In the 1800s many nurses never went to nursing school. Often, the nuns were the nurses or other women who offered care to the sick, homeless, or poor (Nursing Schools Path 2013). Through the middle Ages, hospitals were run by nurses who often were associated with religious organizations. During the 21st century, nurses had gained more skills and took up superior roles with more important functions. Moreover, the rise of intensive care units as well as specialty facilitated the expansion of many areas of expertise in nursing. Nurses began to work in more specialized care settings and studied care of patients in their respective fields. More nursing schools were built. Nursing schools offered more knowledge and skills in many areas for instance; pediatrics, neonatal nursing, critical care, orthopedics, psychiatric nursing, as well as trauma and flight nursing, among many other areas of expertise (Nursing Schools Path 2013). There had been technological advancements such as the use of electronic health records, remote monitoring, education through simulation, telehealth, and a host of so far undiscovered innovations. More hospitals have been built thus improving the working conditions of nurses.
Being professional is described as complying with the technical or ethical standards of an individual's profession. Professionalism in nursing can be defined as thorough adherence to unending courtesy, honesty, as well as responsibility in dealing with patients and associates (Ellie 2014).
Integrity, patient equality and attitude are three qualities which are very important to a nurse when portraying professionalism. Nurses have an obligation to treat all patients equally not considering factors such as gender, age, socio-economic background or race. Any nurse must shun from making assumptions concerning a patient basing on appearance. A nurse is expected to take time to study the patient as well as the circumstances leading up to his or her injury or illness (Health Ecareers Network 2011).
In any job, Attitude plays a vital role. However, in nursing, it is key to behave responsibly and professional. Nurses must make every effort to approach each patient in a friendly, positive and caring manner, putting their personal concerns on the side whenever they are at work.
Nurses are assumed to be the advocates of their patients and thus have to know when to stand their ground- integrity. It is their duty to speak up if they have any apprehensions about a patient's condition or feel that the patient is not given the treatment he or she should. In some instance, this may imply going up the chain of command to report cases of neglect or negligence (Health Ecareers Network 2011).
References
Ellie, W. (2014). Define Professionalism in Nursing. Retrieved from
http://work.chron.com/define-professionalism-nursing-15763.html
Health Ecareers Network. (2011). How Important Is Professionalism for A Nurse? Retrieved
Nursing Schools Path. (2013). The History of Nursing. Retrieved from
http://www.nursingschoolspath.com/the-history-of-nursing.html
