Final answer:
Nurses control their profession mainly by joining professional organizations, being active in state nursing boards, and through publishing. Discussions among peers or in solitude don't contribute to controlling the profession to the same extent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nurses can control their profession through several avenues. One significant method is joining a professional organization. Organizations play a crucial role in uniting professionals, advocating for their rights and interests, contributing to policy development, and shaping the future of the profession. Additionally, being active in the state boards of nursing allows nurses to be directly involved in the governance and regulatory functions that define their professional practice standards. Lastly, publishing documents can affect control over the profession by contributing to the body of knowledge and influencing best practices and standards.
Discussing issues on lunch breaks and keeping issues to oneself, while potentially therapeutic or protective strategies, do not broadly contribute to control over the profession.
Moreover, actions such as workplace advocacy through professional organizations or unions can influence the labor market and work environments, including for nursing and other healthcare professionals. These groups often engage in activities such as providing members with information, lobbying, and encouraging voting in alignment with the profession's interests.