PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS: NURSING

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: NURSING

INTRODUCTION

Professionals create organizations to work collectively on behalf of

issues that enhance their work and their involvement in communities,
ensure continued learning and competence, and use political action to
influence policymakers to support mission of organization.
Professional organizations offer a supportive way to learn leadership
skills, to test ideas, and to follow these ideas to completion. Nursing
has a national organization open to all graduate nurses, Indian nursing
council, Trained nurses association of India.

OBJECTIVES

 To understand the role of professional organisations in

empowering nurses in their emerging professionalism.

 To discuss the functions of each professional organisations.

 To discuss importance of self assertiveness in safeguarding our
profession.

 To study the vast scope of collective bargaining in nursing

profession.

Terminologies

Collective bargaining- Negotiation between organized workers and

their employer or employers to determine wages, hours, rules, and
working conditions.

Assertiveness- it's demanding what you want in a confident way that

harms no one but in the same time preserves your rights.
Unions- A union or labor organization is any organization in which
employees participate for the purpose of dealing with their employer
about grievances, labour disagreements, wages, hours of work, and
conditions of employment.

Criteria of a profession

Various vital components of a profession are,

1. Education takes place in a college or university

2. Education is prolonged
3. Work involves mental creativity
4. Decision making is based largely on science or
theories
5. Values, beliefs and ethics are an integral part of
preparation
6. Commitment dominates material reward
7. Accountability rests with Individual
Nursing as a profession

Nursing pathway to professionalism has not been

smooth. For decades an ongoing subject for discussion
in nursing circles has been the following question “is
nursing a profession”. Sociologists do not agree that
nursing is a profession. They believe it’s an emerging
profession. Nursing is rather considered by everyone as
a profession now. Nursing complies with all criteria of a
profession.
 It has all greatly changed Now,
· Today, there is a body of knowledge that is uniquely
nursing’s own
· Nursing is no longer based on trial and error but
increasingly relies on theory development and research
as a basis for practice. We call it Evidence-based
practice.
· Nursing is now engaged in an ongoing effort to identify
and standardize nursing diagnoses, interventions and
outcomes all of which are parts of nursing process
· Individual accountability has become a part of nursing
practice. Now society hold nurses individually
responsible for their actions
· Majority of programmes offering basic nursing education
are now associate degree and baccalaureate programs
located in college and universities
Various professional organizations and functions
AT CENTRE LEVEL

TRAINED NURSES ASSOCIATION OF INDIA (TNAI)

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR NURSES (I C N)

THE COMMONWEALTH NURSES FEDERATION

THE INDIAN NURSING COUNCIL (INC)

THE RED CROSS SOCIETY

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO)

AT STATE LEVEL

THE STUDENT NURSES ASSOCIATION (SNA)

THE NURSES LEAGUE OF CHRISTIAN MEDICAL

ASSOCIATION

THE CHRISTIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

TRAINED NURSES ASSOCIATION OF INDIA (TNAI)

The Trained nurses association of India is a national professional

association of Nurses. The present name and organization were
established in 1922.

AIMS:

Aims center upon needs of the individual member and problems in the
nursing profession as a whole. Such aims include 1. Upgrading. 2.
Development and standardisation of nursing education. 3.
Improvement of living and working condition for nurses in India. 4.
Registration for qualified nurses.

ACTIVITIES:

1. TNAI gives scholarships for nurses who wish to go on for

advanced study either here or abroad. 2. It helped to remove
discrimination against male nurses. 3. Initiated much needed study
and improvement of economic conditions for nurses.

4. The TNAI opposes strikes unless all other means of negotiating

have failed to bring about satisfactory working conditions.

MEMBERSHIP:

Obtained by application and submission of a copy of your state

registration certificate. It is possible to apply for a life membership.
The official organ of the TNAI is The Nursing Journal of India which
is published monthly. The cost of this is included in the annual
subscription for membership in the association.

It helps you to be informed of current events in nursing and offers

opportunities to publish articles and voice opinions.

Policies and Practices of TNAI:

The Trained Nurses Association of India has for many
years been greatly concerned about the economic
welfare of Nurses and action which may be taken to
negotiate for better benefits and working conditions for
the profession. The following facts have emerged
during this time:
· The TNAI cannot be legally appointed as a
negotiating body either at a Local, State or National
level.
· The advice of the TNAI is listened to, with respect,
and sometimes acted upon. But such advice is
given on the initiative of the TNAI, but the TNAI
does not have the right of representation in
negotiations.
· The TNAI as a national body can give a broad
support to local or state organizations of Nurses.
The organization of the TNAI makes it possible for all nurses to
participate at some level. Beginning with the local unit, which is
usually made up of personnel in a specific institution, the level of
organisation moves to the district, state and national levels. Members
of the TNAI are usually most active on the level of the local unit.
Activities and conferences, however, are planned regularly by the
state branches and provide opportunities for valuable professional
participation and development of the individual member.

