Module 40: Nursing Professionalism Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards derived from Module 40 lecture notes, covering core concepts, standards, professional behaviors, and related components of nursing professionalism.

Profession

Work that requires specialized training and/or skills, differentiated from other occupations by specific knowledge and skills acquired in a particular area.

Gallup Survey of Professions (January 6, 2020)

An annual survey in which 85% of Americans rated nurses' honesty and ethical standards as high or very high, marking 18 consecutive years of nurses ranking highest among all professionals.

Formation

An evolutionary process that facilitates the transformation of an individual from a layperson to a professional nurse through the acquisition of lifelong learning, experience, technical expertise, and interdependent professional collaboration.

Socialization Model

An older model of entry into nursing that historically carried subservient, dependent roles for women, dominant behaviors for men, and a hierarchical structure in healthcare organizations.

Competence

The practical measure of accountability demonstrated through the rigorous application of universally accepted standards of care, evidence-based practice, and correct skill execution.

Advocacy

The practice of expressing and defending patients' needs, including conveying patient wishes to the healthcare team, communicating with families, and encouraging patients to express their desires.

Attitude

A mental state involving values, beliefs, feelings, and mood that directly affects the individual displaying it and all others nearby.

Compassion

An awareness of and concern about other individuals' suffering, demonstrated when a nurse recognizes a patient's unique need and responds appropriately to meet it.

Integrity

Adherence to a strict moral or ethical code, demonstrated by accepting feedback, maintaining accountability, admitting mistakes, and practicing within defined scopes of practice.

Accountability

The state of being answerable to expected standards of care set by governing organizations such as The Joint Commission, the ANA, and the NLN.

ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses

A foundational guide establishing ethical standards for professional nursing conduct, patient advocacy, and maintaining integrity in decision making.

Collaboration

The ability to work respectfully and communicate fluently with other members of the healthcare team to improve patient outcomes and care quality.

Professional Dress Guidelines

Standards for nurse appearance—such as wearing clean uniforms, securing hair away from patients, avoiding strong odors, long artificial nails, excessive jewelry, and visible body modifications—intended to prevent pathogen transmission and instill patient trust.

Professional Demeanor Guidelines

Behavioral standards requiring nurses to maintain a positive attitude, avoid loud talking or personal calls, keep uncluttered workstations, refrain from gossiping or complaining to patients, and maintain professional boundaries.

Electronic Media Guidelines

Strict regulations prohibiting the use of personal cell phones to document patient information, photograph charts, or share patient data on social media to prevent HIPAA violations.

Clinical Decision Making (in Professionalism)

The professional process of using careful reasoning to determine care priorities, timing of interventions, and provision of high-quality, evidence-based nursing care.

Culture and Diversity (in Professionalism)

Professional standards requiring nurses to work toward cultural competency, assess patient cultural needs, and avoid imposing personal values on patients.

Healthcare Systems (in Professionalism)

Professional behaviors assisting nurses to promote patient trust, advocate within healthcare structures, and help patients find affordable ways to access care.

Safety (in Professionalism)

The commitment to adhere to evidence-based practice guidelines, administer lifespan-appropriate interventions, and maintain awareness of personal physical limits to prevent injury.