A conference on “Nursing Profession: From a Gender Perspective” was held by the European University of Lefke (EUL) Health School Nursing Department. Conference was held with the presentation of Turkish Nurses Association Board Member, Assoc. Prof. Dr..Gülten Koç Işık.

The following statements about the conference were given; Nursing is a professional and autonomous health profession that carries out the care of healthy or sick individuals of all ages in every environment, in the individual, family and society. Nursing includes the protection and promotion of health, the prevention of diseases and the care of sick individuals. In addition to these, basic nursing roles are advocacy, providing/supporting a safe environment, participation in health services management, shaping health policies, education and research. The title of “Nurse” is given to individuals who meet the legal, educational and administrative requirements to be a nurse.

Nursing has four basic functions

The mission of nursing is to support individuals, families and society in all settings to identify and realize their physical, mental and social potential. In this context, nursing has four basic functions.

1. To provide and manage nurturing, preventive, curative and/or supportive nursing care to the individual, family and community.

2. To train healthy/sick individuals and health personnel.

3. To act as an active member of the healthcare team.

4. To develop nursing practice through critical thinking and research.

Approximately 90% of the nursing workforce worldwide is women

Nurses are often the first healthcare provider a patient sees, which puts them in a good position to respond to health concerns at all levels. However, the nursing profession has been practiced only by women for many years. After the 1970s, the transition of men to nursing has increased worldwide. According to the World Nursing Report – 2020, approximately 90% of the nursing workforce worldwide is female, but very few of the leadership positions in healthcare are held by nurses or women.