Observing professionalism and conforming to ethical requirements are integral aspects of any profession. Given the sanctity of life, medical professionals are obligated to act ethically, perhaps while handling patients. I acknowledge that learning ethical principles as RN professional and incorporating them in my practice is imperative in my service to humanity. This paper aims to reflect on Essential VIII with a view of exploring professionalism and professional values. I will discuss ethical principles and ethical decision-making frameworks as pinned in the transformational leadership approach. My experience so far, my knowledge, and skills in organization and nursing practice demonstrate a thorough understanding of professional standards, ethics, and leadership. While gaining skills and knowledge is important in the nursing profession, meeting Essential VIII concepts is equally imperative.
As Essential VIII illustrates, nurses are supposed to demonstrate a profound understanding of ethical and professional values in their practice. According to Fitzpatrick (2018), the foundation of nursing practice is professional values and their accompanying standards. Inherent in the professional nursing practice is a clear understanding of the legal, historical, and modern context of ethical practice. In the “Personal Leadership Reflective Paper” assignment, I indicated that the transformation leadership approach is highly effective in promoting the nursing practice. In particular, this change approach focuses on an open communication framework, thereby creating a free flow of information between medical professionals. I have learned that the transformational leadership approach fosters accountability while at the same time balancing the leader and followers’ interactions.
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My nursing experience, knowledge, and skills have demonstrated that transformational leadership is focused on not only boosting communication between the nursing professionals but also with patients. In other words, the transformational leadership model is squarely at the core of a patient-centred treatment approach. It is imperative to promoting effective communication between nurses and patients. I note that for patient-centred care to be realized, nurses should have crucial communication skills including focused active listening, use of open-ended questions to encourage open and free conversation, and not interrupting patients (Hashim, 2017). Nurses should not overwhelm patients with diagnostic data, but provide them with small chunks of information through repeated cycles as enshrined in the “ask-tell-ask” communication approach. Through this conceptual communication framework, it is easier for the nurses to promote shared decision-making, which empowers the patients to consider both pros and cons of various treatment interventions.
Essential VIII on professionalism and professional values is significantly important in facilitating patient-centred care. The exercise of the critical ethical standards ensures that nurses treat patients in a manner that demonstrates professionalism in their practice. I have learned professionalism in the nursing practice entails a thorough exercise of the core values in which nurses work with other medical professionals to meet optimal health outcomes for the patients. Notably, the optimal health outcome as envisioned in patient-centred care requires nurses to apply the principles of excellence, accountability, respect, ethics, altruism, communication, and caring.
Furthermore, professionalism entails accountability for the nursing practice and continuous professional engagement, as anchored on the need for lifelong learning. In the “Improving Access to Mental Health Act” discussion paper, I have highlighted the need for continuous engagement between nurses as well as the management. The engagement allows nurses to voice out their concerns. Besides, they learn from their peers and senior colleagues. I hold that the acquisition of knowledge from interactions with other professionals and patients is core in lifelong learning. In practice, I take learning seriously as I seek to improve my professionalism and adherence to professional values. Hearing or speaking with other professionals allows me to take the wisdom or message and integrate it into my nursing practice.
References
Fitzpatrick, L. (2018). The importance of communication and professional values relating to nursing practice. Links to Health and Social Care , 3 (1), 26-40.
Hashim, M. J. (2017). Patient-centered communication: Basic skills. American Family Physician , 95 (1), 29-34.
