Nursing Professionalism Essay

Nursing is an occupation in which professionalism (or lack thereof) can have a significant effect on not only patients and their health, but the nurse’s relationships with colleagues, patients’ families and even their community. A nurse must exemplify professionalism, especially in an environment that creates increased risk for loss of life or further injury. There are many aspects that are involved with professionalism in nursing, and many expectations set up on the nurse.

Which is better, having an Associate Degree in Nursing versus a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing? This is a common question these days. Many people have a misunderstanding of the difference between the two. What is known is that the time it takes to get an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is shorter than the time is takes to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Also, after completing nursing school everyone sits for the same licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN. When considering the two degrees’ it’s important to consider training, skill level, patient outcomes, advancements and the future of nursing.

Deciding to go back to school is one of the best decisions I have ever made; however, with four children and full time employment, I initially wondered how I was going to accomplish it. It has not been easy, but I have enjoyed the ride. What I have learnt doing the RN-BSN program has enabled me to be a better nurse than I was (though I have always considered myself excellent in assessing, diagnosing, intervening and evaluating my patients). I am ready and excited for the next stage in my career, being an Advanced Practice Nurse.

Nurses must display a knowledge of skills by portraying a functional ability to assess, treat, and prevent illness in the clinical setting. “The nurses are obliged to gain specialized knowledge, skills and training through the rigorous study of biological, physical and behavioral sciences and then use this knowledge to diagnose and treat patients suffering from different ailments. The patients treated must be under the supervision of skilled medical practitioners and the nurse must be equally directed by the expert medical practitioner. The prevention and management of illnesses, injury and ailments also forms some of the major tasks that have to be carried out by nurses. Politeness in expression, compassion for patients and proper uniform are also some of the main parts of professionalism in nursing.” (professonalism in nursing http://www.buzzle.com/articles/professionalism-in-nursing.html)

This essay focuses on the impact of historical development of nursing on contemporary representations of the nursing profession. It examines the professional identity of nursing and further discusses the contribution of modern nursing, social, cultural and political factors that influences the professional identity of a nurse. The essay also looks into the professional regulations and the role of the nurse’s and midwifery Council (NMC) in the protection of the public. Finally, this essay will discuss nursing education, the media, stereotype, and their impacts on nurses as well as demonstrate my understanding as a student nurse to challenge the professional identity of nurses.

Completing my bachelor’s degree in Nursing has been a personal goal of mine since I graduated with my associate’s degree in nursing. Having my BSN degree is essential for my career and personal development. Initially after graduating with my ASN, I enrolled in a BSN program and started my first class, when life happened. I was a single mother raising my 5 year old daughter, working the night shifts at Miami Children’s Hospital. I was dating my now husband and became pregnant with my second child. I ended up having to quit my job as a pediatric nurse which was my goal, to be a pediatric nurse, get my BSN and climb the ladder there. After the birth of my daughter my personal goals changed, and my academic and career goals were put on hold.

The role of a family nurse practitioner is a fundamental portion of the future of healthcare. The role is clearly not as understood by other healthcare professionals as needed which results in the disagreement if the role of a family nurse practitioner is even required for primary care. As people are getting older, the need for medical professionals that can provide patient care to our ever growing population increases. The need for the role of family nurse practitioners will grow too. The role of the family nurse practitioner, the ability of the FNP to be able to transition into their role.

I completed many health-related courses in college and was encouraged to study nursing by family and faculty. I laugh when I recall my repeated reaction to mentors who pushed me in the direction of nursing, “Blech, who would want to do that day in and day out?” Like many I had a misconception of nursing roles. I bounced from major to major trying to find my place.

Professional nursing practice has been developing for several centuries. Nursing as a profession can be traced back to the early Christian era. Since then the perception of nursing practice has changed significantly. “Nursing is caring, commitment, and dedication to meeting the functional health needs of all people” (Craven &

Social justice refers to fairness (Potter & Griffin-Perry, 2009). In the health care field it is the fair distribution of health care resources regardless of socioeconomic background. As nurses it is our responsibility to identify and minimize social barriers; making it easy for any member of society to gain access. To promote social justice, systems have to be implemented so that the resources are fairly distributed. For example, placing organ recipient on a list and selecting them through a lottery system. This ensures that the organ been donated is not going to someone who is more financially stable. Nursing students can take advantage of the resources available to them through their

In a highly respected profession such as nursing, professionalism is an important element to staying employed and setting one’s self apart from the rest of the applicants when competing for a potential job. By definition professionalism are the qualities and traits that describe a professional. While knowledge is crucial in any profession, according to an article published by the University of Kansas (2012), “all medical professionals must strive to retain those humanistic qualities integrity, respect, and compassion that constitute the essence of professionalism.” Whether you work in a hospital or administration these three qualities encompass the core of nursing and exemplify what it means to be a professional.

NOTE: You will create a new Word document for this Assignment instead of typing directly into this document.

It is important to integrate the concept professionalism into your nursing career because it allows you to flourish personally as a nurse but more importantly allows the patient to receive the care they deserve. Throughout the course of one’s nursing career there will be many slips and falls. Mistakes will happen but we as nurses are able to reflect and learn from them in a

Nursing surrounds the concept of patient care physically, mentally and ethically. The therapeutic relationship that is created is built on the knowledge and skills of the nurse and relies on patient and nurse trusting one another. The use of nursing skills can ensure these boundaries are maintained, it allows for safe patient care. Professional boundaries are the line that nurses cannot cross, involving aspects such as patient confidentiality and privacy, ensuring legal aspects of nursing and the boundaries put in place are not breached. However, nurses accepting financial or personal gain from patient can also cross these professional boundaries. It is only through education in this area that the rights of patients can be preserved, as

Nursing is a profession that blends the rich traditions of the past with the ever changing realities of today's health care industry. Nursing is not simply an assortment of special skills and the nurse is not simply a person proficient in performing these specific tasks. Nursing is a profession. I believe this statement to be true because of several factors. The Title 19 Code for Nurses is titled "Standards for Professional Nursing Practice". The status of nursing as a profession reflects the values that society places on the work of nurses and how central nursing is to the good of society. "By being a professional we imply that the person is conscientious in actions, knowledgeable in the subject and