Professionalism in nursing involves more than just attire and politeness; it represents a commitment to quality patient care, respect, advocacy, and ongoing self-improvement. Key characteristics of nursing professionalism include responsibility, accountability, effective communication, and ethical conduct, paired with three main dimensions: cognitive, attitudinal, and psychomotor skills. To exemplify professionalism, nurses should prioritize patient needs, collaborate effectively, respect individual differences, and uphold integrity and high standards of care.
Definition
Professionalism in nursingmeans much more than
simply wearing a uniform and speaking politely.
It encompasses a set of values that are critical to
elevating the quality of patient care while
improving the methods, standards, and
judgments that guide nursing practices every
day.
3.
Characteristics of a“profession”
The fundamental characteristics of a profession:
• Great responsibility
• Accountability.
• Based on specialized, theoretical knowledge.
• Institutional preparation
• Autonomy.
• Clients rather than customers.
• Direct working relationships.
• Ethical Constraints
4.
Characteristics of a“profession”
The fundamental characteristics of a nurse:
• Great responsibility
• Accountability.
• Based on specialized theoretical and evidence-based knowledge.
• Institutional preparation.
• Autonomy u Clients and or patients not customers.
• Direct working relationships u Ethical Constraints
5.
What Is Professionalismin
Nursing?
In nursing, professionalism reflects the act of providing quality patient care
while honoring the values of respect, advocacy, and responsibility.
Professionalism also extends to a nurse’s ability to communicate clearly and
self-reflect on behaviors and actions, always striving for both professional and
personal development.
6.
the diverse componentsof nursing professionalism
into three equally important categories:
Cognitive
•The cognitive type of professionalism focuses on the ability to continually learn about professional conduct and apply this growing base of
knowledge in work settings.
•Ultimately, nurses who practice this skill should develop the key tools they need to prioritize and make decisions effectively.
Attitudinal
•The attitudinal dimension of nursing professionalism involves the attitudes and ideas that guide nurses as they perform their job duties
and advance through their careers.
•Ideally, the attitudes of nurses should align with practical standards and the broader goals of their organizations.
•A nurse’s willingness to be flexible and make compromises for the greater good has a major bearing on the ability to navigate professional
challenges that lie ahead.
Psychomotor
•The psychomotor aspect of professionalism in nursing promotes the idea that as professionals gain experience, they can do more than
build their clinical skills.
•They can sharpen their management skills and better understand the inherent obligations and commitments involved in the practice of
nursing.
•Over the span of their careers, nurses can implement proven methods to bolster their self-discipline and self-learning skills.
7.
Real-World Applications ofNursing
Professionalism
There are many ways in which nurses can exhibit professionalism to benefit their
patients, organizations, coworkers, and careers.
According to the code of professional standards as outlined by MOH, nurse
professionals in health care settings can do their best to customize care to
patients’ needs, proactively collaborate with medical staff, and act with honesty
and integrity, especially when under pressure. Other guidelines speak to
additional core components of nursing professionalism, including the following
8.
Real-World
Applications of
Nursing
Professionalism
• Communicationis key. Listen to others and
provide information and advice clearly so
every patient can understand. Make well-
informed decisions that are best for the
patient. Do not accept gifts for
preferential treatment.
Care Comes First
• Treat patients and colleagues as
individuals with their own unique values,
beliefs, and needs.
Individual Treatment
9.
Real-World
Applications of
Nursing
Professionalism
• Protectpatient privacy. Never give
client information to an unauthorized
person, and preserve anonymity when
citing patient cases in coursework,
research, or other public documents.
Respect Dignity
• Cooperate with team members and
respect their contributions. Always
treat everyone with respect.
Work Together
10.
Real-World Applications ofNursing
Professionalism
• Be punctual. Acknowledge when a situation is beyond your professional scope. Don’t be
afraid to ask for help.
High Standards of Care
• Do not plagiarize coursework or professional assessments. Compile an accurate CV to
reflect your education and work experience. Always aspire to the highest levels of
personal and professional conduct.
Honesty and Integrity
• Be aware that all actions—even outside of work—may have consequences
Uphold Reputation
11.
5Skills
Attributed to
Professionalism
• Thisinvolves a professional’s ability to de-escalate a problem.
It requires the nurse to consider the needs of everyone
involved in the conflict, while communicating possible
solutions with respect.
Conflict resolution
• This skill enables nurses to make value-based judgments that
align with professional standards and moral codes,
prioritizing the needs of patients and colleagues ahead of
their own.
Ethical thinking
• This demonstrates the capacity to combine new information
with education, experience, and professional guidelines to
re-evaluate a situation and make changes that lead to more
effective solutions.
Adaptability
12.
5 Skills
Attributed to
Professionalism
•A sought-after attribute, leadership is founded
on excellent communication skills, attention to
detail, respect, and resourcefulness.
Professionals commonly build leadership skills
as they move on to more senior roles in which
they can guide others to provide higher levels
of care.
Leadership
• This is key to professionalism. Working with
others and being able to communicate and
cooperate is crucial to developing an efficient
work environment that places patient needs at
the forefront.
Collaboration
13.
Facilitators of professionalismin nursing.
Acquiring knowledge
and skill.
Organizations and
certifications “expert
nurse.”
Lifelong learning
acquired from
evidence-based
practice.
Enhancing the image
of nursing, by
enabling structures
and processes.
Implementing
educational
standards.
Increased student
awareness
Political, public, and
media support in
change of nursing
image
14.
barriers of professionalismin nursing.
Inequalities in
education.
Gender
politics.
Cost.
Historical
perception
“support-role”
Lack of
involvement or
professional
outlook “just a
paycheck”
Time for
degree and
work overload.
15.
Facilitating knowledge andskill promotion for
growth
Continuing
education
credits
Conferences
and peer
review
Employment
based classes
and skill review
Simulation lab
training
Mock
scenarios
Mock codes
Core
Competencies
16.
7 ways tobe an example of nurse
professionalism
a positive — and realistic — attitude to every shift.
Bring
time to listen to patients
Take
your appearance.
Care about
patients and coworkers.
Help
accountable for your actions.
Be
your nursing knowledge up-to-date.
Keep
strong ethical practices when making nursing decisions
Follow