NURSING PROFESSIONALISM
►Definition:
The conduct, aims or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or professional person
PROFESSIONAL
►Definition:
Characterized by, or conforming to, the technical or ethical standards of a profession
PROFESSION
►Definition:
A calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and extensive academic preparation
or
The whole body of persons engaged in a calling or vocation
QUESTION
►What makes nursing a profession?
►What is a nursing professional?
►What is nursing professionalism?
Criteria for nursing profession:
►There is an educational background required to ensure safe and effective practice.
►All professional nursing providers must complete Board certified educational programs or meet minimum criteria to be eligible for licensure
►Members of the profession adhere to a code of ethics.
o Nursing professions develop and hold members accountable to general ethical standards (eg. ANA code of ethics)
►Members participate in professional organizations.
o Members participate in organizations which aim to support and advance the profession (eg. ANA, CNA, CSNA, PTPO)
►Members are accountable for continuing education and competency.
All licensed nursing providers keep their knowledge base current by formal and informal on-going educational, and can demonstrate competency when required
►Professionals publish and communicate their knowledge and advances in their profession.
Professionals further the education of peers by sharing their knowledge through published works, communication and/or training
►Members of the profession are autonomous and self- regulating.
Nursing professionals make independent decisions within their scope of practice and are responsible for the results and consequences of those decisions
►Professionals are involved in community service.
Nursing professionals formally and informally share health care information in their communities
►A profession develops, evaluates and uses theory as a basis for practice.
Nursing has been based on theory since the days of Nightingale.
There are numerous models for nursing practice.
►Members of the profession are involved in research.
Nursing as a profession and individual nursing providers are integrally involved in research and expanding the knowledge base
RESPONSIBILITY and CONDUCT
1. Each profession participates in determining individual members and group responsibilities and conduct
2. Each profession participates in the regulation of its members adherence to its own professional standards