nurses and the patients. Because of unionization, more people will be encouraged to join nursing as a profession as they will be sure that their due rights will not be rejected and they will be taken care of. The nurses unions represent industrial interests of nurses employed under all awards and agreements, in both the public and private sectors. Its primary function is to protect the interest of nurses in this profession.

Moreover, the association represents and provides for the professional, educational and industrial welfare of nurses in government and non government forums at state, national and international level. (Koontz & Weihrich, 2006) Because of unions, the members of the union stay contented that their dignity and respect will not be lost and they will be able to raise their voice against any ignorance or overlooking of their rights. Unions do many tasks such as comprehending the problems of members and taking them to the authorities, accommodating the members by acknowledging that they will always be supported and assisted for their rights and taking appropriate actions for the interests of the members.

Therefore, nursing unions are very useful for making the nursing profession an attractive profession. Nurses require registration and for being registered, they are required to complete a course set by Nursing and Midwifery Council. Those that graduate from a college nursing program are considered as registered nurses or RNs. RNs have passed National Licensing exam. Some RNs are also employed in private practice. The RNs play a major role in patient’s healthcare, as they require 24 hours service in terms of assistance in walking, bending, stretching, standing and/or other requirements.

Nurses may be put to duty during work nights, weekends and even on holidays. (Taiki, 2009) A RN’s scope of practice is determined by each state’s Nurse Practice Act. It outlines what is legal practice for RN and what tasks they may or may not perform. It also dictates the scope of practice for nurse practitioners. (Taiki, 2009) Nursing is constituted as a noble profession. The core of this profession is based upon the social contract that defines the professional rights and responsibilities, along with the