NURSING AS A PROFESSION
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PROFESSION
It is an occupation that requires extensive education or a
calling that requires special knowledge, skill, and
preparation (Kozier et al, 2012).
It is an occupation or calling requiring advance training and
experience in some specific or specialized body of
knowledge which provides service to society in that special
field (Webster’s Dictionary).
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RELATED TERMS
PROFESSIONALIZATION
o It is a process of becoming a professional.
PROFESSIONALISM
o It is the actual practice, professional (and human)
character, spirit or methods.
o It is a set of attributes, a way of life that implies
responsibility and commitment.
CRITERIA OF A PROFESSION
1. Requirement of prolonged specialized training to acquire a
body of knowledge pertinent to the role to be performed
(specialized education; body of knowledge)
2. Service orientation
3. Ongoing research
4. A code of ethics
5. Autonomy
6. With a professional organization, such as red cross, PNA,
etc.
NURSING
It is the act of utilizing the environment of the patient to
assist him in his recovery (Nightingale).
Assisting the individual sick or well, in the performance of
those activities contributing to health or its recovery
(Henderson).
It is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health
and abilities; prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of
suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human
response; and advocacy in the care of individual, families,
communities, and populations (ANA, 2010).
It encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of
individuals of all ages, families… sick or well in all settings…
includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness and
care of the ill, disabled and dying people. Advocacy
promotion of a safe environment, research participation in
shaping health policy and in patient and health systems
management, and education are also key nursing roles
(International Council of Nurses, 2014).
CHARACTERISTICS OF A NURSE
1. Caring
2. Goal oriented
3. Adaptive
o Health restoration
o Health maintenance
o Health promotion
FOCUS: HUMAN RESPONSES
Implies valuing of some human potential beyond the
narrow concept of health taken as absence of disease.
Concerned not merely with a person’s well-being but with
his more-being.
Assists the person to be greater than the total sum of all
parts.
AIMS OF NURSING
❶ PROMOTE HEALTH (AND WELLNESS)
It enhances quality of life and maximize personal potential
Individual and community activities to enhance health
lifestyles.
❷ PREVENT ILLNESS
Reduce risk for illness
Promote good health habits
Maintain optimal functioning
o Immunizations
o Prenatal and infant care
o Prevention of STIs
❸ RESTORE HEALTH
Early detection of disease to rehabilitation and teaching
during recovery
o Direct care tool person
o Diagnostic and assessment procedures
o Teaching clients recovery activities
❹ FACILITATE COPING WOTH DISABILITY AND DEATH
Facilitate those with altered function, life crisis and death.
o Comforting people of all ages
Note: Rehabilitation starts after 24 hours of admission.
PROFESSIONAL NURSE
A person who has completed a basic nursing education
program and is licensed in his or her country or state to
practice professional nursing.
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES OF A NURSE
❶ PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION
BSN degree
License to practice
Physical and mental fitness
❷ PERSONAL QUALITIES AND PROFESSIONAL PROFICIENCIES
Interest and willingness to work and learn
Concern for people
Resourcefulness, creative, well-balanced emotional
condition
Capacity and ability to work cooperatively with others
Initiative to improve self and service
Competence in performing work
Decision making and communication skills
Research orientation
Active participation in issues confronting nurses and
nursing
WARM OR PLEASING PERSONALITY
1. Poise
2. Good complexion
3. Good grooming–– hair, uniform
4. Good posture
5. Art of conversation
6. Spiritual health