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
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Professionalism Paper
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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.
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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
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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.
Professionalism Paper
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: http://drl.wi.gov/prof/rn/def.htm
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