PROFESSIONALISM IN NURSING LINDA MOGAMBI RN, BSc, MSc
Profession Bailliere's Nurses dictionary defines a profession as: A 'calling’, vocation, or occupation requiring specialised knowledge, methods and skills, as well as preparation in an institution of higher learning in the scholarly, scientific and historical principles underlying such methods and skills'. Members of a profession are committed to continuing study, to enlarging their body of knowledge, to placing service above personal gain and to providing practical services, vital to human society and social welfare. A profession functions autonomously and is committed to higher standards of achievement and conduct
Profession Professionals Group of individuals whose members possess specialized knowledge which is acquired through formal education beyond basic schooling and that knowledge is not common to all members of the society. This formal education is prescribed by the law of the land. Professional Nurse A n individual who has successfully undergone a prescribed nursing training programme, has passed a licensing examination and is registered by the national nursing regulatory body, in our context the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK).
Profession Professionalism Refers to professional character, spirit, or methods. It is a set of attributes, a way of life that implies responsibility and commitment. Professionalization Process of becoming professional, that is, of acquiring characteristics considered to be professional
Characteristics of a Profession A profession is generally distinguished from other kinds of occupations by: Its requirement of prolonged, specialized training to acquire a body of knowledge pertinent to the role to be performed An orientation of the individual toward service, either to a community or to an organization Ongoing research A code of ethics Autonomy Professional organization
Specialized Education Specialized education is an important aspect of professional status Nursing education has various levels which train different cadres of nurses whose scope of practice is distinct The trend in education for the professions has shifted toward programs in colleges and universities. An ideal undergraduate nursing curriculum should include liberal arts education in addition to the biologic and social sciences and the nursing discipline
Body of knowledge Nursing has established a well-defined body of knowledge and expertise. A number of nursing conceptual frame-works and theories have been/continue to be developed in the contemporary era contribute to this knowledge base of nursing and give direction to nursing practice, education, and on-going research
Service Orientation A service orientation differentiates nursing from an occupation pursued primarily for profit. Altruism (selfless concern for others) is the hallmark of a profession. Nursing has a tradition of service to others. This service, however, must be guided by certain rules, policies, or codes of ethics. The nursing profession is distinguished by its philosophy of care, full time commitment to human well being, particular blend of knowledge and skills, valuable service to the community and the regulation of its practice.
On going Research A profession is characterized by use of f scientific methods to enlarge body of knowledge (research) Research has contributed significantly to nursing practice Trends in nursing research 1940s - early stages of development 1950s - directed at the study of nursing education 1960s - studies relating to the nature of the knowledge base underlying nursing practice. 1970s - practice-related issues
Code of Ethics The nursing profession requires integrity of its members - a member is expected to do what is considered right regardless of the personal cost. Ethical codes change as the needs and values of society change. Nursing has developed its own codes of ethics and has set up means to monitor the professional behavior of its members.
Autonomy This refers to ability of a profession to regulate itself and sets standards for its members Providing autonomy is one of the purposes of a professional association In order to function autonomously, the professional association must form policy and control of its activities The professional group must be granted legal authority to define the scope of its practice, describe its particular functions and roles, and determine its goals and responsibilities in delivery of its services Practitioners of nursing Autonomy means independence at work, responsibility, and accountability for one’s actions NB: Autonomy is more easily achieved and maintained from a position of authority
Professional Organization Professional associations differentiate occupation from profession Associations govern professions by establishment and maintenance of social, political, and economic arrangements by which practitioners control their practice, their self-discipline, their working conditions, and their professional affairs. Examples: NCK, NNAK
Socialization to nursing Refers to process by which people: Learn to become members of groups and society Learn the social rules defining relationships into which they will enter Socialization involves learning to behave, feel, and see the world in a manner similar to other persons occupying the same role as oneself The goal of professional socialization is to instill in individuals the norms, values, attitudes, and behaviors deemed essential for survival of the profession
Patricia Benner’s Stages of Nursing Expertise Benner’s model (2001) describes five levels of proficiency in nursing. The model is based on the Dreyfus general model of skill acquisition. The five stages have implications for teaching and learning. These are: STAGE I: NOVICE No experience (e.g., nursing student). Performance is limited, in-flexible, and governed by rules and regulations rather than experience. STAGE II: ADVANCED BEGINNER Demonstrates marginally acceptable performance. Recognizes the meaningful “aspects” of a real situation. Has experienced enough real situations to make judgments about them.
Benner’s stages of expertise STAGE III: COMPETENT Has 2 or 3 years of experience. Demonstrates organizational and planning abilities. Can prioritize and make judgment. Coordinates multiple complex care demands. STAGE IV: PROFICIENT Has 3 to 5 years of experience. Perceives situations holistically. Has holistic understanding of the client, which improves decision making. Focuses on long term goals. STAGE V: EXPERT Performance is fluid, flexible, and highly proficient; demonstrates highly skilled intuitive and analytic ability in new situations.
