Discussion – Nursing Professionalism

Nursing professionalism is a complex and fundamental concept in nursing that is defined by nursing values, behaviors, and attitudes toward the delivery of nursing care (Cao et al., 2023). Professionalism in nursing is a reflection on the embodiment of the values of nursing, the self-concept of the nursing profession, and the role of nursing (Poorchangizi et al., 2019). It is defined by a nurse’s responsibility and obligation to observe the morals and ethical standards in nursing and attain the desired nursing competencies and skills to deliver quality and safe nursing care services. Enhancing nursing professionalism is a continuous process in which all nurses must be actively engaged. This article discusses strategies to employ and enhance nursing professionalism.

Investing in Continuous Professional Development

Being a nurse means a commitment to lifelong learning. Continuing professional development (CPD) enables nurses to engage in lifelong learning, which is vital in ensuring that nurses keep their understanding of the nursing profession and skills updated (Mlambo et al., 2021). CPD shifts learning from a passive and reactive approach to being more proactive and focused. Investing in CPD will ensure that, as a nurse, I am fully informed of changes in practice as well as regulatory developments. CPD improves both clinical skills and other soft skills, including interpersonal communication, allowing them to evolve with changes and advancements in the healthcare industry. This makes it easier to adhere to the ethics and standards of nursing that define professionalism and help avoid misconduct.

Improving Skills on Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

EBP in nursing care involves the integration of the best available evidence with the nurse’s knowledge and expertise in the delivery of care that meets the patient’s needs. All nurse practitioners are expected to promote EBP in care delivery as well as the process of scientific inquiry. Improving skills in EBP is essential in improving one’s competencies and skills in nursing, which are essential in enhancing professionalism. For instance, focusing on improving skills in the processes involved in the search and development of evidence for nursing practice will help me as a nurse understand how to question problems in nursing, search and appraise available evidence, and how to include that evidence in practice. Improving skills in EBP also helps nurses to be able to evaluate actions and outcomes before making decisions to ensure that the decisions made align with the ethics and standards of care as well as the needs and preferences of the patient.

Improving the Effectiveness of Nursing Communication

Effective communication skills are essential in the nursing profession. Effective verbal, written, or non-verbal communication is essential in healthcare and, specifically, in nursing practice, as it guides interactions with patients, their families, and the healthcare team. Effective communication, especially with patients, reflects professionalism in practice as it helps develop long-term behavioral changes necessary for better health outcomes (Shah, 2021). As the nursing environment and patient care are continuously evolving, improving communication has a significant impact on the ability of the nurse to adapt to these changes and be able to collaborate with others in the delivery of care and enhancement of nursing skills.

Engaging in Teamwork

Teamwork is essential in the delivery of patient care. Teamwork brings together healthcare professionals with different skills and perspectives toward patients who are expected to effectively collaborate in caring for patients. Effective teamwork is built on the recognition and appreciation of the efforts of others within the team. It requires observing elements of professionalism in nursing, including effective communication, respect for others, reciprocity, and adhering to the ethics and standards of nursing care. Engaging in teamwork will help me as a nurse to improve my professional and interpersonal skills and capacity to develop working relationships with individuals from diverse professional backgrounds. Engaging in teamwork can also help achieve and enhance team and personal professional goals.

Improving on Cultural Competence

Cultural competence is a reflection of professionalism. It involves understanding and respecting the cultural, religious, and other social aspects within a population that contributes to diversity. Cultural competency improves trust and respect among diverse populations and is linked to improved healthcare equity and high-quality care outcomes (Peralta et al., 2019). Cultural competency is developed by becoming more self-aware and aware of one’s culture and the biases that exist within that culture against other cultures, experiencing and developing knowledge about other cultures and their worldview. Improving my cultural competency will enhance nursing professionalism. Notably, being culturally competent means being sensitive, respectful, and having positive attitudes toward other cultures, enabling me to deliver patient-centered care.

Joining Professional Nursing Organizations

Becoming a member of a professional nursing organization is one of the best strategies to enhance nursing professionalism. General nursing organizations such as the American Nurse Association (ANA) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), among others, help nurses to connect with peers who can help them to grow professionally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, enhancing nursing professionalism is an ongoing process. It requires a nurse to remain committed to personal and professional growth. Nursing professionalism involves integrating nursing ethics, morals, competency, communication, and teamwork skills to support the delivery of high-quality nursing care.

References

Cao, H., Song, Y., Wu, Y., Du, Y., He, X., Chen, Y., Wang, Q., & Yang, H. (2023). What is nursing professionalism? A concept analysis. BMC Nursing, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/S12912-022-01161-0

Mlambo, M., Silén, C., & McGrath, C. (2021). Lifelong learning and nurses’ continuing professional development, a metasynthesis of the literature. BMC Nursing, 20(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12912-021-00579-2/TABLES/4

Peralta, A. M. de, Gillispie, M., Mobley, C., & Gibson, L. M. (2019). It’s all about trust and respect: Cultural competence and cultural humility in mobile health clinic services for underserved minority populations. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 30(3), 1103–1118. https://doi.org/10.1353/HPU.2019.0076

Poorchangizi, B., Borhani, F., Abbaszadeh, A., Mirzaee, M., & Farokhzadian, J. (2019). Professional values of nurses and nursing students: A comparative study. BMC Medical Education, 19(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-019-1878-2

Shah, S. (2021). Health literacy and how to communicate effectively with patients to elicit a long-term behavioural change. A Prescription for Healthy Living: A Guide to Lifestyle Medicine, 47–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-821573-9.00004-7

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