Professional Nursing

Professional Nursing – is an art and science, dominated by an ideal o service in which certain principles are applied in the skilful care of the significant others, and other members of the health team

A professional nurse is one who has acquired the art and science of nursing through her basic education who interprets her role in nursing in terms of the social ends for which it exists – the health ad welfare of society and who continues to add her kn0owledge, skills and attitude through continuing education and scientific inquiry (research) or the use of the results of such inquiry.

The qualities and abilities of a Professional Nurse are as follows:

1. Have faith in the fundamental values that underlie the democratic way of life, for example respect the dignity of life, self-sacrifice for the common good, and a strong sense of responsibility for sharing in the solution of the problems in the society.
2. Has a sense of responsibility for understanding those with whom she/he works or associates with through the use of the following skills such as utilizing releveant basic concepts of psychology and working effectively through therapeutic relationship.
3. Has faith in the reality of spiritual and aesthetic values and awareness of the value and the pleasure of self-development through the pursuit of some aesthetic interests.
4. Has the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to address present day social problems, realistic, incisive and well organized thoughts through the use of critical thinking. Critical thinking is securing, appraising and organizing evidence.
5. Has skill in using written and spoken language, both to develop own thoughts and to communicate them to others.
6. Appreciates and understands the importance of good health.
7. Has emotional balance. Is able to maintain poise and composure in trying situations.
8. Likes hard work and possesses a capacity for it.
9. Appreciates high standards of workmanship.
10. Accepts and tries to understand people of all sorts, regardless of race, religion and color.
11. Knows nursing so thoroughly that every client will receive excellent care.

Personal Qualifications of a Nurse

• Philosophy of life – It is concerned with those basic truths thaqt contribute to personal growth in a systematic fashion and with those principles that relate to the moral values that shape the facets of the character.
• Good Personality – It refers to the impression one makes on others which will include more than that which meets the eye.