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR NURSES (I C N)

It was formed in 1899. It’s an international association for all nurses

in the world. Great emphasis has been on non discrimination.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Promote the development of strong national nurses associations. 2.

Assist national nurses association to improve the standards of nursing
and the competence of nurses. 3. Assist national nurses associations to
improve the status of nurses within their countries.

4. Serve as the authoritative voice for nurses and nursing

internationally.

ACTIVITIES:

1. Makes policy statements on health and social issues. 2. Offers a

great variety of seminars 3. Maintaining and improving the status of
Nursing around the world

MEMBERSHIP:

All nurses can become members of the ICN but not as individuals.
The individual nurse becomes a member if his/her national nurses
association is a member of ICN. Nurses in India become members of
ICN when they become members of the TNAI.

THE COMMONWEALTH NURSES FEDERATION

The Commonwealth Nurses Federation was formally organised in

1973 and operates in Six regions of the world which are East, Africa,
Atlantic, Australia, Pacific, South Asia and Europe.

The TNAI is also affiliated with the Commonwealth Nurses

Federation .It is made up of nurses associations from commonwealth
countries.
AIMS:

1. Promote sharing, better communications and closer relationships

between its member associations. 2. Provides expert professional
advice. 3. Scholarships for advanced study. 4. Financial assistance for
professional meetings and seminars. 5. Running an office through
which funds can be received and dispersed for the benefit of nursing
in countries which are represented.

THE INDIAN NURSING COUNCIL (I N C)

The Indian Nursing Council, which was authorised by the Indian

Nursing Council Act of 1947, was established in 1949.

PURPOSE:

Providing uniform standards in Nursing education and reciprocity in

Nursing Registration throughout the country. Nurses registered in one
state were not necessarily recognised for registration in another state
before this time. The condition of mutual recognition by the state
nurses registration councils, which is called reciprocity, was possible
only if uniform standards of nursing education were maintained

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Prescribes curricula for nursing education in all the states. 2.

Refuses or Recognises Programmes of Nursing Education according
to standards required.

3. Support high standards in Nursing. 4. Providing registration for

foreign nurses. 5. Maintenance of the Indian Nurses Register. This
register contains the names of all nurses, midwives, auxiliary nurse
midwives who are enrolled on all state registers.

RED CROSS SOCIETY

It follows the directions of the Geneva conventions in an effort to

protect victims of armed conflict. Its headquarters is in Geneva,
Switzerland.
They delegate visit and inspect prisoner of war camps. They arrange
for delivery of mail and food packages to the prisoners. They also
offer emergency relief by providing food and medical supplies. A
very valuable service is that of a central tracing agency which helps to
locate prisoners of war and missing persons long after a conflict is
over.

At times of armed conflict or natural disaster within country these

help to give comprehensive care to the affected.

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION

The world health organisation, commonly called the WHO is also a

specialised agency of the United Nations. It was organised in 1948 for
the purpose of helping to achieve the highest possible level of health
for all people

The WHO has been active in nursing education and practice in a

number of ways in India. It has offered guidance in setting up
programmes of Nursing Education. The WHO promotes public health
in many ways around the world. It is currently known for the
declaration of working towards “Health for all by 2000 AD”. This
declaration has given a tremendous push to developing primary health
care and recognizing the very essential role of nursing in health care
system

THE STUDENT NURSES ASSOCIATION (SNA)

The Student Nurses Association organised in 1920, is associated with

and under jurisdiction of the TNAI. In addition to providing a means
of personal and professional development for the nursing student. The
assistant secretary of the TNAI serves as advisor for the SNA.

PURPOSES AND FUNCTIONS:

1. Help student Nurses learn how the professional organisation serves

to uphold the dignity and ideals of the nursing profession. 2. Promote
a close rapport with other student Nurses. 3. Furnish student Nurses
advice in their courses of study leading up to professional
qualifications. 4. Encourages leadership ability and help students to
gain a wide knowledge of the nursing profession in all of its different
branches. 5. Encourage both professional and recreational meetings,
Games and Sports.

6. Encourage students nurses develop a co-operative spirit with other

student nurses which will help them in future professional
relationships.

ACTIVITIES:

1. Fund raising for the TNAI. 2. Fund raising done for fine arts and
sports competitions and conferences. 3. Special prizes given for
outstanding achievement in specific areas of nursing education. 4.
Unit activities include maintaining the diary of unit activities, giving
quarterly reports, preparing articles for publication and distributing
application forms for membership in the TNAI.

MEMBERSHIP:

Fees are minimal and easily met by the nursing student. Nursing
students who participate in the Student nurses association have a
valuable opportunity to begin to develop leadership skills, competitive
skills and an interest for the profession as a whole.

