Running head: PROFESSIONAL VALUES 1

EssentialVIIINursingProfessionalismandProfessionalValues

LyubovKirillov

FrostburgStateUniversity
PROFESSIONAL VALUES 2

EssentialVIIINursingProfessionalismandProfessionalValues

Nursesaremedicalprofessionalswhodemonstrateprofessionalskillsinavariety

ofsettingssuchashomehealth,traumaoremergencyroom,hospitalorclinic,hospice,

andmanyothersettings.TheEssentialVIIIfromAmericanAssociationofCollegesof

Nursing(AACN)(2008)definesprofessionalismasthe consistent demonstration of core

values evidenced by nurses working with other professionals to achieve optimal health

and wellness outcomes in patients, families, and communities by wisely applying

principles of altruism, excellence, caring, ethics, respect, communication, and

accountability (AACN, 2008, p. 26). Nurses have learned the principles of altruism and

utilize these principles in their clinical settings. Although nursing is a noble and

rewarding profession, there is still nursing shortages.

Exemplar

Nursing is a highly-respected profession due to the care and compassion nurses

demonstrate toward their patients and families. One of the goals nurses try to achieve is

to establish a therapeutic relationship with their patients and families, Professional

nursing requires a balance between evidencebased knowledge, skills, and attitudes and

professional confidence, maturity, caring, and compassion (AACN, 2008, p. 27).

Although the economic structure of the healthcare is constantly under reform it does not

necessarily affect the professionalism of nurses.

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Reflection

Thegoalofhealthcareorganizationsistomakenursingamoreattractive

professionbyincreasingtheappealofhospitalsettingasanalluringopportunity.In

addition, increased interest in nursing does not automatically result in increased numbers

of nurses due to the multiple issues faced by nursing programs such as the aging nurse

faculty, insufficient salaries for nursing faculty, and limitations on clinical space (Hertel,

2012).

Inanysettingnursesareguidedbyautonomy,dignity,altruism,socialjusticeand

integrity.AACN(2008)providesadefinitionofintegrity,acting in accordance with an

appropriate code of ethics and accepted standards of practice. Integrity is reflected in

professional practice when the nurse is honest and provides care based on an ethical

framework that is accepted within the profession (p. 27). Patients exercise autonomy-

make decisions regarding their care based on facts provided through nurses integrity

which makes nurses valuable to healthcare organizations. Nurses consistently

demonstrate the core values of professionalism, follow the standards set by the American

Nurses Association and are held accountable for the professional nursing
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References

The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. (20 October

2008). American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Washington, DC:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Hertel, R. (2012). Health Care Reform and Issues in Nursing. Academy of Medical-

Surgical Nurses, 21(1), 3-7.