Nursing as a Profession

Question 1

• an occupation that requires extensive education or a calling that requires special knowledge, skill and preparation (Kozier et. al., 2008)
• an occupation or calling requiring advance training and experience in some specific or specialized body of knowledge which provides service to society in that special field (Webster’s Dictionary)

Answer 1

Profession

Question 2

refers to professional character, spirit or methods. It is a set of attributes, a way of life that implies responsibility and commitment.

Answer 2

Professionalism

Question 3

the process of becoming professional, that is, of acquiring characteristics considered to be professional.

Answer 3

Professionalization

Question 4

1. Prolonged, specialized training to acquire a body of
   knowledge pertinent to the role to be performed
2. Service Orientation
3. Ongoing research
4. A code of ethics
5. Autonomy
6. A professional organization

Answer 4

Criteria of a Profession

Question 5

An important aspect of professional status. In modern times, the trend in education for the professions has shifted toward programs in colleges and universities. Means of entry into registered nursing include baccalaureate degree, master’s degree and doctoral degree.

Answer 5

Specialized Education

Question 6

Nursing is establishing a well defined body of knowledge and expertise. A number of nursing conceptual frameworks contribute to the knowledge base of nursing and give direction to nursing practice, education and ongoing research.

Answer 6

Body of Knowledge

Question 7

Differentiates nursing from an occupation pursued primarily for profit. Many consider altruism (selfless concern for others) the hallmark of a profession. Nursing has a tradition of service to others. This service, however, must be guided by certain rules, policies, or codes of ethics. Today, nursing is also an important component of the health care delivery system.

Answer 7

Service Orientation

Question 8

Increasing research in nursing is contributing to nursing practice.

Answer 8

Ongoing Research

Question 9

Nurses have traditionally placed a high value on the worth and dignity of others. The nursing profession requires integrity of its members; that is, a member is expected to do what is considered right regardless of the personal cost. Nursing has developed its own codes of ethics and in most instances has set up means to monitor the professional behavior of its members.

Answer 9

Code of Ethics

Question 10

• If nursing is to have
  professional status, it must function autonomously in the formation of policy and in the control of its activity. To be autonomous, a professional group must be granted legal authority to define the scope of its practice, describe its particular functions and roles and determine its goals and responsibilities in delivery of its services.
• To practitioners of nursing, autonomy means independence at work, responsibility and accountability for one’s actions.

Answer 10

Autonomy

Question 11

Governance is the establishment and maintenance of social, political and economic arrangements by which practitioners control their practice, their self-discipline, their working conditions and their professional affairs. Nurses, therefore need to work within their professional organizations.

Answer 11

Professional Organization

Question 12

• Philippine Nurses’ Association, Inc. (PNA)
• Critical Care Nurses Association of the Philippines, Inc. (CCNAPI)
• Philippine Oncology Nurses’ Association, Inc. (PONA)
• Maternal and Child Nurses Association of the Philippines (MCNAP)

Answer 12

Examples of Nursing Organizations in the Philippines

Question 13

The act of utilizing the environment of the patient to assist him in his recovery.

Answer 13

Nursing (Nightingale, 1860-1969)

Question 14

Assisting the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge and to do this in such a way as to help him gain independence as rapidly as possible.

Answer 14

Nursing (Henderson, 1966)

Question 15

The protection , promotion and optimization of health and abilities, preventions of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities and populations.

Answer 15

Nursing (American Nurses Association, 2003)

Question 16

Encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. Nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness and the care of ill, disabled and dying people. Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management and education are also key nursing roles.

Answer 16

Nursing (International Council of Nurses, 2002)

Question 17

• Nursing is caring.
• Nursing is an art.
• Nursing is a science.
• Nursing is client centered.
• Nursing is holistic.
• Nursing is adaptive.
• Nursing is concerned with health promotion, health maintenance and health
  restoration.
• Nursing is a helping profession.

Answer 17

Characteristics of Nursing based on the many definitions:

Question 18

• To promote health
• To prevent illness
• To restore health
• To facilitate coping with disability or death

Answer 18

Aims of Nursing

Question 19

A process that engages in activities and behaviors that enhance quality of life and maximize personal potential (Anspaugh, Hamrick &
Rosata, 2003 in Kozier, et.al, 2008).

