Empowerment of Nursing as a Socially Significant Profession in Vietnam

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe nursing education and practice in Vietnam, and strategies that support empowerment of nursing as a socially significant profession for that country. DESIGN: The Jones-Meleis health empowerment model was used as a framework to examine barriers and identify strategies that support empowerment. METHODS: Fieldwork, interviews, and participation-observation in collaborative partnerships with the Ministry of Health, the national nurses association, and schools of nursing in Vietnam. FINDINGS: Nurses in Vietnam are eagerly poised to make significant and essential contributions to the well-being of society. CONCLUSIONS: Baccalaureate and master's degree nursing curricula taught by nurses are necessary for professionalization of nursing practice in Vietnam.