Introduction to Professional Development : Profession and Professionalism

1. Introduction to Professional Development: Profession and Professionalism Carol P. Wiseman Nurse Educator

2. Objectives At the end of this session students will be able to: • Define the terms profession and professionalism. • Outline the criteria for a profession. • Discuss the arguments for classifying nursing as a profession.

3. Profession • A profession is a calling that requires advanced knowledge, skill, and preparation; and grows out of society’s need for special services.

4. Profession • A profession is an occupation based on specialized intellectual study and training, the purpose of which is to supply skilled services with ethical components.

5. Criteria for a Profession Strong Theoretical Base • Theories define and clarify nursing and the purpose of nursing practice. • Use of theory of nursing leads to coordinated and less fragmented care.

6. Criteria for a Profession Strong Theoretical Base • Florence Nightingale – 1859 • Virginia Henderson – 1955 • Dorothea Orem – 1971(Self Care) • Callista Roy 1976 (Adaptation Model) • Jean Watson – 1979 (Caring) • Patricia Benner – 1984 (Novice to Expert)

7. Criteria for a Profession A profession has a unique body of knowledge/theory • There is a limited body of knowledge that has been tested and identified as underlying nursing practice

8. Criteria for a Profession Prolonged Specialized Training • Three years or more in college or universities. • Liberal arts education in addition to the biologic and social sciences and the nursing discipline.

9. Criteria for a Profession Prolonged Specialized Training • Varying entry levels into profession – Diploma, Associate Degree, BSc • Varying length of education

10. Criteria for a Profession A profession has autonomy of practice • NCTT Determines scope of practice Control over registration Disciplinary powers Standards of education and practice

11. Profession Strong Service Orientation • A profession is motivated to serve the needs of the community, rather than its own self-interests. • Many consider altruism (selfless concern for others) the hallmark of a profession. • Nursing has a tradition of service to others.

12. Criteria for a Profession A PROFESSION HAS A CODE OF ETHICS • ICN Code of Ethics and universal moral principles serve as the blueprint for other local codes of ethics.

13. Profession Participation in theProfessional Organization • Trinidad & Tobago Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA) • For nursing to be a profession the TTRNAmust be supported by the members of the occupation • Membership at approximately 45-50 %

14. Criteria for a Profession A Credentialing System to Ensure Competence. • Must successfully complete RENR and be recommended by school Principal to be entered on the register as a Nurse. • Annual registration with the NCTT to practice as an RN in Trinidad and Tobago.

15. Criteria for a Profession Advancement Of The Profession By On-going Research • Evidence Based Nursing e.g. Wound management techniques Catheter care Retention of nurses Approaches to education Health promotion studies

16. An Emerging Profession • Services offered traditionally associated with wives and mothers. • Historically seen as subservient to medicine. • Education requirements not yet standardized

17. An Emerging Profession • Three tier entry level into practice. • Autonomy not complete – still dependent on medicine to direct most of its practice

18. Definition: Professional • An individual who displays competent and skilful behaviors in alignment with their profession (Gokenbach,2012). • The act of behaving in a manner defined and expected by the chosen profession (Gokenbach,2012).

19. Definition: Professionalism • Embraces a set of attitudes, skills, and behaviors, attributes and values which are expected from those to whom society has extended the privilege of being considered a professional (Swick, 2000).

20. Definition: Professionalism • Those attitudes or ways of being that are born out of valuing ones work and which demonstrate a capacity and willingness to serve others.

21. Professionalism in Action A professional looks the part • The way one dresses symbolizes role identity, authority, professional image, and confidence- as well as the way the nurse feels about themselves (Mangum, et. Al., 1991).

22. Professionalism in Action Treatment of Others • A professional treats everyone with dignity and respect.

23. Professionalism in Action Commitment to lifelong learning • School is never out for us – keeping up with professional magazines and websites, attending personal or professional conferences, or simply by listening to and learning from others.

24. Professionalism in Action Attitude to work • Professionals are committed to excellence whether they “feel like it” or not, whether external circumstances warrant it or not.

25. Nightingale, 1868 • “ Nursing is an art, and, if it is to be made an art, requires as exclusive a devotion, as hard a preparation, as any painter or sculptor’s work; for what is the having to do with dead canvas or cold marble, compared with having to do with the living body- the temple of God’s spirit? It is one of the fine arts; I had almost said, the finest of Fine Arts”