The definition of a profession is “a vocation requiring specialized knowledge and often lengthy and intensive academic preparation” (Webster Dictionary, 2008). By definition, I would consider nursing a profession, without a doubt. Nurses have spent too much time and effort in academia not to use the word profession. Nurses receive teaching and academic preparation by leaders in the field of nursing who possess the specialized knowledge that will specifically train nurses to meet the challenges of the profession. Nursing theorists, who are experts in nursing, have contributed considerable work to promote nursing as a profession. According to Alligood and Tomey, “Nursing theory has been a prevalent theme in nursing literature for 35 years and has stimulated phenomenal growth in the nursing profession” (Alligood & Tomey, 2006, p. 3). I view nursing as something special, something different from just a job. I think most nurses feel like they have been “called” to the profession in some way. The future of nursing is in the hands of nurses themselves. By encouraging continuing education and training, the nursing profession will continue to evolve and grow in strength. By learning to speak out and raise awareness about the plight of nursing today, nurses can either help the public understand why the health care system needs to change and how changes can be made, or contribute to a negative image among nurses. public eye if carried out negligently. . I believe nurses hold the power to change the healthcare system in our country, but first we need to organize and work together. The American public has always viewed nursing as an admired, respected and trusted profession. According to Gal...... middle of paper ......B. & Gordon, S. (2000). From silence to voice. Ottawa, Ontario, Canadian Nurses Association.Gallup.com. (2007). Honesty and Ethics Survey-2007. Retrieved April 21, 2008 from http://gallup.com.Robison, J. (2006). Labor conflict: nurses authorize strike. Las Vegas Review Journal, November 23, 2006. Retrieved April 21, 2008, from http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Nov-23-Thu-2006/business/11008259.htmlWebster's Dictionary. (2008). Definition of the profession. Retrieved April 21, 2008 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionWells, A. (2007). Mentally ill people still lack care. Las Vegas Review Journal. August 28, 2007. Retrieved April 21, 2008 from http://mentalhopenews.blogspot.com/2007/08/mentally-ill-still-lack-care-las-vegas.html.