Professional Identity Development When asked about what came to mind when thinking about professional identity in the nursing profession , patients at Salina Regional Health Center identified the nurse ’ s ability to advocate for care in their best interest . Other patients there highlighted the appreciation they feel when a nurse takes time to remind them that they are a whole person in a setting where they feel vulnerable without autonomy .
Students at The University of Kansas School of Nursing identified the uniqueness of nursing as a profession itself . Not only do professional nurses work collaboratively with other health care team members , but they also spend quality , intentional time with patients ; devoting this time reminds patients of their value while health care hustles around them . In addition to this , nurses use skills and knowledge gained throughout their education to provide patient-centered interventions . No matter the complexity of a given situation , patients can rest assured the nurse is there to act in their best interest by advocating for their needs and using clinical judgment .
The University of Kansas School of Nursing begins developing students ’ professional identity in the first semester of nursing school . At first , the knowledge is foundational , but it is quickly built upon using more complex content , case studies , and real life interprofessional experiences . Students learn and grow to understand the overall autonomy of the nursing profession and working collaboratively with other members of the health care team as a facet of our role . Rather than thinking of the nurse as an assistant to the physician , they understand that nurses are a bridge between the patient and numerous other professions . Nurses must practice autonomously to intervene for patients , communicate their needs , and provide unique day-to-day care that is not part of any other profession .
Moving Forward In conclusion , the change nurses make in the lives of their patients and the larger community is what keeps nurses returning to health care settings . Whether they are fighting illnesses in the hospital or advocating for change within the health care system , nurses play a pivotal role in assuring that patients receive the care they need . Florence Nightingale established a strong sense of professional identity as a part of the nursing profession , and it is the nurses that came after her who continue to broaden our understanding of this concept . The healing power and value seen in a strong professional identity is profound in today ’ s nursing education and will only continue to grow in the years to come . n
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Shelby Foster is a nursing student at the University of Kansas School of Nursing , Salina , KS . She wants to be a pediatric nurse . In her free time , Foster enjoys reading , painting , volunteering in a youth ministry , and playing with her dog , Clover .
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