Letter to the editor: Caregivers are professionals
The term professional (from Wikipedia) “describes the standards of education and training that prepare members of that profession with particular knowledge and skills necessary to perform their specific role within that profession.” You are considered a professional when you are paid for specialized skills, have knowledge in your profession and have a commitment to high standards.
Professional behavior and ethics play a major role in maintaining professionalism. Health care workers, teachers and all professionals practice with a code of ethics and moral values; they maintain their composure in adversity, respect others, maintain their word and communicate clearly.
The Department of Education said it would no longer classify these credentials as professional degrees: education (including master’s degrees), nursing (MSN, DPN), physician assistant, occupational therapy, physical therapy, audiology, speech-language pathology, social work (MSW, DSW), and counseling and therapy degrees.
These are America’s caregivers. Health care workers who provide 24-hour care seven days a week. Teachers who teach five days a week but work evenings and weekends to prepare and provide education for our children. Social workers and counselors who care for our citizens with mental health issues.
These are professions women primarily pursue as careers. Women are 77% of teachers; 88% of nurses; 67%-69% of physician 86%-89% of occupational therapists; and 70% of counselors.
I believe this is a major step back for women. I lived the 1960s and understand how women fought for their rights. We cannot go back nor be tossed aside. We are the caregivers of this nation; let’s move forward with pride and become the force that stops this train. We are professionals!
Anita L. Leonard
Greensburg
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