Professionalism in nursing entails treating all patients, family caregivers, and colleagues with respect and courtesy. A nurse who exhibits professionalism serves as an advocate, an effective communicator, and a team player. Professionalism contributes to positive patient outcomes and a supportive work culture.
When you become a registered nurse (RN), it’s not enough to assess patients, administer medications, and set up IV lines. You’ll also need to exhibit competency and professionalism in nursing throughout each task you perform. Professionalism in the nursing environment is crucial for maintaining the quality of patient care and fostering a supportive, positive work culture.
When you become a student with the University of St. Thomas’ Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Houston, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that covers not only clinical skills but also clinical leadership and holistic nursing practice with a focus on professionalism and ethics.
As you prepare to pursue your nursing career, take a closer look at this concept and discover the answer to the question, “What is professionalism in nursing?” Then, you can find out why professionalism matters in nursing and how you can actively cultivate it.
What Is Professionalism in Nursing?
When you visit a hospital as a patient, you probably expect your healthcare providers to treat you with respect, courtesy, and compassion and uphold the standards of professional ethics while providing quality care.
Nurses who conduct themselves in a professional manner display a positive attitude and a genuine concern for others’ welfare. They take accountability for their decisions and actions, particularly when they make a mistake, and they alert the charge nurse so they can rectify mistakes quickly.
Other actions of nurses who display professionalism include:
- Practicing nursing autonomy: Making independent care decisions within their scope of practice.
- Collaborating: Working with other healthcare providers, as well as with patients and their families.
- Communicating: Clearly explaining to patients what their options are and offering understandable information on risks and benefits.
- Pursuing ongoing development: Staying on top of emerging research and evidence-based practices and participating in ongoing education and training activities.
A professional nurse also sets boundaries. They exhibit compassion and empathy but maintain professional relationships with their patients.
Why Professionalism Matters in Nursing
All patients deserve to be treated with respect and integrity. Regardless of their backgrounds, patients deserve quality, equitable care that prioritizes their preferences and best interests and supports their holistic health. Professionalism in nursing ensures that patients receive this care as well as treatment that is both ethical and clinically guided.
How do good nurses set themselves apart in today’s healthcare field?
Examples of Nursing Professionalism
Nurses can display professionalism in many ways, both in the workplace and outside it. Consider the following:
Staying Positive
As a nurse, you may find that maintaining a positive attitude isn't always easy. For example, you may struggle to separate personal problems from your nursing responsibilities when you enter the workplace. You may need to remind yourself that keeping a positive attitude will put your patients at ease and contribute to a better work culture for your fellow nurses, making your life easier in the long run.
Resolving Conflicts
Healthcare organizations are subject to interpersonal conflicts like any other workplace. As a nurse who prioritizes professionalism, you’ll need to use active listening skills and empathy to understand what other people are trying to say and the context for their opinions. Using conflict resolution skills, you can solve disagreements peacefully.
Remaining Committed to Growth
As a nurse who is committed to professionalism, you’ll need to take advantage of ongoing professional development and education opportunities as they arise. Read nursing research journals to stay on top of emerging research in your specialty area. Attend professional conferences whenever possible, network with other providers, and make plans to earn an additional degree or certification.
Benefits of Professionalism in the Nursing World
There are many benefits of maintaining nursing professionalism, including:
Better Patient Outcomes
A recent study published in BMC Nursing indicates that professionalism in nursing plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of patient care and improving patient outcomes. Professionalism can elevate care standards, encouraging all nurses to work at a higher level of excellence. Additionally, nurses who function well as part of a team and can communicate clearly are more likely to identify potential errors and fix them before they can negatively affect patients. Professionalism similarly encourages nurses to serve as effective advocates for their patients.
Increased Patient Satisfaction
Patient outcomes are a top priority, but patient satisfaction is also important because it contributes to the overall reputation of the healthcare facility and the nursing profession. Patients can often sense when their nursing unit lacks professionalism, even in the absence of acts of overt disrespect. The tense ambiance this creates leads to patient dissatisfaction and reduces their perceived quality of care.
Better Work Culture
A nursing unit that embodies professionalism contributes to a more positive work culture within the organization. Professionalism at work helps all nurses feel supported; in turn, they can function more effectively in their roles. A better work culture also contributes to higher retention rates.
How To Improve Your Professionalism as an RN
It's ideal to start working on your grasp of nursing professionalism while still in nursing school. You can begin by arriving early to all your labs, remaining attentive, and showing respect for your nursing cohort as you work through simulations.
You’ll have even more opportunities to develop your professionalism while working through clinical rotations with our clinical partners. To display professionalism and make a good impression during clinicals, you can:
- Arrive early for each shift with all the necessary supplies and maintain a floor-ready appearance.
- Listen attentively, actively solicit feedback, and incorporate feedback into your actions moving forward.
- Maintain a positive attitude and always be the first to volunteer for a task.
- Treat everyone you meet, from providers to patients, with respect and courtesy.
As a licensed nurse, you’ll be expected to demonstrate professionalism each day through the following:
- Communicating clearly,
- Advocating on behalf of your patients,
- Prioritizing high-quality care,
- Working with integrity and abiding by professional ethics,
- Functioning effectively as a member of a team, and
- Maintaining a pleasant attitude.
Get tips on preparing for a successful nursing job interview.
Start Your Nursing Path at University of St. Thomas
UST strives to shape ethical and dedicated nursing professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact on patients and the way patient care happens in a variety of spaces. Our accelerated BSN program is designed for transfer students and career changers who want to begin their nursing career as quickly as possible, with the dignity of the human person in mind. Unlike many ABSN programs, which take 16 months to complete, UST’s ABSN program is designed to be completed in as few as 12 months. Plus, there’s no waitlist.
Here, you’ll have Academic Success Coaches and attentive faculty members to help you succeed in developing nursing professionalism. Contact an admissions advisor at UST today to get started.