Contributions of the institutions for the nursing professionalization: integrative review (2010-2020) in the light of freidsonian conceptions

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the contributions of the Brazilian Nursing Association and the Federal and Regional Nursing Councils in the literature for the professionalization of nursing in the light of Eliot Freidson’s theoretical conceptions. Methods: Integrative review of the literature, of socio-professional historical interest, carried out from June to November 2021, through the question: How did professional associations contribute to the professionalization of Brazilian nursing according to the literature from 2010 to 2020? The evidence were organized in a synoptic table, which allowed the construction of a conceptual map. Results: In the 23 selected studies, the professional associations presented scientific, social and political contributions, which shape the professional field of nursing, enabling knowledge/expertise, autonomy and self-regulation. Final considerations: The efforts of these institutions reaffirm nursing as an academic and consulting profession, capable of exerting control over the essence of nursing work. They strive to consolidate nursing as a legitimate professional field of health in Brazil.

Nurse autonomy expressed in Portuguese and Brazilian professional legislation: a documentary study (1986–2022)

“…Although Portuguese secular history is remarkable, with regard to the organization and credentialism of the Nursing profession, it happens a little later than in Brazil, 1996 and 1986 sequentially. Professional standards in both countries have a similar structure, complying with the rules on rights and duties and deontological ethics ( 8 , 10 ) . From this perspective, the discussion is presented in the three dimensions achieved in the analysis to address the convergences in legislation and the aspects of understanding the nurses’ autonomy in realities, showing nursing as a consultation practice and not just a task performer.…”

“…In Portugal, the Ministry of Education, by Decree Law 1999, implements the training regulations for Higher Nursing Schools and brings legislation to ensure the essential elements for their development: autonomy and independence among health professions, non-functional dependence on nurses to other professions and respect for technical autonomy and their own skills ( 1 , 8 , 19 ) . These standards guarantee professional relations, organization and health work in both countries.…”

“…Professional autonomy is intertwined with variables that identify authority within the scope of health work. It is defined by professional-patient, professional-institution, professional-professional relationships in the health area, thus evidencing two levels of authority according to Freidson, an authority based on expertise/theory and a socioeconomic authority ( 6 , 8 ) . The authority of expertise establishes control over what is specific to the profession, the essentials, its work, technique, and specific thoughts.…”