The Professional Nurse: Four Decades of Immense Change

Abstract

As one of the world's oldest occupations, nursing has seen, inspired, and innovated a host of changes. The evolution has been especially evident for the last 39 years. Since the 1980s, a growing focus on autonomy, research, and evidence-based practice has transformed nursing from a job to a profession. Concepts such as shared governance, interprofessional collaboration, and frontline engagement have transformed nurses from doctors' assistants to empowered and independent clinicians directly impacting patient outcomes and the healthcare environment. As the 30th anniversary of the American Nurses Credentialing Center comes to an end and the original Magnet® research celebrates a 39th birthday, we take a closer look at how the Magnet framework reflects these changes and how Magnet-designated organizations continue to advance nursing practice with innovation, knowledge, and leadership.