Professionalism and Leadership in Nursing

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the core concepts of nursing professionalism, skill acquisition stages, accountability, and leadership styles based on the lecture transcript.

Nursing Profession

A scholarly profession with a foundation based on the art of caring and the scientific evidence that guides practice.

Professionalism

The actions, behaviors, and attitudes of an individual that are reflective of the core values, ethical principles, and regulatory guidelines of the profession.

Unprofessionalism

Conduct that does not adhere to the standards of practice or the code of ethics.

Conduct unbecoming of a nurse

Misconduct that dishonors, disgraces, or harms the standing or reputation of the profession in the eyes of the public.

Novice (Stage 1)

A beginner with little or no experience.

Advanced Beginner (Stage 2)

Demonstrates basic skills but continues to need the support and guidance of a mentor.

Competent (Stage 3)

An individual who can plan, make decisions, and perform job responsibly and efficiently.

Proficient (Stage 4)

Demonstrates advanced decision making, knowledge, resourcefulness, flexibility, and problem solving.

Expert (Stage 5)

Role models deep knowledge and skills, teaches others, and multitasks effortlessly and fluently.

Professional Identity

A nurse’s sense of self as influenced by the values, beliefs, and attributes associated with the nursing discipline.

Accountability

A legal obligation with a moral and ethical commitment to do the right thing every time, taking ownership of decisions and being answerable for actions and consequences.

Responsibility

An obligation to perform work, duties, or tasks using sound professional judgment while being reliable, dependable, and persistent.

Best Practice

Investigates innovative interventions to change practice to improve outcomes, improve patient satisfaction, and decrease cost to the patient and healthcare facility.

Critical Thinkers

Nurses who apply knowledge and experience to analyze and problem solve practice/patient problems.

Transactional Leaders

Leaders who focus on results, thrive on rules, and use rewards or punishments based on how tasks are completed.

Transformational Leaders

Leaders who establish a common mission and vision, relay trustworthiness, and display compassion to heighten performance levels.

Laissez-Faire Leaders

Hands-off leaders who oversee and encourage their team to work independently, providing little direct control over decision making.

Bureaucratic Leaders

A 'by-the-book' leader who relies heavily on consistency, adherence to rules, and handles situations with a top-down decision-making approach.

Situational Leaders

Leaders who transition or move from one leadership style to another depending on the circumstances, task, and nature of the group.

Chain of Command

An organizational hierarchy identifying the lines of authority within an organization; for example: LVN to Charge Nurse to Clinical manager.

Shared Governance

A shared-decision structure based on the premise that nurses will have control over their own practice and access to resources and growth opportunities.