THE NURSES LEAGUE OF THE CLINICAL MEDICAL

ASSOCIATION

The Nurses league of the clinical medical association of India was

founded in 1930. It became affiliated to the TNAI in 1936 and
promotes membership in this organisation.

OBJECTIVES:

Promote cooperation and encouragement among Christian Nurses.

Promote efficiency in nursing education and service.

Secure the highest standards possible in Christian nursing education

through the Christian schools of nursing.
Considering the special work and problems of Christian nurses
wherever employed.

ACTIVITIES:

Activities include national and area conferences and retreats for its
members. Development of leadership abilities is encouraged by
participation in these meetings.

Each meeting also allows for sharing of problems common to the

Christian nurse.

Provides expert professional advice.

Provides scholarships for advanced study.

Provides financial assistance for professional meetings and seminars

MEMBERSHIP:

Membership fees are required and a life membership is available.

Nursing students may become associate members of the league.
Membership in the Nurses league may be a requirement for certain
nursing positions under control of Christian employing authorities.

THE CHRISTIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

The CMAI began in 1905 as a fellowship of Christian missionary

doctors to provide spiritual sharing and support. It gradually
developed into a larger organisation which included other Christian
health professionals and health institutions

FUNCTIONS

To provide professional training through formal and informal

education, publication of textbooks and other materials and
scholarships.

To encourage community health work through training, advisory

services and technical support.
To assist and support churches and health institutions with study and
training.

To disperse health related information which will help with health

education and lean towards a more healthy and just society.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to doctors, registered nurses and ANM/Health

workers, all health professionals. Students in health professional
courses may also become members

SUMMARY

Participation in professional organisations is of profit to you and to

profession. The profession provides a means through which united
efforts can be made to elevate standards of nursing education and
practice. It also offers a means of voicing your opinions, developing
your abilities and keeping informed of new trends. Registration is
necessary for active nursing practice either here or abroad. This is
done through your State Nurses Registration Council. It provides you
with legal protection and protects the patient from poor nursing care.

SELF ASSERTIVENESS

MEANING
Assertive behaviour means that a person stands up for himself or
herself in a way that does not violate the basic rights of another;
expresses true feelings in an honest, direct manner; does not let others
take advantage of him or her; shows respect for others rights, needs,
and feelings; and takes responsibility for the consequences of those
actions; is able to accept compliments and criticism; and acts in a way
that enhances self-respect.

DEFINITION:
According to Lazarus (1966)
Self assertiveness is expressing personal rights and
feelings
WHY ONE MUST BE ASSERTIVE?

In all spheres of our professional lives, we have to be assertive. It is a

competitive world today. One faces many challenges in one’s work
arena. Also one has to deal with all kinds of people. Some may be
helpful and cooperative and others may not be so helpful. It may not
be very easy to convince some people. At times your views may not
be acceptable to the other person. Only if one is assertive can one get
one’s way.

RULES TO BE KEPT

 you have the right to have your own values, beliefs,

opinions, and emotions.
 you have the right not to justify or explain your
actions to others.
 you have the right to tell others how you wish to be
treated.
 you have the right to express yourself and to say,
"No," "I don't know," "I don't understand," or even
"I don't care."
 You have the right to take the time you need to
formulate your ideas before expressing them.
 you have the right to make mistakes.
 you have the right to stand up for yourself and for
what you want.
 you have the right to be treated with respect.
ADVANTAGES
· Lets other people know what you feel, what you need
and what you are thinking.
· Helps you feel good about yourself.
· Allows you to treat others with respect.
· Reflects confidence.
· Indicates decisiveness.
· Leads to a more satisfying life.
DISADVANTAGES
· At times if not properly conveyed, then one considers it
to be rudeness.
· It can also reflect over-confidence.
· Can prove to be counter-productive.
· One may appear to be arrogant.
ASSERTIVENESS AND NURSING
Assertiveness is considered healthy behaviour. When present fights
against personal powerlessness and results in personal empowerment.
Assertive behaviour among nurses is an important component for
successful professional practice. Self assertion will eventually lead to
further personal and professional empowerment. It’s all about valuing
yourself and your profession. Becoming more assertive can lead to
increased respect and recognition as a person and as a nurse. It can get
you more of what you want. Becoming more assertive is a process.
It's not something that happens overnight. As nurses work in different
situations they have to be assertive in order to meet the challenges and
to win the cooperation from others.
CONCLUSION:

Be clear what one feels; Be clear what one needs, and How it can be
achieved.

