Lecture Notes: Professional Behaviors in Nursing

Introduction

• Lecturer: Dr. Chairs, DMP, faculty at Charity School of Nursing
• Course: Adult Health Nursing Level One (Nursing 113)
• Topic: Professional Behaviors in Nursing
• Emphasis on the importance of professionalism in nursing

Definition of a Profession

• A profession requires extensive education, special knowledge, skills, and preparation.
• Professionalism in nursing influenced by Florence Nightingale.
• Comparison with other professions: correctional officers, police officers, attorneys, teachers, surgical techs, truck drivers, bartenders, cosmetologists.

Characteristics of a Profession

• Prolonged specialized training
• Specific body of knowledge pertinent to the role
• Provides a specific service
• Ongoing research
• Code of ethics
• Autonomy
• Professional organizations

Nursing as a Profession

• Gallup survey: 80% of Americans perceive nurses as honest and ethical.
• Nursing’s specific service, extended education, code of conduct, theoretical body of knowledge, and autonomy.

Characteristics of a Professional Nurse

• Demonstrates professional behaviors, teaching and learning, competence.
• Collaborates, advocates for patients, caring interventions, ethical in actions.
• Roles: Caregiver, communicator, teacher, advocate, counselor, leader, manager, case manager, research consumer.

Nursing According to the American Nurses Association

• Protects, promotes, optimizes health and abilities.
• Prevents illness and injury.
• Alleviates suffering through diagnosis and treatment.
• Advocates for individuals, families, communities, and populations.

Unprofessional Behaviors

• Patronizing language, negative nonverbal messages.
• Congruent verbal and non-verbal communication is crucial.
• Avoid constant criticism, undermining, emotional outbursts.
• Unprofessional to pit staff against each other.

Guidelines for Nursing Demeanor

• Avoid loud talking, maintain positive attitude.
• Avoid personal calls in patient care areas.
• Never discuss personal problems with patients.
• Avoid gossiping, bullying, and complaining to patients.
• Do not use illegal substances or share patient info on social media.

Professional Attire and Conduct

• Guidelines include: no excessive jewelry, secured hair, clean uniforms.
• Avoid strong perfumes, visible tattoos, unusual piercings.

Nursing Education

• No longer diploma programs; begins with Associate's Degree.
• Bachelor’s programs (BSN) recommended for management roles.
• Continuing education is crucial.

Professional Nursing Organizations

• American Nurses Association (ANA), National League for Nursing (NLN), International Council of Nursing (ICN).
• National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) for networking and involvement.

Areas of Nursing and Certifications

• Specializations include critical care (CCRN), geriatric, pediatric, mental health.
• Importance of certifications varies by specialty.

Scope of Practice

• Defined by the Nurse Practice Act, varies by state.
• Licensure through NCLEX-RN exam.

Quality and Safety Education

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

Standards of Practice

• Governed by the American Nurses Association.
• Encompass ethics, education, research, quality of practice, communication, leadership, collaboration.

Conclusion

• Importance of adhering to standards to prevent medical errors.
• Professionalism linked to reducing errors and improving patient care.
• Encouragement to maintain integrity and accountability in nursing practices.

Contact Information

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