Competence, Professionalism, and Compassion
Abstract
There are different views on the concepts of nursing. Nurses can have the same views on nursing concepts as patients do with only slight difference. But overall the concepts of competence, professionalism, and compassion are viewed very similarly between the nurse and patient interviewed for this paper. Competence plays a key role in the quality of patient care. Compassion is a basis of nursing that expresses empathy towards patients, and professionalism can sometimes be based on behavior or values. Both nurse and the patient recognizes the need for these three concepts in the nursing field to better provide a …show more content…
Professionalism in Nursing Practice by Francesca Costell (2008) compares and contrast the different views based on the aforementioned aspects. The value basis is principles that underlie what it means to be nurses while the behavioral basis are the behaviors “one must exhibit to act professionally” (Castell 2008, p.17). She further divides value based into the categories of clinical competency (excellence), humanism, and altruism. Behavior-based was also divided into Service and ethical conduct. From behavioral stand point, castell believes that humanism is a component of professionalism because the “interaction is vital for guiding the medical profession” (2008, p.13). As E.J mentioned above, showing your human side shoes respect for the patient and “signals the worth of the individual human being and his or her belief and value system” (2008, p.13). Castell view on professionalism coincides with E. J point of view as both acknowledge the need to sometime show emotion to connect with patients. Castell’s incorporates a key aspect of professionalism, ethical conduct. An unethical clinical example mentioned is of a student nurses preparing to care for an elderly patient and the experienced nurses’ warned of his obnoxious behavior and rudeness. This was an unprofessional as Castell believes “this could have …show more content…
As I will come across patients or situations of different nature, culture and need to be able to use skills that will cater to the specific situation or need at any given time. Competency in one area neglects to fulfill the needs of the patient overall and decreases quality of care. The same principle can be applied to professionalism, as I have to know what action is appropriate for nursing professional at any given time. But also judge whether my professionalism should be based on value or behavioral. This choice will be made base on what’s best for the patient, me, as well as others involves safety and well-being at the