ABSTRACT
The identity of nursing as a profession is comparatively young and during the last 100 years of its development in particular, has experienced challenges not usually associated with those profession that are more established. Nonetheless the nature of professions more widely is now facing challenges in a rapidly changing world; nursing as a profession is increasingly recognised as fundamental in supporting future health and well-being across the globe. The World Health Organisation recognises 2020 as the Year of the Nurse, and it is timely therefore to reflect on the status and professional identity of the nurse today. This chapter will consider the defining nature of nursing as a profession and examine historical issues faced by nurses across the world in relation to the perceptions and images of nurses as professionals. Using best evidence, the chapter explores contemporary global nursing and the complexity of professional identity across some very different sociological contexts. It will consider the importance of nurses as leaders and explore the contemporary trend of ensuring preparing young leadership identities for nursing through education and exemplary practice as one means for providing for a strong future profession. The chapter will propose future directions in relation to assuring a well-led profession that can optimise professional practice for the future benefit and well-being of health communities.
