Final answer:
Nursing as a profession is exemplified by autonomy, which is the ability of nurses to make independent decisions based on their expertise.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic that exemplifies nursing as a profession is autonomy. Autonomy in nursing refers to the nurse's ability to make independent decisions in their practice, often based on their expert knowledge and experience. Nursing as a profession is regulated by licensure that ensures nurse competencies, but autonomy is a defining characteristic. The labor market for nursing and other healthcare professionals includes factors such as the demand for nursing services, employment opportunities, and the professional development of nurses. Interdisciplinary expertise is important in healthcare, however, autonomy is more indicative of the professional status of nursing.