In Nursing 500, you completed a reflection assignment on your professional identity in nursing (PIN). In , Dr. Mazyck describes how PIN is applied at a leadership level. The first step for advance practice registered nurses (APRNs) is to reflect on their own professional identity to help the APRN in clarifying their career goals and objectives. This reflection is the beginning of your journey towards your final practicum. You will refer to this reflection throughout your graduate program and as a communication tool in your practicum.Please review the definition and the domains of PIN below.
Definition of Professional Identity in Nursing (PIN): A sense of oneself, and in relation to others, that is influenced by characteristics, norms, and values of the nursing discipline, resulting in an individual thinking, acting, and feeling like a nurse.
Domains of PIN:
Values and Ethics- A set of core values and principles that guide conduct.
Knowledge: Analysis and application of information derived from nursing and other disciplines, experiences, critical reflection and scientific discovery.
Nurse as Leader- Inspiring self and others to transform a shared vision into reality.
Professional Comportment- A nurse's professional behavior demonstrated through words, actions and presence.
Reflection Prompt
- Describe your own professional identity in nursing using the domains and definitions listed above.
- How has your PIN changed since you began the master's program?
- Please share an experience that has greatly contributed to your development as a nurse practitioner. Describe what you gained from this experience, how it has facilitated your learning, and whether you think the experience could have been handled more effectively.
- What are your thoughts on how the nurse practitioner’s distinct professional identity is perceived by other interprofessional team members and the public?
Full Answer Section
- Professional Comportment: I believe in maintaining a professional demeanor at all times, demonstrating respect, empathy, and clear communication. I strive to be a patient advocate, a team player, and a lifelong learner. I recognize the importance of self-care in maintaining professional comportment and avoiding burnout.
2. Changes in My PIN Since Starting the Master's Program:
My master's program has significantly deepened and broadened my professional identity. I've become more confident in my critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills. The program has also instilled in me a stronger sense of leadership and advocacy. Specifically:
- Expanded Knowledge Base: My understanding of advanced nursing concepts has grown exponentially, enabling me to provide more comprehensive and evidence-based care.
- Enhanced Critical Thinking: The rigorous coursework has challenged me to analyze complex situations, evaluate evidence, and make sound clinical judgments.
- Increased Leadership Capacity: I've gained a deeper understanding of leadership principles and have been given opportunities to develop my leadership skills through group projects, presentations, and discussions.
- Sharpened Focus on Advocacy: The program has reinforced the importance of advocating for patients and addressing health disparities.
3. A Significant Contributing Experience:
Early in my nursing career, I cared for a young patient with a terminal illness. Despite the difficult circumstances, I focused on providing compassionate care, managing his symptoms, and supporting his family. This experience was incredibly challenging, both emotionally and professionally. I learned the importance of therapeutic communication, the power of presence, and the resilience of the human spirit. It solidified my commitment to providing holistic care that addresses not only the physical but also the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
While the care I provided was effective and appreciated by the family, in retrospect, I think I could have been more proactive in connecting the family with available resources, such as grief counseling and support groups. This experience highlighted the importance of interprofessional collaboration and the need to be knowledgeable about community resources.
4. Perceptions of the Nurse Practitioner's Distinct Professional Identity:
I believe that the nurse practitioner's professional identity is still evolving in the eyes of some interprofessional team members and the public. While NPs are increasingly recognized for their expertise and contributions to healthcare, there can sometimes be confusion about their scope of practice and their role within the healthcare team. Some may still perceive NPs as "less than" a physician, despite the advanced education and training NPs receive.
I think it's crucial for NPs to actively promote their professional identity by:
- Clearly Articulating Their Role: NPs need to be confident and assertive in communicating their expertise and scope of practice to colleagues, patients, and the public.
- Demonstrating Competence: Providing high-quality, evidence-based care is the best way to build trust and respect within the interprofessional team.
- Engaging in Advocacy: NPs should advocate for policies that recognize their contributions to healthcare and allow them to practice to the full extent of their education and training.
- Educating the Public: NPs can play a key role in educating the public about their role in healthcare and the value they bring to patients.
By consistently demonstrating their competence, advocating for their profession, and educating others about their role, nurse practitioners can solidify their distinct professional identity and gain greater recognition within the interprofessional team and the public
Sample Answer
Reflection on Professional Identity in Nursing
1. Describing My Professional Identity in Nursing:
My professional identity in nursing is grounded in a deep commitment to patient advocacy and holistic care. It's a blend of compassion, critical thinking, and a drive for continuous learning, shaped by my experiences and the values of the nursing profession. Here's how I see myself within the PIN domains:
- Values and Ethics: Integrity, compassion, respect for autonomy, and a commitment to social justice are my guiding principles. I believe in advocating for vulnerable populations and ensuring equitable access to care. I hold myself to the highest ethical standards, prioritizing patient well-being above all else.
- Knowledge: I view knowledge as a dynamic process. It's not just about acquiring information but also about critically analyzing it, applying it to practice, and engaging in lifelong learning. I strive to stay current with evidence-based practice and integrate research findings into my clinical decision-making. My master's program has significantly broadened my knowledge base in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment.
- Nurse as Leader: Leadership, to me, is about empowering others and fostering a collaborative environment. I aim to be a role model for my colleagues, inspiring them to provide the best possible care. I believe in shared governance and advocate for nurses to have a voice in shaping healthcare policy and practice. I am developing my leadership skills through my master's program, particularly in courses focused on organizational leadership and quality improvement.