FUNDA-Nursing-as-a-Profession

Nursing as a Profession, Art, and Basic Infection Control

Introduction

  • Understanding the role of nursing as a profession and art

  • Emphasis on the importance of infection control in nursing practice

Learning Objectives

  • At the end of the lecture, students will be able to:

    • Name the required qualities of a professional nurse.

    • Summarize the scope and standards in nursing practice.

    • Discuss the historical development of professional nursing roles.

    • Compare different ways of communicating with people.

    • Demonstrate basic infection control measures.

Nursing as a Profession

Definitions of Profession

  • Profession: A calling requiring specialized knowledge and often extended academic preparation.

  • Essential service provided to society and advancement of knowledge in the field.

Criteria of a Profession

  1. Provides a needed service to society.

  2. Advances knowledge in its field.

  3. Protects its members and allows for effective practice.

Important Professional Qualities

  • Willingness to learn, positive attitude, conflict resolution, helpfulness, integrity, calm under stress, solution-oriented, self-motivated, kind demeanor, responsible, collaborative, and confidence.

Definitions of Nursing

International Organizations

  • ICN Definition: Autonomous and collaborative care for individuals, families, and communities in health promotion, illness prevention, and care for the ill, disabled, and dying.

  • WHO Definition: Centers on the care of individuals across all settings, emphasizing health promotion, prevention, and care on the front lines of healthcare.

  • ANA Definition: Focuses on health protection, promotion, and optimization, involving advocacy and treatment of human responses.

Characteristics of Nursing

  1. Caring and close personal contact with the recipient of care.

  2. Consideration of humans as physiological, psychological, and sociological organisms.

  3. Commitment to promoting health goals and ethical/legal involvement in healthcare delivery.

Definition of Professional Nursing

  • Art and science applied in skillful care and relationships with clients and the health team.

Qualities of a Professional Nurse

Empathy

  • The ability to understand and relate to patients' experiences.

Emotional Stability

  • Essential for managing stress and emotional demands of nursing.

Communication Skills

  • Critical for effective interaction and information delivery among teams and patients.

Desire to Learn

  • Ongoing education to keep up with evolving healthcare.

Critical Thinking and Open-Mindedness

  • Vital for rational conclusions and accepting diverse patient backgrounds.

Respectfulness

  • Essential professional courtesy.

Flexibility and Physical Stamina

  • Necessary due to unpredictable nursing environments and physical demands.

Assertiveness and Reliability

  • Establishing trust and accountability in patient care.

Organizational Skills and Compassion

  • Critical for effective patient management and heartfelt care.

Ethics and Self-Care

  • Strong ethical compass and awareness of personal well-being.

Science and Art of Nursing Practice

Patricia Benner's Model

  1. Novice: No experience.

  2. Beginner: Some understanding of situations.

  3. Competent: Understands actions in terms of long-range goals.

  4. Proficient: Sees situations as wholes.

  5. Expert: Instinctively knows how to proceed.

Scope and Standard of Practice

Components of Nursing Standards

  • Standard of Practice: Assessment, Diagnosis, Outcomes Identification, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation.

  • Standards of Professional Performance: Ethics, Leadership, Education, Evidence-Based Practice, Quality of Practice, Communication, Collaboration, Evaluation, Resource Utilization, Environmental Health.

  • ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses: Establishes ethical standards and advocates for protection of human rights.

Historical Context of Nursing

  • Evolution from ancient care practices to formal nursing roles in health care facilities.

  • Contributions from notable figures like Florence Nightingale and Clara Barton shaped modern nursing.

Key Historical Developments

  1. Crimean War: Highlighted the need for organized nursing services.

  2. American Civil War: Emergence of nursing leaders advocating for care.

  3. World War II: Cadet Nurse Corps established to manage shortages.

  4. Ongoing Professional Development: The establishment of nursing standards and education systems.

Infection Control Basics

Importance of Infection Control

  • Essential measures in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Hand Hygiene

  • Use alcohol-based hand rubs or soap and water.

  • Critical before and after patient interactions.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  1. Importance of PPE in safeguarding against infections.

  2. Correct sequence for putting on PPE: Gown, Mask, Goggles, Gloves.

Precautions

  • Standard Precautions: Incorporates hand hygiene, PPE usage, respiratory hygiene, and safe sharps practices.

  • Transmission-Based Precautions: Contact, Droplet, and Airborne precautions tailored for specific infection risks.

Conclusion

  • Nursing combines science and art, emphasizing ongoing learning, adaptability, and ethical care practices to ensure optimal patient outcomes.