Nursing Unionization and Professional Status

The issue of unionization has several disadvantages and advantages. Such unions “are aimed at representing the socio-economic issues affecting specific classes of people.” These unions can present several benefits to nurses. For example, a union can improve the bargaining power of nurses. This approach will result in new benefits and improved working conditions. Unions can ensure different institutions promote the best nursing programs. Such unions can ensure more nurses are not overworked. Every nurse will be represented by the union staff.

The nurses will have the best protection whenever there is a disciplinary action. On the other hand, such unions can present several limitations. For example, nurses can be unable to advance their careers due to competition. Nurses with low seniority in the union tend to be greatly disadvantaged. Members of the union should pay a fee in order to get the targeted benefits. A troublesome nurse will continue to offer poor services because the employer cannot fire him or her easily. The presence of union-employer conflicts can affect the nature of nursing care.

The public expects the best health support and care from different nurses. Every society “respects the nursing field because it seeks to improve the wellbeing of many citizens.” That being the case, unionization can significantly affect the public’s perception of the professionalism associated with nursing. The concept of unionization encourages many nurses to engage in strikes. Money has “also become a taboo in this profession.” Nurses should be passionate because they have been called to serve their people. They should always offer quality care to their patients. This argument explains why nurses should not embrace the idea of unionization.