Select one of the AACN BSN Essentials and elaborate on its meaning and importance in your own future professional nursing practice.

One of the AACN BSN Fundamentals, Essential VIII: professionalism and professional values is one that I think will be particularly useful in my nursing career. The focus of this essential is on the development and maintenance of values and behaviors necessary to deliver high-quality care.

Nursing practice is not complete without professionalism and professional values. They guide the nurses’ interactions with their patients, their families and their colleagues as well as their problem solving and decision making activities. The demonstration of responsibility, accountability and ethical conduct in nursing is what constitutes professionalism. Nurses must uphold standards in their profession, and provide excellent care.

The professional values are the attitudes and beliefs that nurses use to interact with other people. They include compassion, respect, culture, empathy and integrity. The nurses who embody this set of values provide more patient-centered and sensitive care.

Professionalism and values of professionalism will be important to me in my nursing career. I must establish trust as a nurse with both my patients and families. To do this, I will need to show a high level of professionalism as well as embody their values.

Professionalism and values are also important to me in the interactions I have with my colleagues and members of the health care team. In order to be a successful member of an inter-disciplinary team, it is important that I communicate well, collaborate with others, and maintain a professional attitude at all times.

Conclusion: Essential VIII Professionalism and Values of the AACN BSN Essentials are important components that will be relevant in my future nursing career. It is my belief that as a nursing professional, embodying these core values will help me provide quality, patient-centered health care, and collaborate with my colleagues.