Answer 19

Wellness

Question 20

• Facilitates decisions about lifestyle that enhance quality of life and encourage acceptance of responsibility for one’s own health
• Increases health awareness by assisting in the understanding that health is more than just not being ill and by teaching that certain behaviors and factors can contribute to or diminish health
• Teaches self-care activities to maximize achievement of goals that are realistic and attainable; serves as a role model
• Encourages health promotion by providing information and referrals.

Answer 20

Promoting Health & Wellness

Question 21

• Educational programs in areas such as prenatal care for pregnant women, smoking-cessation programs and stress-reduction seminars
• Community programs and resources that encourage healthy lifestyles, such as aerobic exercise classes, “swimnastics,” and physical fitness programs
• Literature, television, radio or Internet information on diet, exercise and the importance of good health habits
• Health assessments in institutions, clinics and community settings that identify areas of strengths and risks for illness.
• Immunizations, infant care, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

Answer 21

Preventing Illness

Question 22

• Performing diagnostic measurements and assessments that detect an illness (e.g. taking BP, measuring blood sugars, examining feces for occult blood)
• Referring questions and abnormal findings to other healthcare providers as appropriate
• Providing direct care of the person who is ill by such measures as giving physical care, administering medications and carrying out procedures and treatments
• Collaborating with other healthcare providers in providing care
• Planning, teaching and carrying out rehabilitation for illnesses such as heart attacks, arthritis and strokes
• Working in mental health and chemical –dependency programs.

Answer 22

Restoring Health

Question 23

• Nurses can facilitate an optimal level of function through maximizing the person’s strengths and potentials, through teaching, and referral to community support systems.
• Nurses provide care to both patients and families during end of life care, and they do so in hospitals, long-term-care- facilities and homes.
• Nurses are active in hospice programs, which assist patients and their families in preparing for death and in living as comfortably as possible until death occurs.

Answer 23

Facilitating Coping with Disability and Death

Question 24

1. A nurse must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
2. A nurse must have a license to practice nursing in the country.
3. A nurse must be physically and mentally fit.

Answer 24

Professional Preparation

Question 25

1. Interest and willingness to work and learn with individuals or groups in variety of settings
2. Concern for people
3. Resourcefulness and creativity as well as well-balanced emotional condition
4. Capacity and ability to work cooperatively with others;
5. Initiative to improve self and service;
6. Competence in performing work through the use of nursing process;
7. Skill in decision-making, communicating, and relating with others and being research oriented;
8. Active participation in issues confronting nurses and nursing; and Warm/pleasing personality reflective of the following: poise, good complexion, hair, good posture, nurse’s uniform, art of conversation, and spiritual health

Answer 25

Personal Qualities and Professional Proficiencies

Question 26

• Knowledge of etiquette, a gracious manner and a complete mastery of social usages are also important. Social usage is based on consideration for the comfort and happiness of others.
• As a nurse, one constantly meets new people and finds himself/herself trusts into unfamiliar and unexpected situation.
• A nurse must be prepared to meet any situation with ease. For instance, it is necessary to be calm and collected in an emergency where life and death are involved.
• A nurse must have the qualities of courtesy, unselfishness and self-control.
• Other qualities affecting poise are: Self-acceptance, Acceptance of others, and Right kind of pride.

Answer 26

Poise

Question 27

This is also an index of health. The purpose of use of makeup is to
enhance and beautify the natural appearance however; this should be use with discretion.

Answer 27

Good complexion

Question 28

The hair should be washed and brushed as often and necessary to keep it lustrous and attractive and should be arranged always in a becoming coiffure that suits one’s uniform or apparel.

Answer 28

Hair

Question 29

With the body carried in proper alignment, the organs are enabled to
function naturally.

Answer 29

Good posture

Question 30

The nurse should wear the uniform only when engaged in the performance of professional duties. The nurse must maintain its neatness and cleanliness.

Answer 30

Nurse’s uniform

Question 31

In nursing, one’s relationship with his/her professional and social
associates needs to be pleasant ones, thus, he/she will use conversation constantly to convey his/her ideas and thoughts.

Answer 31

Art of conversation

Question 32

The nurse who is truly religious will understand the need of doing what
he/she can to help cure spiritual illness as well as to maintain his/her own state of spiritual health.

Answer 32

Spiritual Health