Professionalism in Nursing

Recommendation 1.0: Professionalism includes: 

• 1.1 A body of knowledge that is theoretical, practical and clinical.
• 1.2 Being able to apply that knowledge.
• 1.3 Using theoretical and/or evidence-based rationale for practice.
• 1.4 Synthesizing information from a variety of sources.
• 1.5 Using information or evidence from nursing and other disciplines to inform practice.
• 1.6 Sharing or communicating knowledge with colleagues, clients, family and others to continually improve care and health outcomes.

Recommendation 2.0: Professionalism includes: 

• 2.1 Being open-minded and having the desire to explore new knowledge.
• 2.2 Asking questions leading to the generation of knowledge and refinement of existing knowledge.
• 2.3 Striving to define patterns of responses from clients, stakeholders and their context.
• 2.4 Being committed to life-long learning.

Recommendation 3.0: Professionalism includes: 

• 3.1 Understanding the meaning of self-regulation and its implications for practice.
• 3.2 Using legislation, standards of practice and a code of ethics to clarify one's scope of practice.
• 3.3 Being committed to work with clients and families to achieve desired outcomes.
• 3.4 Being actively engaged in advancing the quality of care.
• 3.5 Recognizing personal capabilities, knowledge base and areas for development.

Recommendation 4.0: Professionalism includes: 

• 4.1 Working independently and exercising decision-making within one's appropriate scope of practice.
• 4.2 Recognizing relational autonomy and the effects of the context and relationships on this autonomy.
• 4.3 Becoming aware of barriers and constraints that may interfere with one's autonomy and seeking ways to remedy the situation.

Recommendation 5.0: Professionalism includes: 

• 5.1 Understanding the client's perspective.
• 5.2 Assisting the client with their learning needs.
• 5.3 Being involved in professional practice initiatives and activities to enhance health care.
• 5.4 Being knowledgeable about policies that impact on delivery of health care.

Recommendation 6.0: Professionalism includes:

• 6.1 Fostering a culture of innovation to enhance client/family outcomes.
• 6.2 Showing initiative for new ideas and being involved through taking action.
• 6.3 Influencing the future of nursing, delivery of health care and the health care system.

Recommendation 7.0: Professionalism includes:

• 7.1 Developing collaborative partnerships within a professional context.
• 7.2 Acting as a mentor to nurses, nursing students and colleagues to enhance and support professional growth.
• 7.3 Acknowledging and recognizing interdependence between care providers

Recommendation 8.0: Professionalism includes: 

• 8.1 Knowledgeable about ethical values, concepts and decision-making.
• 8.2 Being able to identify ethical concerns, issues and dilemmas.
• 8.3 Applying knowledge of nursing ethics to make decisions and to act on decisions.
• 8.4 Being able to collect and use information from various sources for ethical decision-making.
• 8.5 Collaborating with colleagues to develop and maintain a practice environment that supports nurses and respects their ethical and professional responsibilities.
• 8.6 Engaging in critical thinking about ethical issues in clinical and professional practice.