Deprofessionalization includes the rationalization of knowledge, the
rationalization of task which employ knowledge, and the growth of various
tools to assist in applying knowledge. The theory behind this concept is that the
more task which are compartmentalized the more knowledge-based tools can
be applied. An example of this theory applied to health care is the registered
nurse (RN) position. The RN is always going to be needed in healthcare and
even more so during the current shortage. “They assess and identify patient’s
needs and then implement and monitor the patient’s medical plan and
treatment.” Over the years deprofessionalization has occurred within the
nursing umbrella. This has resulted in additional roles being established which
include nursing advance practice registered nurse, licenses practical nurse,
registered medical assistant, certified medical assistant, medical assistant,
certified nursing assistant, and nursing assistant (Writers, 2021). All these roles
have different task which are also part of the RNs role profile. In healthcare
deprofessionalization is used to help support a role by establishing specialized
careers/responsibilities.
The other side of the spectrum shows concerns that deprofessionalization can
lead to corporate micro-management of physician work and establishing more
control over what physicians do and how they do it. “This includes decreasing
distance, in knowledge or education, between doctors and patients.” The
bureaucratic impact on the industry has led to growing pressures of
reorganization within the health care division of labor to improve efficiency.
This has the potential to weaken the medical monopoly structure (Kritzer,
2001). As healthcare organization continue to restructure due to resizing,
budgeting, change in patient demographic will lead to more
deprofessionalization as organizations look to add jobs with specific job
requirement such as education, certifications, and job experience. The era of
organizations only having ‘traditional’ healthcare roles is over as organizations
look to add more and more specialized positions to the payroll.
References
Kritzer, H. M. (2001).Deprofessionalization. Deprofessionalization - an overview |
ScienceDirect Topics. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/deprofessionalization
What is a registered nurse's responsibilities?Regis College. (n.d.). Retrieved March 1,
2022, fromhttps://www.regiscollege.edu/blog/nursing/registered-nurse-
responsibilities
Writers, R. N. S. (2021, August 8).Types of Nursing Careers & Specialties. Types of
Nursing Careers & Specialties || RegisteredNursing.org. Retrieved March 1, 2022,
from https://www.registerednursing.org/nursing-careers/
