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Essential VIII

Essential VIII: Professionalism and Professional Values

Anne Waskiewicz
Frostburg State University

Essential VIII
Essential VIII: Professionalism and Professional Values
Professionalism and Professional Values are core building blocks in a nurses daily practice.
Essential VIII is multi-faceted and helps to define the individual nurse. Professionalism, as
stated in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nursing, is the nurse ow[ing] the
same duties to self as to others, including responsibility to preserve integrity and safety and to
maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth. (Pozgar, 2013, p.55) A
professional nurse provides care and compassion to the patient, family and community, while
advocating for their rights. The Essential helps guide a nurse through complexity and diversity in
the ever-changing healthcare environment. It guides them to act with integrity and maintain
respect for human dignity while giving a nurse confidence to succeed. The Essential involves
principles of altruism, autonomy, accountability, caring and communication. (AACN, 2008, p.26)
Exemplar: Vaccinations and Immunizations
The hot topic chosen allows research on a current ethical dilemma and then navigates through
the process to achieve the best outcome. It is still highly controversial today. Additionally,
vaccinations and immunizations have returned to our lives because of a new grandson. The topic
provided the opportunity to investigate it as a professional nurse.
Reflection:
A healthcare provider is expected to practice with professionalism and professional values. In
the case of vaccinations and immunizations, disputes arise over whether the vaccination is safe,
do the benefits outweigh the risks and does the government have the right to mandate such
action. First, a nurse must evaluate personal bias to ensure that the patients autonomy is not in
jeopardy. (Pozgar, 2013, p.14) It is important to communicate clearly the benefits and risks of the

Essential VIII
vaccine and then allow the patient to make an informed decision. (Pozgar, 2013, p. 404) The trait
of being a good listener is instrumental in exemplary patient care, especially if differing opinions
are involved. The Essential element is for a nurse to keep the professional competence required
current in a vastly changing healthcare. (AACN, 2008, p.26) Today, education and research
continue regarding vaccinations and immunization. Both old and new vaccines are analyzed in
an attempt to present conclusive evidence regarding the risks and the benefits. It is an exciting
field of science with the hope of one day eradicating all deadly diseases through a simple
immunization.

References

Essential VIII
AACN task force. (2008). The Essential of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing
Practice. Washington, DC: American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Pozgar, G. D. (2013). Legal and Ethical Issues for Health Professionals (3rd Ed.). Burlington,
MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.