Introduction
This reflective essay evaluates my proficiency in applying the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) essentials, healthcare policy, and advocacy competencies to my practice. By examining my experiences and self-assessment in these areas, this essay will explore the impact of professionalism, demeanor, respect, appearance, and professional boundaries on my interactions with patients, families, and colleagues. Through active learning and engagement in this course, I have developed and enhanced my professional competencies, ultimately preparing me to be a competent and compassionate nurse.
Professionalism in Appearance
One of the most critical aspects of nursing is maintaining a professional who seeks the benefit of families, patients, and coworkers. A professional appearance encompasses dressing and grooming per the standards of one’s occupation and always making an outstanding first impression (American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 2008). I have always maintained a professional image as a nurse by doing things such as keeping my hair and nails neat and adhering to the dress code.
Making sure I appear neat has been advantageous to my interactions with patients. It has changed how patients’ loved ones see me as a medical professional, helping me appear more reassuring and competent. My dedication has been acknowledged and appreciated by my superiors, and it has helped create a positive workplace and productive cooperation. It has made a caring nurse-patient connection and fostered a professional atmosphere in the healthcare environment.
Professionalism in Demeanor
Nurses’ demeanor comprises how health professionals think, behave, and talk to their patients, families, and other personnel. It is vital in nursing since it establishes a base for establishing trust with patients and ensures they get sympathetic and patient-centered attention (AACN, 2008). Maintaining composure and empathy in challenging patient situations is a cornerstone of my professional demeanor as a nurse.
I devote close attention to their concerns, acknowledge their feelings, and communicate with them properly. This professional’s demeanor has dramatically enhanced the patient’s sense of being heard and cherished. It extends to contacts with patients’ families, where I am understanding, sympathetic, and open to their perspectives.
This approach has led to improved communication and teamwork in patient care. My colleagues have benefited from my professional demeanor, contributing to a happier workplace and better collaboration. Professional conduct is essential in nursing because it fosters positive connections, improves patient outcomes, and respects nursing standards.
Respect for Self and Others
Nursing principles are based on recognizing everyone’s worth and dignity. Moudatsou et al. (2020) demonstrate that nurses must cultivate a culture of understanding and professionalism to foster beneficial interactions with patients and colleagues. As a nurse, I have respected others by caring for patients and demonstrating compassion and understanding. I pay attention to what my patients, their family members, and colleagues tell me, ensuring I fulfill the requirements.
I prioritize maintaining my physical, emotional, and mental health to continue giving proper patient care. Trust, empathy, and professionalism have significantly impacted my connections with those around me. When nurses treat themselves and their patients respectfully, they can build rapport with their patients, improve health outcomes, and maintain the nursing profession’s standards.
Professional Boundaries
Nursing practice that respects professional boundaries establishes standards for how healthcare professionals interact with patients and their families. These ethical practices are essential because they ensure moral behavior, protect patient privacy and confidentiality, and maintain the therapeutic relationship (Huston, 2021). I have maintained my nursing professionalism by establishing clear boundaries with patients, their loved ones, and other healthcare professionals.
I value patient privacy and only allow those who require access to see personal information. My relationships with others have improved because I maintain professional boundaries; thus, patients and their loved ones are more willing to ask for help when needed. Understanding professional limitations as a nurse is essential for upholding nursing ethics, safeguarding patients’ rights, and providing high-quality care.
Challenges and Opportunities for Growth
I have encountered various challenges in demonstrating professionalism, respect, demeanor, and professional boundaries in my nursing practice. Giannetta et al. (2021) indicate that nurses may struggle to maintain a professional demeanor when confronted with tough or moral choices. In my experience, supporting patients while respecting their freedom to make independent decisions may be challenging.
I desire to prioritize my mental health to address issues and make sure I can consistently present myself professionally. Additionally, I aim to advance my education to better understand and respect workplace boundaries and respond to ethical dilemmas when they present themselves. I desire to maintain the highest level of professionalism and care for my patients by proactively tackling these difficulties and taking chances for improvement.
Conclusion
By evaluating and improving my performance, I have shown that I possess the requisite knowledge, expertise, and integrative skills to fulfill these requirements and become a caring, competent BSN-prepared nurse. These nursing qualities have influenced my daily work through effective communication, maintaining ethical practices, and building rapport with people around me. To keep improving in these areas, I aim to learn new things, obtain advice from trusted coworkers and mentors, and put mental health first. In conclusion, I stress the importance of these skills to the nursing profession and urge all nurses to prioritize them in their work.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2008). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice.
Giannetta, N., Villa, G., Pennestrì, F., Sala, R., Mordacci, R., & Manara, D. F. (2021). Ethical problems and moral distress in primary care: A scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(14), 1–14. Web.
Huston, C. (2021). Professional issues in nursing: Challenges and opportunities (6th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health.
Moudatsou, M., Stavropoulou, A., Philalithis, A., & Koukouli, S. (2020). The role of empathy in health and social care professionals. Healthcare, 8(1), 1–9. Web.