Professionalism among Nurses: A concept analysis

Abstract

Nursing has progressed from the pre-Nightingale years, where simple tasks were executed to the present day technologically advanced entity. Nurses are expected to perform in a way which reflects on all nurses and is appropriate for the profession. The professionalism behaviour gives nurses and nursing the advantage of a professional status. Professionalism is defined as the attitudes and behaviours which are considered to be suitable to a particular occupation. Research has identified different attributes of professionalism among nurses. Antecedents of this construct include personal factors and social and physical work environment. Professionalism is linked with quality patient outcomes and improved commitment, performance and job satisfaction among nurses. Nurses do encounter a number of barriers in the work environment which could hamper these positive behaviours. However, it is imperative to maintain professionalism in everyday practice and achieve the goal of a professional status for nurses and positive health outcome for patients.