Meaning Of Professionalism In Nursing

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What images come to mind when you hear the word “professional”? Many people think of business suits and offices at the top of tall buildings overlooking a city, but is this the true meaning of professionalism? What does professionalism look like in the health care system, and more specifically, what does professionalism look like in the role of the nurse? Cherry and Jacob’s “Contemporary Nursing” (2017) lists the professional nursing roles as: “care provider, educator and counselor, client advocate, change agent, leader and manager, researcher, and coordinator of the interprofessional healthcare team" (p. 406). We will discuss professionalism as it relates to nursing education as well as the field of nursing. The article, “A Comparison of Professional …show more content…

The role of the nurse is diverse and complex, and is not only concerned with the patient’s body, but also their mind and soul. Nurses are not simply trained to perform tasks, but are trained to be professionals who utilize evidence-based practice with a compassionate and empathetic approach to care. These tasks carry a heavy weight and responsibility, and require that we treat all patients with honor, dignity, and respect. While I had a small idea of these things before beginning school, their gravity has become more of a reality in recent weeks. I hope to be a nurse who utilizes evidence-based practice combined with excellent patient-centered care to touch my patient’s lives and care for them in meaningful …show more content…

These next two years are all about preparation. My education as a nursing student is not simply about knowledge and skill, but also about growth within my attitude and professionalism. If I have all the nursing knowledge and skill in the world, but have a poor attitude and reflect poor professional values, then I truly cannot be a great nurse. That is why these professionalism concepts are such a vital aspect of my education as a nursing student, because without them, I cannot be a great nurse. A great nurse is one who has high knowledge and skill levels, but also utilizes professionalism in his or her interactions with patients, patient’s families, and other healthcare providers. A great nurse is someone who treats all patients with honor, dignity, and respect; exhibiting the professional values in all that they do. As I reflect on my own path and progress within my own professionalism, I notice that my professional communication skills need sharpening. Throughout my nursing education, I wish to further develop communication skills that will be reflected in my relationships with those around me. As one can imagine, the values of professionalism within nursing are crucial. Nurses are not trained to perform tasks, but are educated to be professionals who use evidence-based practice alongside an intuitive and compassionate approach to care. The nurse's professional role as a care provider,

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