Being able to communicate calmly without attacking the other person,

and saying Yes when the person wants to say Yes. It’s about being
confident about handling conflict. Being able to openly talk about
oneself. It’s about having ability to give and receive positive feedback
maintaining optimistic outlook in life.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

INTRODUCTION:

An individual is free to bargain for himself and safeguard his own

interest. The phrase collective bargaining consists of two words
‘collective’ which implies-group action through its representative and
‘bargaining’ which suggests negotiation. The phrase, therefore,
implies collective negotiations of a contract between management’s
representatives on one side and those of the workers on the other. This
collective bargaining is that arrangement whereby the wages and
conditions of the employment of workmen are settled through a
bargain between the employer and the workmen collectively, whether
represented through their union or by some of them on behalf of all of
them.

DEFINITION:

According to Marquis and Huston, 2006

Collective Bargaining may be defined as “activities occurring

between organized labor and management that concern employee
relations .Such activities include negotiation of formal legal
agreements and day to day interactions between unions and
management.

MEANING:
Collective bargaining is a procedure by which the terms and
conditions of employment of workers are regulated by agreements
between their bargaining agents and the employers.

PURPOSE:

· The main purpose of collective bargaining is the

settlement of industrial disputes or conflicts
relating to wages.
· It harmonizes labor relations.
· It promotes industrial enterprise peace by
creating equality of bargaining power between
the labor and the management.
· It improves working conditions.
· It prevents workers from getting into unfair
treatment.
HISTORICAL:

Nurses in the early 1900s were frustrated by their working conditions.

Receiving little support from the established nursing organizations, a
few thousand joined trade unions for assistance. In the 1940s nurses
in California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania were assisted in the workplaces
by the American nurse’s association. One well known independent
union is the committee for the recognition of Nursing Achievement at
Stanford University in Palo Alto, California formed in 1964; this
union has had a successful history of working closely with nursing
administration to advance nursing standards and nurse recognition. In
the United States, the fraction of all workers represented by a labour
organization is declining.

UNIONS

Meaning:

A union or labor organization is any organization in which employees

participate for the purpose of dealing with their employer about
grievances, labour disagreements,wages,hours of work, and
conditions of employment.

Objectives of unions

Ø Wages: employees and their union can be

expected to ask for wages which are comparable
to those in similar jobs in the local market.
Ø Promotions: unions will insist that length of
service be a factor in promotions.
Ø Layoffs: the union will insist that seniority play a
part in regulating layoffs; qualifications being
equal, the junior service employees will be paid
off first.
Ø Discipline: employees will be disciplined for just
cause; this is standard in all labor agreements.
Ø Grievances procedures: the union will insist that a
grievance procedure be established whereby
management decisions will be reviewable by
representatives of management and the union; if
there is still disagreements, the dispute will be
referred to arbitration.
Ø Fringe benefits: pensions, vacations and holidays,
social insurance, and general welfare programs
will be part of the negotiations, with an attempt to
make them comparable to the trend in our society.
Unions in India

Nurses unions or their collective bargaining power is the most vital

and indirect determinant of working conditions. Strong union and its
bargaining strength determine the conditions and facilities of work.
At present three unions of nurses are working at the central level.

1. All India Government Nurses Federation (AIGNF)

2. Trained Nurses’ Union (TNU) and

3. Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI)

Besides, there are two state level unions, namely,

1. Orissa Nursing Employee’s Association (ONEA),

2. Trained Nurses Association of India, Orissa branch.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COLLECTIVE

BARGAINING

Sl.n Advantages Disadvantages

o
1. Equalization of power Adversary relationship may
between administrators develop between
and staff associates can administration and staff
be obtained. associates.
2. Grievance reporting Strikes may not be prevented.
procedures become
possible
3. Staffing for systematic Unions can interfere with the
and equitable management of the
distribution of work can organization.
be established.
4. Professionalism can be Unionization is considered
promoted. unprofessional by many
nurses.
5. Nurses gain control of Leadership for unions may be
practice. difficult to obtain because
many professional nurses have
little experience in positions
of authority.
CONCLUSION

The nursing staff and managers are the ones responsible for the

problem. The lack of leadership skills is one major factor. In order to

solve this problem, focus should be given to the nursing leaders and

managers. Leadership training programs should be offered and

nursing managers and leaders should be required to attend. These

managers and leaders in turn should perform their responsibilities of

teaching and guiding the rest of the staff in promoting a healthy work

environment.

Nursing profession is the largest force in health care system

holding the central role as health care providers. People’s health

depends on competent and highly educated nurses. Nursing profession

needs dynamic, visionary, educated and committed leaders who can

protect nurse’s. Effective nursing leaders also ensure the quality

nursing education for safe nursing practice. In addition they advocate

for the public and the professional’s rights. Effective nursing

leadership supports the collaborative, innovative and evidence based

work environment that helps nurses to feel respected and valued in

their positions.
7. Topic Professional Organisations and
Regulatory Bodies at
www.contemporarynurse.com
8. Topic The Current State of Nursing
Empowerment Related to Nursing Care
www.medscape.com