What is professionalism? The nursing profession began with a genuine desire to serve and care for others, combined with compassion, commitment and professionalism. Professionalism, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary, is “the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person.” Professionalism is the competence or skill expected of a professional. A professional is a person who engages in a specific occupation or activity. A professional upholds and exemplifies the characteristics of their particular profession. Professionalism can be defined as one’s conduct at work.
A profession is defined as a calling or vocation, especially one that involves some type of advanced learning or science. Professionalism is having unique knowledge and an obligation to serve the community. Professional qualities include accountability, responsibility, commitment and dependability. Being professional includes being respectful of others. One is able to admit mistakes and learns from them. They keep their word and do what they say they will do or what is asked of them. Honesty and integrity are important attributes of professionalism. Society holds professionals in higher esteem than other occupations. Professionals are expected to show a degree of self-sacrifice in dealing with the community. Professionalism is the most important skill to possess.
There is more to being professional than just acquiring training and skills. A large part of being recognized as a professional includes earning the respect of clients and colleagues. Some important concepts of being a true professional include being responsible and accountable, developing respect, doing what is right and learning how to project a professional image. It is adherence to undeviating courtesy, respect and responsibility in one’s dealings with customers and work associates, plus commitment to a level of excellence that goes over and above commercial