As, a nurse, compassion is critical in my view to be effective in the field of nursing. Compassion encompasses empathy, kindness, consideration and understanding which will be felt by an individual as one provides care. It requires the delivery of quality care with utmost respect and patience for all individuals irrespective of who they are. The compassion is shown through a nurse- patient relationship which respects the autonomy of patients as individuals who have dignity and worth. In my professional relationships, I practice with compassion and without restrictions toward each individual regardless of diversity, socioeconomic condition, ethnicity, disease process and other contextual variables.
Accountability.
Accountability
is another value that is important to me. I have to be responsible for myself and take personal accountability for my work and actions. Being accountable requires that I must take ownership of my knowledge base for effective professional practice. This entails that I have a level of personal control and autonomy in my area of function, as well as with other professional members within my environment while adhering to the principles, guidelines and rules important to the profession.
Another facet of being accountable is to be responsible for maintaining competence within my personal scope of practice. Not only by continuing education for ongoing licensure, but also with advanced credentialing and further schooling which is crucial to keep abreast of evolving events. I owe it to myself and my patient population to demonstrate this accountability throughout my career.
Professionalism.
Professionalism is defined through its application, which is the perception of each individual nurse with regard to the scope and standards of practice, code of ethics and social policy of nursing, however, professional regulation about the oversight, monitoring and control of its members is based on the principles and guidelines deemed important to the profession. As a nurse that values professionalism, the image of nursing that I present as an individual that is compassionate, accountable and displays professional behavior goes a long way to cast nursing in a positive light. Nursing is not just about a degree or licensure, but it is about helping others which I believe remains a general philosophy for all nurses.