Table of Contents
Purpose Statement
In this paper, the analysis of the article, “It Takes a Village to Assure Nurses Professionalism,” (Shepard, 2014) explaining the meaning of professionalism. It is also addressing components that lead to unacceptable behaviors, poor outcomes of student nurses and how to resolve the problem by the contribution of nursing educators, nursing leaders at clinical sites. Lastly, a thorough description of how student nurses can maintain professional behaviors while in school, clinical sites and in the future work environments.
Summary of The Article
Among different healthcare careers, nursing is one of the most trusted profession. It takes a lot of commitments, sacrifices, determination and other factors to become a nurse. To brings out nurses, it is not a result of the concepts from books and training materials; professionalism is a key factor that promoted nursing profession to a higher standard. The central principle of professionalism identifies as the capability to interact with tough people in the work environment, responsible for time and avoid lateness at the clinical site, good work ethics and can be self- direct to control when facing challenging situation (Shepard, 2010).
Because the need for nurses is lacking, nursing instructors must take a step further to increase the number of graduations for new nurses with a four year or higher degree. With that, nursing educators need the work and participation from the clinical instructors and proctors at the clinical setting, so they can apply this goal together and train nursing students to meet the standards upon graduation. To begin, a proper and an experienced teaching must be provided.
Sadly, professionalism behaviors are diminishing continuously due to the relationship between nursing staffs and nursing students are misunderstanding when it comes to a problematic situation relating to abuse during clinicals. Felstead and Springett (2016) claimed that, students show that they need to cope with the environment to learn (as cited in Melia, 1987). Students cannot obtain the experience from the mentors if abuse and misunderstanding happened. Thus, nursing students are encouraged to speak up when things are wrong rather than keep the situation in silent.
When the issue is addressed to the school of nursing faculty, they must clarify and arrange a compromise solution to avoid further incident. One of the most important steps to prevent this problem is an open communication and clear expectations of professionalism from instructors to students in school as well as clinical institutions. This will prevent major problems to happen and promote a better outcome in providing care for the patients.
Continuity of Professionalism at School and Work
In order to act and present professionally, student nurses must follow the school policy and commonsense strategies. They should obey the rules from the school and the clinical facilities to meet the satisfactions. Student nurses need to appear and act as a friendly and welcoming person. Nursing is a career surrounded by many people, so co-workers and patients should never feel uncomfortable working with nursing students.
Moreover, students need to maintain a cheering behavior throughout any difficult situation. Though, it will not always be easy, but with an enthusiastic personality, student nurses will learn more skills rather than facing harsh situation during clinicals. It will also boost up the relationship while working with classmates or healthcare staffs at the facilities. A constructive behavior and productive thinking will help nursing students to overcome obstacles along the journey that lies ahead.
Conclusion
When the nursing educators, nurses, and nursing students are working together, they promote the idea of professionalism. The supportive action and care from instructors, nurse mentors will allow students to learn in a safe environment. Similarly, students must show respect in return to promote professional manner toward their leaders. Students are like a paper, so transforming into a professional behavior requires time. It takes an effort and determination of trying to learn of nursing students to be an expertise in becoming professional.
References
- Felstead, I. S., & Springett, K. (2016). An exploration of role model influence on adult nursing students’ professional development: A phenomenological research study. Nurse Education Today, 37, 66–70. https://doi-org.ccbcmd.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2015.11.014
- Shepard, L. H. (2014). It Takes a Village to Assure Nurse Professionalism. I-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 3(4), 1-5. doi:10.26634/jnur.3.4.2568