Running head: THE PROFESSIONALISM PAPER



Running head: THE PROFESSIONALISM PAPER

The Professionalism Paper

Tiffany Jordan Toerpe

Nursing

May 2008

Valli Sternig

February 25th, 2008

Internship Seminar, Spring, 2008

Nursing is a profession. As defined by the State of Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing (DRL), a registered nurse is a “person who practices professional nursing.” (Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing (DRL), 2006). This vague, simple definition of a registered nurse is important to me because the evolution of nursing as a profession is gaining more respect. The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (American Nurses Association, 2001) outlines what professionalism is by way of defining nine codes that professional nurses are held accountable to.

To become a registered nurse in the state of Wisconsin the individual must fulfill the following requirements: “Completion of high school or its equivalent and diploma from accredited school of nursing approved by board” (WI DRL, 2006). After successfully completing an accredited nursing program, the graduate nurse may apply for a temporary license which is good for 3 months and then apply to take the WI State Nursing Boards, the NCLEX, and after a satisfactory score will be given a license. It is required that the nursing license be renewed every 2 years or on the 28th or 29th of February in the even years regardless of the date of the initial licensure.

The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (American Nurses Association, 2001) stresses the ethical responsibilities of nurses. This book and the codes it defines displays and portrays the professional aspect of nursing and enforces that to be a professional nurse is more than licensure requirements and passing state boards. Nurses have an obligation to their patients to respect their autonomy and their culture. Cultural diversity goes hand in hand with treating patients with respect and as a result the nursing care and teaching will be more effective when cultural considerations are in place. Professional nursing is to individualize care whenever possible and in doing so reflects the nurse’s respect for herself and the patient. I feel particularly strong about individualizing care. In my current work environment, a post-op floor at St. Luke’s Medical Center, there is a lot of teaching. It has been assessed that teaching is more effective when it is individualized and when the patient is included. I often times see nurses of another generation who insist on doing things “their way.” I think professional nursing, and the fact that nursing is recognized as a profession, has evolved appropriately. To me, all of this seems to be common sense; it is effortless to involve a patient in their care.

For the purpose of this paper, I interviewed a nurse, R.F., whom I have worked with for a few years. She is a registered nurse and is really a great example of a professional nurse who places value in professionalism and the ethical treatment of all people. She is empathetic in all situations. When there is a patient who is what some may refer to as “difficult” she always manages to turn things around. I chose her to interview because I consider her a mentor. She understands that people want to feel as if they are being heard and that their concerns are “real and valid” not only to themselves but also to the nurses caring for them. She also states that “the patient is not just the guy in the bed…it is his wife, his children, his whole family.” I live by this thought. When you treat the patient holistically, the family is also part of the patient. She stresses the importance of advocating and teaching. To teach a patient self-care is essential to their health maintenance. She points out that, “when you give someone information you really empower them.” In addition to being empathetic, this nurse also stresses the importance of ethics as it relates to taking responsibility. She said, “No matter what, no matter the consequences, you have to be honest, if an error was made or you did not finish something you were supposed to do, you have to tell the truth.”

My own personal view of nursing encompasses the codes illustrated by the American Nurses Association. To be a nurse is to act professional by respecting the patient, following hospital rules and regulations, maintaining patient privacy, advocating for the patient, and showing accountability and responsibility for your actions. I hold value in going above and beyond with small gestures to show that you care. I empathize with patients, I understand that being in the hospital is a huge stressor and that having your mother or your loved one in the hospital can be and often is a very scary thing. When people are stressed out or scared they may not act rationally. As a nurse, I will continue to treat people they way I would want myself or family to be treated. In accordance with the professional code it is also important for nurses to use their knowledge in a manner that preserves integrity, serves the public, and shows competence.

References

American Nurses Association. (2001). Code of Ethics for Nurses with interpretive statements.

State of Wisconsin Department of Rules and Regulations. (2006). Registered Nurse. Retrieved on February 11th, 2008 from:

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