E-Folio: Professionalism theory Baccalaureate Essentials VIII describes professionalism and inherent values of altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice, and its primary importance to the discipline of nursing. Novice nurses have to make sure that they follow major principles outlined in the AACN Baccalaureate Essentials document (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008). The purpose of this essential is to make sure that future nurses understand what professionalism incorporates and to make sure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the major standards. The course meets the standard of professionalism and professional values which enable nurses to be effective healthcare professionals who provide high-quality patient care. Exemplar One of the assignments completed during the course focuses on this essential. I concentrated on the way nurses can improve interactions between all stakeholders. I focused on ways which can be used to encourage patients to live healthier life and make their life more enjoyable even in the given conditions. I also touched upon an issue of interaction with colleagues as it is pivotal to cooperate with other healthcare professionals effectively. Using appropriate leadership style and evidence-based approach has helped me become an effective healthcare professional. Reflection I believe this standard was met in this assignment as we were asked to research ways nurses can articulate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the nursing profession (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008). During this course we were also able to reflect on our beliefs as they relate to professional practice (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Running head: E-FOLIO 3
2008). Thus, I reflected on my nursing experience and I can conclude that I have always tried to promote the image of nursing through provision of comprehensive and high-quality services which are based on principles of altruism, professionalism, autonomy and morality.
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Reference American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2008). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education/pdf/BaccEssentials08.pdf
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Professionalism Theory (Exemplar) Introduction Martha Rogers used her nursing theory of Science of Unitary Human Beings to promote the quality of healthcare delivered to different patients. According to this theory, nurses should view human beings as crucial parts or elements of the universe (Fawcett, 2013). That being the case, nursing practice should focus on the best healthcare services and support. The theory goes further to explain why human-environment interaction is critical towards better healthcare and service delivery. This theory is useful because it provides the best framework for nursing practice. Rogers explains why nurses should consider the practice as a science and art. The theorist explains how the attachment between human beings and the environment forms what Martha calls a unitary concept (Blais, Hayes, Kozier, & Erb, 2011). Applying the Theory to My Nursing Practice According to McEwen and Willis (2010, p. 48), human beings and the environment are indivisible and possess irreducible energy fields. Such fields can only be identified using clear patterns of the whole. This is what forms the unitary human field (McEwen & Willis, 2010). That being the case, human health is the outward expression of life and its wider process. According to this theory, illness and health are parts of the human continuum. Nursing is an artistic practice whereby every caregiver promotes the health of a patient (or any other individual) through art and creativity. The facets of the Science of Unitary Human Beings theory present some of the best ideas towards better healthcare (Fawcett, 2013). To begin with, nursing should be an independent practice whereby caregivers use scientific inquiry and evidence-based approach. I believe that the theory can be essential towards the best nursing practice. The first thing is to Running head: E-FOLIO 6
consider every situation because it is critical towards better healthcare. The theory teaches people about importance of treating human beings as critical aspects of the environment (Fawcett, 2013, p. 46). Human beings cannot live in complete isolation. Nurses should use Marthas theory to widen their beliefs and knowledge. Marthas theory explains why nursing is something more than treating a disease. Caregivers can embrace the practice to promote a persons health status. According to the theory, professionals and nurses should always embrace the art and science of nursing (McEwen & Willis, 2010). As in the medical surgical unit, I will always use this theory to examine the situations and problems affecting my patients, this includes their psychosocial and emotional needs. The approach will make their lives much better. The theory has always played a significant role towards changing my nursing and personal beliefs. Nurses should also embrace the importance of scientific inquiries and evidence-based practices. This will ensure every stakeholder, educationist, nurse, and caregiver becomes part of the wider nursing practice. The facts of this theory will make my nursing practice effective and successful. How the Theory Dictates My Leadership and Organizational Style I have always promoted the best interaction between my patients and other stakeholders. The theory explains how the healing process should consider every implication of disease development in order to avoid the impacts of the environment. I will use the approach to understand the possible cause of every disease and offer the best countermeasures (Tomey & Alligood, 2006). This is the best path towards a professional practice. The theory explains how caregivers can use the idea to rearrange the energy fields of their patients. Marthas theory presents the best practices for professional nursing such as the use of scientific inquiry and evidence-based practice. Running head: E-FOLIO 7
The other important thing is how to make the workplace enjoyable and productive. It is also appropriate for every nurse to work in a good environment. This theory explains why I have always been ready to associate and interact with other nurses. Evidence-based practices explain the importance of proper communication and leadership styles in every healthcare organization (Blais et al., 2011). The ideas and concepts of this theory have always influenced my communication style. For instance, I have always communicated effectively with my fellow nurses. The practice has made my nursing practice successful. Nurses should be part of their environment in order to provide the best healthcare to their patients (Tomey & Alligood, 2006). The theory explains why inter and intra-disciplinary leadership strategies are critical in every healthcare facility. The concepts of management and collaboration also form a critical feature of my nursing philosophy. It is my duty to collaborate with one another at the workplace. Collaboration makes it easier to identify the strengths and weaknesses at the workplace (Blais et al., 2011). Conclusion As a nurse, I have always used this theory to gain new ideas and evidence-based concepts at my workplace. For instance, I always encourage my workmates to form the best teams and embrace the best decision-making processes. The approach explains why it has been possible to provide quality healthcare to the targeted patients. I have also mentored and encouraged my patients to live a better life and embrace the best health practices. It is my obligation to interact with every patient and stakeholder at my workplace. I will always use these ideas and theories in order to make my nursing practice successful. I will use this theory to provide the best nursing services to all my patients. Every caregiver should consider the importance of this theory because it presents the best ideas for better nursing practice. Running head: E-FOLIO 8
Reference Blais, K., Hayes, S., Kozier, B., & Erb, G. (2011). Professional nursing: Concepts and perspectives. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Fawcett, J. (2013). The Nurse Theorists: 21 st Century Updates: Martha E. Rogers. Nursing Science Quarterly, 16(1), 44-51. McEwen, M., & Willis, E. (2010). Theoretical Basis for Nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Tomey, A., & Alligood, M. (2006). Nursing Theorists and Their Work. St. Louis, MO: Mosby.