Nursing Professional Behaviors Lecture

Introduction

• Instructor: Dr. Chairs, DMP Faculty at Charity School of Nursing
• Course: Adult Health Nursing Level One (Nursing 113)
• Focus: Importance of professionalism in nursing

What is a Profession?

• Definition: An occupation requiring extensive education, special knowledge, skills, and preparation.
• Examples: Nursing, correctional officers, attorneys, teachers, bartending, cosmetology.
• Characteristics: Different professions have unique characters, norms, and methods.

Characteristics of a Profession

• Prolonged specialized training
• Pertinent body of knowledge
• Provides specific service
• Ongoing research
• Code of ethics
• Autonomy
• Professional organizations

Nursing as a Profession

• Gallup Survey: 80% of Americans view nursing as honest and having high ethical standards (2023).
• Characteristics of Nursing:
  • Specific service provision
  • Extended education
  • Code of conduct
  • Theoretical body of knowledge
  • Autonomy in practice

Roles and Characteristics of a Professional Nurse

• Roles: Caregivers, communicators, teachers, advocates, counselors, leaders, managers, research consumers.
• Characteristics:
  • Professional behaviors
  • Teaching and learning
  • Competence
  • Collaboration
  • Advocacy
  • Caring interventions
  • Ethical actions

Nursing Defined by American Nurses Association (ANA)

• Protection, promotion, and optimization of health
• Prevention of illness and injury
• Alleviation of suffering
• Advocacy in care

Unprofessional Behaviors to Avoid

• Belittling or patronizing language
• Negative non-verbal messages
• Constant criticism
• Emotional outbursts
• Reluctance to answer questions

Guidelines for Nursing Demeanor

• Avoid loud talking
• Maintain positive attitude
• Limit personal calls at work
• Avoid personal problem discussions
• No gossiping or bullying
• Avoid illegal substances
• Do not share patient information on social media

Nursing Education

• Levels:
  • Associate Degree: 2-year program
  • Bachelor’s Degree (BSN): 4-year program
• Graduate Nursing Education:
  • Master’s Degree (e.g., Nurse Practitioners)
  • Doctoral Degrees (DNP, PhD)

Continuing Education and Professional Organizations

• Nurses must maintain specific knowledge and skills through continuous education.
• Organizations:
  • American Nurses Association (ANA)
  • National League for Nursing (NLN)
  • International Council of Nursing (ICN)
  • National Student Nurses Association (NSNA)

Scope of Practice

• Defined by the Nurse Practice Act
• Varies across states
• Nursing responsibilities include integrity and participation in policy development.

Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN)

• Six competencies: Patient-centered care, teamwork, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, safety, informatics.

Standards of Practice

• Govern how nurses care for patients: Assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, evaluation.

Importance of Professionalism

• Impact of Errors: Medical errors are significant causes of death; professionalism helps reduce errors.
• CMS Policy: Hospitals are not reimbursed for care if a "never event" (preventable error) occurs.

Conclusion

• Professionalism in nursing is crucial for patient safety, nurse accountability, and maintaining the trust of the public.
• Quote from Maya Angelou about the lasting impact of how you make others feel.

Contacts

• Dr. Chairs' Email: [email protected]
• Discussion board available for questions.