Characteristics of a Professional Nurse Displays high standards of performance and integrity in nursing practice Seeks constantly to improve technical and interpersonal skills through continuing education and research Uses sound judgement and discretion in dealing with clients and their relatives Provides holistic care to patients, family and community Deals competently with crisis situations Puts what is good for professional services to patients ahead of self-interest
Characteristics of a professional nurse Coordinates and evaluates nursing services in cooperation with members of other health services (collaboration and networking) Finds satisfaction and spiritual values in their work Feels responsible for the status of nursing and tries to advance and never to retard it Has inner resources to which she/he can turn to, for renewal of faith and courage when weary and discouraged Is proud of her/his profession and considers it to be at par with other professions like medicine or law or any other vocation practised for compensation, which at the same time contributes in its own unique way to the welfare of humanity
Professional Nursing Organizations
Nursing Council of Kenya Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) NCK was established in 1949 by an act of parliament. The Council is a corporate body with power to sue and be sued and to purchase, hold, manage and dispose of land and other property and to enter into such contracts, as it may consider necessary or expedient Nurses Act, Chapter 257 of the laws of Kenya was enacted to make provision for the training, registration, enrolment and licensing of nurses, to regulate their conduct and to ensure their maximum participation in the health care of the community and for connected purposes (Nurses Act 1985).
Functions of NCK Establishing and improving of all branches of the nursing profession in all their aspects and to safeguard the interest of all nurses Establishing and improving the standards of professional nursing and of health care within the community Prescribing and regulating syllabuses of instruction and courses of training for persons seeking registration or enrolment under the Act Recommending institutions to be approved for the training of persons seeking registration or enrolment under the Act Prescribing and conducting examinations for persons seeking registration or enrolment under the Act.
Functions of NCK Prescribing badges, insignia or uniforms to be worn by persons registered, licensed or enrolled under the Act Regarding the conduct of person registered, licensed or enrolled under the act, and to take such disciplinary measures as may be necessary to maintain a proper standard of conduct among such persons Regarding the standards for nursing care, qualified staff, facilities, conditions and environment of health institutions Directing and supervising the compilation and maintenance of registers, rolls and records for registered nurses Advising the cabinet secretary on matters concerning all aspects of nursing
Standing committees Education Standards and Ethics Registration and Licensing Finance Disciplinary Investigations
National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK ) The National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK) is a professional association for nurses, which is registered by the Registrar of Societies as a welfare association Membership of NNAK is open to all nurses who are either registered or enrolled by the Nursing Council of Kenya. Student nurses can join as associate members The Association has branches in all and officials in all counties as well as nationally Various nursing disciplines are represented as chapters, for example, midwives, operating theatre nurses, mental health and psychiatric nurses, educationists, intensive care nurses and private practice nurses NNAK is a member of a regional body known as the East Central Southern Africa College of Nursing (ECSACON) Association of Professional Societies of East Africa (APSEA) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Additionally, NNAK works with related associations such as the Royal College of Nurses, Royal College of Midwives, Kenya Medical Association (KMA), the Association of Kenya Obstetricians/Gynaecologists (KOGS) and other health organisations.
Objectives Links Kenyan nurses with other nurses in the world through ICN Maintain standards of nursing practice through continuous professional development Acts as a media through which nurses channel their grievances to their employer Publishing and dissemination of nursing research Sensitizes members on the code of ethics Promote general health and welfare of the society
Functions Promoting nursing and maintaining the honour, interest and practice of all aspects of the profession as a whole Promoting and maintaining high standards of nursing education Stimulating and encouraging nursing research Promoting co-operation between this body and other national and international professional bodies Promoting good understanding between the Association, central and local governments and all communities
Functions Acting as a local representative body of the nursing profession Supporting a high standard of nursing ethics, conduct and practice Assisting whenever possible members who by reason of adversity or ill health are in need of help Arranging and holding periodic meetings of the Association for professional, educational and social purposes Circulating such information as may be thought necessary by means of a journal, bulletin or any other method
International Council of Nurses (ICN) First international organization for professional nurses Founded in 1899 but accepted in 1900 By 1973, there were 80 countries in full membership to ICN Kenya became a member in 1961 It’s a professional body that helps nurses in the world get together and present a united front It’s a self governing body whose functions are unrestricted by race, nationality, creed, politics, color, sex or social status
Objectives Assist nurses associations improve standards of practice and competence through updating members on new developments Promote development of strong nurses associations; assist countries with no associations, support countries trying to start one Serves as an authoritative voice of nurses and nursing internationally Improve status of nurses Formulate code of conduct for nursing