Professionalism in nursing is a calling that requires specialized knowledge, long and extensive academic preparation. In this research paper we will look at the professionalism values to nursing practices and then examine one professional nursing value and elaborate what it entails.
This is the meticulous adherence to the set of values comprising of statutory professional obligation, formal codes of conduct, and informal expectations of patients/customers, associates and colleagues.
Relationship of professional values to nursing
Core nursing values essential include human dignity, integrity, autonomy, altruism, and social justice. The caring professional nurse integrates these values in clinical practice. The Integrated values ensure that the legacy of caring behavior embodied by nurses is strengthened for the future nursing workforce. These changes coupled with reimbursements have created a competitive environment which brings new stress factors. The nursing profession has enjoyed a respected position in society but this is being threatened by the overt unprofessionalism of some members and also by the ongoing changes in the health-care system. These new demands have altered the nursing profession. But the nursing profession has weathered the nursing challenges and adapted to the rapidly changing technology, patient acuity and the nursing shortages with unwavering commitment to professionalism (Nancy L. and Susan D. 2005).
Accountability in the nursing profession
Accountability is the understanding the meaning of self-regulation and its implications for practice, using legislation, standards of practice and code of ethics to clarify one’s scope of
practice, being dedicated to work with clients and families to achieve desired results, actively engaged in advancing the quality of care, recognizing personal capabilities, knowledge base and areas for development. Professional accountability applies to all in the nursing profession, as it is not only a legal obligation but an ethical and moral responsibility. In the American Nursing Association, it states in its code that the nurse will assume accountability for nursing judgment and actions. A professional nurse has the responsibility to practice within the scope of his/her care and to make decisions in the best interest of the patient.
Professional nursing is based on altruism and accountability. The judgments and practices that are practiced are should always be based on those ethical values and in the best interest of the patient. Altruism is defined as the ethical obligation to serve others without any self interest, and hence the nurse should make decision that is in the best interest of the patient; the patient advocates (Moore C. 2010).Â
A case study of professionalism in the nursing profession can be illustrated in the following context; I was not feeling well one weekend and so I went to hospital, the present physician who was a general practitioner told me that I was suffering from metastatic cancer and that there is no cure. The nurse who received me was an Oncology specialist, and using the knowledge she has, she insisted that I tell my family to get an Oncologist on board. The nurse thus clearly uses her integrity that although the oncologist may not offer the best outcome but that he may have better options for me to a better quality life. The oncologist suggested chemotherapy that although it is not a cure it can prolong life. The nurse then looked worried as she has never initiated chemotherapy before. She worried that if she gives in she will be accountable for her actions so she used her judgment and sought the advice of the Charge Nurse. I later learnt that the Charge Nurse was chemotherapy certified, to hang her medicine. If the nurse had hung her medicine then she could have practiced outside her scope. To me, her action to involve the charge nurse was the most responsible act decision she made to me as a patient.   Â
Conclusion
The nursing profession requires specialized knowledge, long and extensive academic preparation. The core nursing values essential include human dignity, integrity, autonomy, altruism, and social justice and the caring professional nurse integrates these values in clinical practice. The Integrated values ensure that the legacy of caring behavior embodied by nurses is strengthened for the future nursing workforce. A professional nurse should be the patient’s advocate and act in the best interest to the patient.