Professional Identity Of The Nurse: Putting It All Together ✓ Solved
Professional Identity of the Nurse: Putting it All Together
According to Larson, Brady, Engelmann, Perkins, and Shultz (2013), “the development of professional identity is a continuous process that begins with admission to the nursing program and evolves throughout one’s professional career in a dynamic and fluid process where interacting relationship of education and practice lead to self-reflection, growth, and human flourishing” (p. 138). This course includes a project with three parts. Each part builds off prior knowledge to help you create your nurse professional identity.
In the first part, you examine the role of the nurse and scope of practice, which will help you identify the nurses’ role. In the second part, you examine the standards of nursing practice for the role you are obtaining during the nursing program, and you identify your beliefs, values, motives, and experiences. The final submission requires you to use the first two parts of your assignment to create your professional identity and identify a potential professional organization that you may join to help support your development.
Prepare a two to three page written assignment that includes the following: Introduction to the assignment (sections of the assignment: caring, professional identity, and professional organizations/associations); Explain your belief of caring in nursing (self, nursing, environment, and profession); Describe your professional identity including your beliefs, values, motives, and experiences; Discuss one to two professional organizations/associations you plan to be involved in during your nursing career; Conclusion (reflect on the criteria of the assignment; caring, professional identity, and professional organizations/associations); Use at least two credible resources to support your findings.
Be sure to use proper APA format and style. The formatting should include writing in Standard American English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.), logical, original and insightful content, and mechanics in APA format.
Paper For Above Instructions
The professional identity of a nurse is shaped through interactions, experiences, and foundational beliefs developed during training and practice. This paper reflects upon the various components that contribute to the nursing profession's identity, emphasizing the significance of caring ethics, personal beliefs, and professional relationships.
Introduction
The identity of a nurse unfolds throughout the career journey, influenced by educational encounters, ethical standards, and professional practice environments. This assignment will explore the core concepts of caring in nursing, a personal overview of my professional identity, and associations that will support my growth as a nursing professional.
Caring in Nursing
Caring is a foundational concept in nursing that encompasses self-awareness, acknowledgment of the nursing practice, understanding of the environment, and relation to the broader profession. From my perspective, self-caring is essential for effective caregiving; if nurses do not prioritize their well-being, they may struggle to provide the attention and compassion patients need (Halm, 2017). Caring extends beyond the context of patient relationships; it also applies to fostering a supportive work environment among colleagues.
Moreover, the nursing profession is intrinsically linked to caring, as it aims to promote health, alleviate suffering, and respect life’s dignity. According to Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, nurturing and maintaining caring relationships are vital to achieving holistic patient care (Watson, 2008). This philosophy deepens my resolve to cultivate a professional identity centered on compassion and empathy.
Professional Identity
My professional identity as a nurse is formed by my core beliefs, values, motives, and experiences. I hold a firm belief in the importance of patient-centered care, where I respect and advocate for the individual needs of each patient. This revolves around the understanding that each patient is unique, deserving personalized care tailored to their needs. Additionally, my experiences in clinical settings have solidified my commitment to lifelong learning—an essential characteristic in nursing (Benner et al., 2010).
Values play a critical role in shaping my identity. Integrity and professionalism are at the forefront of my beliefs. I am motivated by the desire to not only treat illnesses but also empower patients to take charge of their health through knowledge and support. The experiences I have garnered through volunteer work and internships have enriched my perspective, and I look forward to integrating these into my practice.
Professional Organizations
Joining professional organizations is a valuable step in my nursing career as they provide resources for networking, continuing education, and advocacy. One organization that I plan to join is the American Nurses Association (ANA), which unites nurses across the nation to promote nursing standards, ethics, and educational resources (ANA, 2022). Another organization I am considering is the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, which focuses on leadership and scholarship in nursing (Sigma, 2022). Both organizations will enhance my professional development, offer mentorship opportunities, and keep me informed about advancements in nursing practice.
Conclusion
In summary, the essence of nursing practice revolves around the principles of caring, the evolution of professional identity, and the integration of professional organizations. Embracing the philosophy of caring enables nurses to foster supportive relationships with patients. My professional journey thus far consolidates my beliefs and values that govern my practice. As I embark on my nursing career, I am committed to continuous growth, collaboration, and involvement in professional networks to enrich my nursing practice.
References
- American Nurses Association. (2022). About ANA. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/ana/
- Benner, P., Sutphen, M., Leonard, V., & Day, L. (2010). Educating nurses: A call for radical transformation. Jossey-Bass.
- Halm, M. A. (2017). Self-Care and the Empowerment of Nurses. Nurses' Health Journal, 45(1), 32-39.
- Larson, J., Brady, N., Engelmann, L., Perkins, B., & Shultz, C. (2013). The formation of professional identity in nursing. Nursing Education Perspectives, 34(2), 138.
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. (2022). About STTI. Retrieved from https://www.sigmanursing.org/
- Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring. University Press of Colorado.
- Fitzgerald, A. (2021). Connecting Caring Science to Holistic Nursing Practice. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 39(2), 136-145.
- Rodgers, B., & Coward, E. (2020). The Importance of Professional Identity in Nursing: An Integrative Review. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(2), 158-166.
- McNiesh, S. (2016). Building your professional identity: Use of portfolios in nursing education. Journal of Professional Nursing, 32(5), 426-430.
- American Holistic Nurses Association. (2021). Holistic Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice. Retrieved from https://www.ahna.org/