In this study, the definition of professionalism, theories of nursing, how it is perceived by the students, nurses and studies about professionalism are examined. Professionalism is used as a synonym for concepts such as job or occupation. In dictionary professionalism is explained as status of being a professionals; profession concept is explained as get skilled or mastered in a specific subject. Level of professionalism is assessed according to some criterias. Professionalism of individualism is related to reflection of these criterios on individuals' behavior. In nursing theories professionalism is defined as to aid people and to engage nursing beyond the economic income. There are studies about the concept such as professional identity, qualification, examination of the values and scale of professionalism. Students at the begining of education perceive the professionalism superficially and accordance with the image of society. Among the nurses, outonomy, membership in professional organizations and scientific research writing criterias are inadequate. Nurses are affected by dissatisfaction, frustration and workload; students are affected by social image, educational life and professionalism perception of employees. In conclusion, professionalism is an abstract concept. But it can be understand with concrete actions. Innovative educational methods and standard action plan is necessary for understanding of professionalism by the students.