Professionalism By Karen Malt MSN RN Defined In
Professionalism By; Karen Malt, MSN, RN
Defined • In order to understand the concept of professionalism in nursing, we first need to define the word profession. Webster describes profession as a “chosen, paid occupation requiring prolonged training and formal qualification. ”
Professionalism • Professionals, therefore can be defined as individuals expected to display competent and skillful behaviors in alignment with their profession. Being professional then is the act of behaving in a manner defined and expected by the chosen profession.
Professionalism • This framework for professionalism in nursing began with our early roots with Florence Nightingale who set the bar rather high in regards to giving herself to others and her expectation of excellence in nursing practice.
Professionalism • We, as nurses, are no different. We bear the tremendous responsibility of upholding the values of our profession. Our core nursing values define the driving force that dictates our beliefs and our behaviors.
Professionalism • When nurses are asked to identify their core values, they are surprisingly consistent throughout the profession globally. They include honesty, responsibility, pursuit of new knowledge, belief in human dignity, equality of all patients and the desire to prevent and alleviate suffering.
Professionalism • So how does this transfer to the expectations of your practice wherever you interface with patients?
Attitude • The way you view your world and portray that view to others is everything. Personal issues need to be left at home. People with negative attitudes try to “pull others in. ”
Appearance • There is no way around the fact that people judge you by your personal appearance. Clean scrubs, neat hair, clean shoes and a well groomed look makes the statement that you care about yourself as a person and therefore have the capacity to care about others.
Behavior • 21. 148. Standards of nursing conduct. – As nurses we are expected to perform our jobs and behave in a manner set forth by the Pa. State Board of Nursing. Any deviation from this standard, may result in temporary or permanent removal of your license.
Classroom Behavior • All students are expected to behave in a professional manner in the classroom/clinical area at all times. The student handbook explains, in detail, what is expected of you. You can find this material under “student conduct. ” Any behavior, which is deemed unacceptable by the Coordinator/Instructor(s) can be grounds for removal from the program.
References • http: //www. nursetogether. com/professionali sm-in-nursing-what-does-it-re
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