Professionalization

This chapter first looks into the concept and idea of professions as particular disciplinary groups on the labour market who are believed to possess skills, competences and knowledge that are recognised as being distinctive and of particular value to their clients, customers and patients as well as to society. Second, the professionalization of medicine and nursing is examined with a particular focus on the relation and boundary between the two. It is suggested that evidence-based knowledge, which has secured the continued professionalization of medicine could be decisive for the professionalization of nursing. Finally, the meaning and importance of the inroads of new technology in professional practice is discussed. It is suggested that new electronic devices and robots will require new skills of the professions and may give rise to new expert groups in the health professional landscape.