Careers
If you would like to write for our careers section email the editor at [email protected]
Excellence in any nursing role is as much a matter of attitude and behaviour as it is of work performance. Jane Redfern Jones takes a look at the defining qualities
MORE THAN JUST A JOB
Qualities of a true professional Flexibility, adaptability and persistence. Able to face challenges with enthusiasm, pride and dedication. Responsible, well prepared, helpful, efficient, trustworthy, competent and confident. Ready to do what is necessary regardless of other pressures. Awareness of being accountable for their actions. Inspirational to others.
NURSING STANDARD
themselves too seriously. They are never arrogant or self-important. As a student, you might not feel professional yet. But sometimes you have to ‘fake it till you make it’. In this sense, learn to look and act like a professional. That does not mean you should try to perform beyond your capabilities – professionals always know their limitations.
Act the part
NEIL O’CONNOR
Professionalism means more than possessing a qualification. Nurses are generally considered by the public to be professional people, but there can be a big difference between someone in a professional position and someone who acts professionally. We have all seen apparently professional people acting unprofessionally, and we have all met people working in jobs classed as non-professional who act with professionalism. Acting like a professional means being reliable, respectful, and competent. A truly professional person works hard and treats everyone with equal importance. There are some nurses for whom nursing is just a job, who imbue their work with an air of boredom or even resentment, and give the impression they would rather be anywhere but at work. Others treat their jobs with respect. Even though they may secretly wish they were home with their family, they never show it. A true professional is energised by their desire to excel and they know that excellence makes them stand out. The pursuit of excellence is transferable, and striving for it
in one capacity means that the professional is likely to perform similarly in other areas too. Whether you are a nurse in your ideal job or a student unsure of where you are heading, it is never too soon to start striving for professional excellence. Professionals care about what they do, and about the effect they have on patients and colleagues. They bring a positive can-do spirit to their work and give their all, whether tackling a new challenge or a routine task, and regardless of whether or not they are being observed. Professionals avoid petty gossip and are obliging to others. While all this makes professionals sound highly focused and single-minded, they still have a sense of humour. They take their work seriously, but might not take
Another saying you may have heard is: ‘Don’t dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want’. Nurses cannot dress in a more senior nurse’s uniform, but they can be well presented and clean. Bear in mind what you wear as you go into work and always look smart and presentable. And remember: ‘Do not work as though you have the job you have, work as though you have the job you want.’ If you are a student, act so professionally that people believe you to be qualified; if you are a staff nurse, act so professionally that people will think that you are in charge. Patients and colleagues will respect you for it – and most importantly, you will respect yourself. After all, self-respect is the bedrock of professionalism NS Jane Redfern Jones is a nurse and writer RESOURCES The Nursing Portal tinyurl.com/Nursing-Portal Royal College of Nursing www.rcn.org.uk
january 29 :: vol 28 no 22 :: 2014 63
Nursing Standard 2014.28:63-63. Downloaded from journals.rcni.com by KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET on 11/15/15. For personal use only.
If you would like to write for our careers section email the editor at [email protected]
Excellence in any nursing role is as much a matter of attitude and behaviour as it is of work performance. Jane Redfern Jones takes a look at the defining qualities
MORE THAN JUST A JOB
Qualities of a true professional Flexibility, adaptability and persistence. Able to face challenges with enthusiasm, pride and dedication. Responsible, well prepared, helpful, efficient, trustworthy, competent and confident. Ready to do what is necessary regardless of other pressures. Awareness of being accountable for their actions. Inspirational to others.
NURSING STANDARD
themselves too seriously. They are never arrogant or self-important. As a student, you might not feel professional yet. But sometimes you have to ‘fake it till you make it’. In this sense, learn to look and act like a professional. That does not mean you should try to perform beyond your capabilities – professionals always know their limitations.
Act the part
NEIL O’CONNOR
Professionalism means more than possessing a qualification. Nurses are generally considered by the public to be professional people, but there can be a big difference between someone in a professional position and someone who acts professionally. We have all seen apparently professional people acting unprofessionally, and we have all met people working in jobs classed as non-professional who act with professionalism. Acting like a professional means being reliable, respectful, and competent. A truly professional person works hard and treats everyone with equal importance. There are some nurses for whom nursing is just a job, who imbue their work with an air of boredom or even resentment, and give the impression they would rather be anywhere but at work. Others treat their jobs with respect. Even though they may secretly wish they were home with their family, they never show it. A true professional is energised by their desire to excel and they know that excellence makes them stand out. The pursuit of excellence is transferable, and striving for it
in one capacity means that the professional is likely to perform similarly in other areas too. Whether you are a nurse in your ideal job or a student unsure of where you are heading, it is never too soon to start striving for professional excellence. Professionals care about what they do, and about the effect they have on patients and colleagues. They bring a positive can-do spirit to their work and give their all, whether tackling a new challenge or a routine task, and regardless of whether or not they are being observed. Professionals avoid petty gossip and are obliging to others. While all this makes professionals sound highly focused and single-minded, they still have a sense of humour. They take their work seriously, but might not take
Another saying you may have heard is: ‘Don’t dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want’. Nurses cannot dress in a more senior nurse’s uniform, but they can be well presented and clean. Bear in mind what you wear as you go into work and always look smart and presentable. And remember: ‘Do not work as though you have the job you have, work as though you have the job you want.’ If you are a student, act so professionally that people believe you to be qualified; if you are a staff nurse, act so professionally that people will think that you are in charge. Patients and colleagues will respect you for it – and most importantly, you will respect yourself. After all, self-respect is the bedrock of professionalism NS Jane Redfern Jones is a nurse and writer RESOURCES The Nursing Portal tinyurl.com/Nursing-Portal Royal College of Nursing www.rcn.org.uk
january 29 :: vol 28 no 22 :: 2014 63
Nursing Standard 2014.28:63-63. Downloaded from journals.rcni.com by KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET on 11/15/15. For personal use only.
