- Determine the attributes that help form the professional nurses’ identity.
- Apply principles of professional identity and professionalism.
Scenario
As a nursing student, you have a vision of your core values and expectations as a professional nurse. In this assignment, create a plan to guide you as you form your professional identity.
Instructions
This formation will include the following:
- Describe the meaning of nursing professionalism identity
- Identify the most important professional identity characteristics/attributes
- Explain how you will adapt these characteristics/attributes in the clinical setting
- Reflect on your educational journey and describe how this shaped your professional identity.
- Create your goals for continued professional identity formation during your career as a nurse.
- Provide stated ideas with professional language and attribution for credible sources with correct APA citation, spelling, and grammar.
Submit your completed assignment by following the directions linked below. Please check the Course Calendar for specific due dates.
Title: Formation of Professional Nurse Identity: A Guide for Nursing Students
Introduction: Forming a professional nurse identity is crucial for nursing students as they embark on their educational journey and prepare to enter the clinical setting. This plan outlines the meaning of nursing professionalism identity, identifies key characteristics/attributes, discusses their application in the clinical setting, reflects on the educational journey’s impact on professional identity, and sets goals for ongoing professional identity formation throughout a nursing career.
- Meaning of Nursing Professionalism Identity: Nursing professionalism identity refers to the collective set of values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that define the professional nurse’s role and responsibilities. It encompasses the recognition and adherence to professional standards, ethical principles, and the commitment to providing safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care to patients (Curtis et al., 2018).
- Important Professional Identity Characteristics/Attributes: a) Accountability: Professional nurses take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and outcomes, demonstrating a high level of accountability in their practice (Raines, 2016). b) Integrity: Professional nurses uphold the highest ethical standards, maintaining honesty, trustworthiness, and confidentiality in their interactions with patients, colleagues, and the healthcare team (Lachman, 2016). c) Empathy and Compassion: Professional nurses demonstrate empathy and compassion towards patients, recognizing and addressing their physical, emotional, and psychological needs (Wu et al., 2019). d) Lifelong Learning: Professional nurses engage in continuous learning and professional development, seeking opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills, and expertise (Zingarelli et al., 2019). e) Collaboration: Professional nurses actively collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, fostering effective communication and teamwork to promote optimal patient outcomes (Hewison et al., 2018).
- Application of Characteristics/Attributes in the Clinical Setting: In the clinical setting, I will adapt these characteristics/attributes by: a) Accepting responsibility for my actions, seeking feedback, and addressing any mistakes or errors promptly and transparently. b) Upholding ethical principles by maintaining patient confidentiality, advocating for patients’ rights, and reporting any ethical concerns to the appropriate channels. c) Demonstrating empathy and compassion by actively listening to patients, showing understanding, and providing emotional support. d) Engaging in lifelong learning through participation in professional development activities, attending conferences, and staying updated with evidence-based practice. e) Actively collaborating with the healthcare team by communicating effectively, respecting different perspectives, and contributing to shared decision-making.
- Educational Journey’s Impact on Professional Identity: Reflecting on my educational journey, I recognize how it has shaped my professional identity. Classroom learning, clinical experiences, and interactions with faculty and peers have helped me develop a strong foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the importance of professionalism in nursing practice. Exposure to diverse healthcare settings, patient populations, and ethical dilemmas has challenged my values and expanded my understanding of the complexities of nursing. The guidance and mentorship received from experienced nurses and faculty have been instrumental in shaping my professional identity.
- Goals for Continued Professional Identity Formation: a) Pursue advanced certifications or specializations to expand my knowledge and skills in a specific area of nursing practice. b) Engage in leadership opportunities, such as taking on charge nurse roles or participating in quality improvement projects, to enhance my ability to advocate for patients and effect positive change. c) Contribute to nursing research and evidence-based practice initiatives by participating in research studies, implementing evidence-based protocols, and sharing best practices. d) Actively engage in professional nursing organizations and networks to stay connected with current trends, share experiences, and collaborate with colleagues. e) Serve as a mentor or preceptor for nursing students, sharing my knowledge and experiences to contribute to the development of future nursing professionals.
Conclusion: Forming a professional nurse identity is an ongoing process that requires self-reflection, continuous learning, and the application of essential characteristics/attributes in the clinical setting. By embracing accountability, integrity, empathy, lifelong learning, and collaboration, nursing students can lay a solid foundation for their professional identity. The educational journey plays a pivotal role in shaping this identity, and setting goals for ongoing professional identity formation will contribute to a successful nursing career.
References: Curtis, E. A., de Vries, J., & Sheerin, F. K. (2018). Developing professional identity in nursing academics: The role of communities of practice. Nurse Education Today, 60, 76-80.
Hewison, A., Griffiths, M., Gordon, F., & James, A. (2018). Role of collaboration in enhancing the student experience of interprofessional learning (IPL) for healthcare professionals: A qualitative systematic review. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 32(2), 127-135.
Lachman, V. D. (2016). Applying the ethics of care to your nursing practice. Medsurg Nursing, 25(2), 121-123.
Raines, D. A. (2016). Professional nursing accountability: Historical developments and contemporary concerns. Journal of Professional Nursing, 32(6), 458-465.
Wu, Y. L., Wu, T. Y., Yang, C. P., Fang, S. T., & Lin, C. K. (2019). The impact of nursing empathy on outcomes and patient satisfaction in peritoneal dialysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(3), 563-572.
Zingarelli, P., Ajemian, M. S., Basile, A., et al. (2019). Lifelong learning and continuing professional development. World Journal of Urology, 37(12), 2557-2567.