Final answer:
Nursing is considered a profession because it has several characteristics that distinguish it as such. These include providing a specific service, requiring extended education, having a code of ethics, having a theoretical body of knowledge, and granting nurses autonomy in decision making and practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics that identify nursing as a profession include:
- Nursing provides a specific service: Nurses provide healthcare services to patients, which is a specific service that requires specialized skills.
- Nursing requires an extended education: Nursing requires a formal education and training, usually through a nursing program or a nursing school.
- Nursing has a code of ethics for practice: Nurses are guided by a code of ethics that sets standards for their professional conduct and practice.
- Nursing has a theoretical body of knowledge: Nursing is based on a theoretical framework that includes concepts and principles to guide nursing practice.
- Nurses have autonomy in decision making and practice: Nurses have the ability to make independent decisions and have control over their practice, within the scope of their expertise.