Unit 1Foundations of the Profession

Karin Polifko, PhD, RN, CNAA

Chapter 1

From Practice to Professionalism: The Struggle Within

Nursing in Changing Times• Reorganizing Care

– New focus areas for nurses– NJPC– Expanding scope of practice– Increased need for more education

Era of Ambiguity and Opportunity

• Enhanced communication• Increased knowledge acquisition• Provision of culture-conscious patient care

Professional Identity• Definition: “…fundamental to its formation are service to society, a distinct body of knowledge on which practice is based, self-regulation, adherence to a code of ethics, commitment to lifelong learning, and a unique subculture.”

Professional Identity• Begins upon entry into school• Relationship development• “Failure to use professional nurses according to their education and expertise is a malady of misuse”

Public Identity• N-STAT• What is our image in the media, among friends, professionally?

Professional Workforce in the 21st Century

Core Competencies• Collaborative relationships • Commitment to lifelong learning • Evaluation of outcomes of care• Informatics as “5th vital sign”