Unionization and the nursing process - Research Paper Example

UNIONIZATION AND THE NURSING PROFESSION Unionization and the Nursing Profession Unionization practice has in the recentyears picked attention and interest in various professions. There is pressing need to gain organizational autonomy in a bid to improve economic and the general welfare has prompted union formations. However, it is important to note that unions not only serve ‘personal’ interests but have also been used to improve the general performance in professions such as nursing. In fact, contrary to expectations of many, nursing unions are not mainly focusing efforts on wage increment but rather on improving nurses’ working environment.

For instance, there is major focus on addressing issues pertaining to nursing shortages and resource allocations thereby improving the quality of health outcomes. This implies that unionization in the nursing profession plays an important role of improving performance through quality service delivery.An analysis on the effects of unions in nursing profession indicates that unions are facilitators of effective nursing practice. This is attributed to the fact that unions work towards ensuring the wellbeing of nurses yet simultaneously maintaining and improving the quality of services delivered.

Therefore, the role and goals of unions in nursing profession are in concurrence with nursing objectives as a profession. Nonetheless, union membership requires participation in the various activities of the union. This implies that members have a role to play in the union and it is not the responsibility of the management only to take part in union activities. For example, members are required to attend union meetings, take part in projects and act in support of the union even in seemingly challenging times such as during demonstrations.

This implies that nurse are required to maintain active membership in unions. However, the increased focus towards unionization has seen establishment of relatively many unions with different goals (Benson, 2010). In a bid to reduce conflict of interest there are suggestions on establishment of a centralized union. Formation of a centralized union would arguably be a great step towards strengthening nurses and ensuring fair representation. Considering all the advantages of unions, it is relatively difficult for unionized members to cope in a nonunionized environment.

Nonunionized workers have to cope with all their work related problems including possible management oppressions. This implies that working in a nonunionized environment is relatively frustrating and undesirable (Laureate Education, Inc. 2012). Therefore, it is important to prepare adequately before making such a transition. For instance, it is important to critically analyze and understand a contract with the employer before signing it. This is to ensure that all provisions in the contract are favorable.

Additionally, such a contract ensures job security and protection against oppression. For example, some employers especially in the private sector may discourage unionization in a bid to exert punitive conditions to the employees (Gordon, 2009). Nevertheless, it is advisable for workers to maintain membership in unions.ReferenceLaureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012e). Quality imperatives for organizational leaders. Baltimore, MD: Author.Gordon, S. (2009). Institutional obstacles to RN unionization: how “vote no” thinking is deeply embedded in the nursing profession.

The Journal of Labor and Society, Volume 12, pp. 279–297.Benson, H. (2010). Unionization of the nurses in the U.S.: Worker power, autonomy, and labor democracy. The Journal of Labor and Society, Volume 13, pp. 297–307.