The acquisition of professional status has allowed certain individuals and groups to attain power, prestige, and economic influence.. The content for this course includes attributes of a profession. Students are asked the question “Is nursing a profession?” Students sign up into self-selected groups. Each group is responsible for exploring one attribute of a profession and determines how nursing meets the attribute for being a profession. Scholars have analyzed the concept of professionalism and the following attributes were identified decades ago, and are still in use today. Specialized body of knowledge. Does nursing have its own specific body of knowledge and do nurses make significant contributions to health care. A sense of community. Based on these attributes of professionalism, professionals have been distinguished from other workers. Professionalism in nursing has been intensified along with role expansion of the nursing profession in the rapidly changing healthcare environment. Nursing professionalism reflects the manner in which nurses view their work and is a guide to nurses’ behaviors in practice to assure patient safety and quality care. During the discussion to answer the question “Is nursing a profession?” The students identified several barriers that keep nursing from achieving professional status. Scores for a sense of community was rated low. The students expressed most nurses felt positive about being a nurse, however less than 3% of the registered nurses in North Dakota belong to NDNA/ANA.