Professionalism And Professional Values From The Essentials Of Nursing

Essentials of Nursing Nursing is a complex degree, so many different subsets and divisions that it is hard for the common person to fathom. Returning to my education and rediscovering all these theories and ideas is very overwhelming. In my work I am already beginning to see myself change for the better. Work is always very stressful even more so now, and I see myself becoming a leader when in the past I would not have been. While reading the assignment this week and focusing on the Essentials document and the other readings I find myself inspired and saddened. Inspired to becoming a better nurse, co-worker, advocate, and friend in the working environment. Saddened because the last nine years I believed that I was providing excellent patient

Essentials VIII which is professionalism and professional values is one of the most comprehensive essentials. “Professionalism is defined as the consistent demonstration of core values evidenced by nurses working with other professionals to achieve optimal health and wellness outcomes in patients, families, and communities by wisely applying principles of altruism, excellence, caring, ethics, respect, communication, and accountability.” (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008, p. 26) I believe that this essential adequately sums up the roles of nursing that is performed in hospitals. Nurses work with other professionals on almost an hourly basis whether it be a nurse assistant, physical therapy, speech therapy, pharmacy, or the physician. Nurses interact with all these professions while being an advocate for their patient. This essential has terms such as altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice that really hit home for me. Nursing is all of these things, taking care of the weak and vulnerable, while advocating for them every minute. Making no judgment based on sex, age, sexual orientation, or

Essential IV information management and application of patient care technology is an essential that I consider most important to my practice. My nursing skill and technology is challenged every day while working. The new technology, change in procedures, and new equipment are essential to working in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab. One must adapt and change daily in order to keep up and stay educated. New physicians join and we must learn their technique styles and equipment needs while still maintaining exceptional patient care.
Essential II basic organizational and system leadership for quality care and patient safety is also an essential that all nurses deal with on a daily basis. “Leadership skills are needed that emphasize ethical and critical decision-making, initiating and maintaining effective working relationships, using mutually respectful communication and collaboration within inter-professional teams, care coordination, delegation, and developing conflict resolution strategies.”(American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008, p. 13) This essential begins on the first day of orientation and ends on the day a nurse retires. One cannot stress the importance of ethical decisions, critical decisions, and respectful communication enough. Whether speaking with an aggrieved family member or fellow staff member one should always look to quality