Nay's Note by Naomi James, MSN RN CPAN CNEcl
May 2021
What is professionalism?
Professionalism is the practice of proficient expertise in exemplifying your role performance.
"Nurses exemplify professionalism by demonstrating our competency in bedside practice, clinical decision making, and sound patient-centered care."
It's no secret that nurses are known for their honesty, caring demeanor, and ethical standards in healthcare practice. These are some of the leading reasons why Nurses are the most highly respected medical professionals on the planet. Nurses exude a certain level of behaviors, attitudes, and expectations that create a platform of professionalism in healthcare.
Yet, professionalism has constantly been challenged over the years through introducing social media, internet, and "celebrity" nurses. And I think this is a perfect time to pivot into re-defining the core essentials of what a professional nurse looks like and how a Nurse should be represented to the world.
Because professionalism is an essential skill in Nursing, I wanted to discuss how nurses can put this into daily practice.
There are 5 core values of professionalism that every nurse exudes in their professional character.
#1. ACCOUNTABILITY
#2. ADVOCACY
#3. CARING
#4. INTEGRITY
#5. WORK ETHIC
Accountability is the act of being responsible for your role. This includes the charge of the professional accountability to remain competent in your area of expertise, to maintain current education and practice standards, and to consistently examine areas of your skill that needs improvement.
Advocacy is the act of expressing the needs of the client to other members of your inter-professional team to help the client take the lead in their patient-centered care.
Caring is the act of expressing compassion and empathy for the client. Being sick is difficult for any individual of any age and our patients need a nurse who is patient, understanding, and can be fully present in the moments of healing.
Integrity is the practice of adhering to ethical and moral practices. We exemplify integrity when we are honest with our patients and even admit mistakes that we may have made during care interactions.
Work Ethic is the art of being punctual and reliable. It is showing up-all the way-everyday to be fully present in your role. Being on-time, not missing shifts, and following policy, protocols, and procedures correctly are also ways to demonstrate sound work ethic.
Your professional demeanor and "nursing" character will speak louder than your words at times. Professional presentation helps the patient get a better sense of the type of caregiver you are, the healthcare organization you represent, and how you value your profession.
***The truth is that you should take pride in what you do.***
In our honest reflection of professionalism in Nursing we should seek to answer the question, What do we value about being a Nurse? Professionalism has to be more integral than what you do as a nurse and more about the type of nurse you are (the type of person you are). There has to be some form of internal, personal connection with this kind of work that Nursing is. Your patients can see it-they can even feel it. Your professionalism radiates an energy when you enter your clients room (whether negative or positive).
So, ask yourself, What kind of Nurse is your patient going to receive when you enter their room? What can they expect from you? Are they going to get your caring attitude? Your integrity? The core values of your professionalism will be exemplified in your patient care interactions whether you want them to or not. We cannot hide ourselves from direct beside care. Therefore, I encourage every Nurse to pause and reflect on the core values of professional nursing and refocus their attention on incorporating them into their daily care practices.
Professionalism is an essential skill for a successful career in Nursing...and I want to help you learn the importance of instilling professionalism in your Nursing journey. If you want personal, customized mentoring and professional guidance to define your professionalism skills-then BOOK your FREE Mentoring consultation with ME today!
My services provide the tools and resources that you need to help you excel in your professional nursing career. Whether your a nursing student, a new graduate nurse, or a seasoned professional- I can be a viable asset in helping you achieve all of your professional dreams.
Click the link to see all of the services that I provide! CLICK HERE!!!!
HAPPY SOARing!
Naomi James, MSN RN CPAN CNEcl
Nurse Educator/Mentor
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