Professionalism in Nursing: Presenting Yourself as a Professional

Submitted by Jillian Lisiakowski, DNP, FNP-C, ACHPN

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Professionalism in Nursing: Presenting Yourself as a Professional

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Professionalism in nursing encompasses many aspects of nursing and healthcare and comprises a nurse’s knowledge, attitude, and behavior. According to Gallup News and National Nurses United, nurses remain the most trusted profession for the 22nd consecutive year4,5. Nursing professionals provide people with care based on the principles of professionalism, caring, and altruism1. Traditionally, professionalism refers to the education or certification required to enter your specific field of practice, which requires continued education and learning. For example, nurses can enter their career field with an associate’s degree, whereas a physician or pharmacist requires a doctoral degree. Caring is often defined as displaying kindness, concern, and empathy for others while providing a safe and healing environment. Altruism can be defined as helping others without expectation of reward2. While these are imperative attributes to have as a nursing professional, there are other essential aspects to consider when presenting yourself as a healthcare professional. A professional resume, curriculum vitae (CV), professional attire, a suitable social media presence, and participation in professional organizations all contribute to how you are perceived as a healthcare professional.

Resume and CV

It is essential for all nurses, including licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), and doctoral-prepared nurses, to view themselves as professionals and to present themselves as such. Your first impression is your resume! Creating a resume with a clean, easy-to-read format will help you stand out from other applications. Consider using headings and page dividers such as lines or boxes to display your work history information neatly and uniquely. Keep your information concise, providing important dates and work performed. Your CV is often an extended version of your work history with a summary of your responsibilities in each position. Your CV will generally contain your entire work history, while your resume can be tailored to display your work history pertinent to the position you are applying for3. Be sure to include your updated contact information and certifications you may have completed.

Attire/headshot

Today, we often feel that dressing professionally for an interview is not expected or required. You may even feel uncomfortable doing so. Many nurses choose to present to their interviews in scrubs, as this is the uniform needed for their position. While scrubs may be accepted, dressing in professional attire can set you apart from other candidates and show that you take the position and your work seriously. Consider a pair of business slacks with a button-up top or a business casual dress shirt. Tucking a shirt in and wearing a coordinating belt can help you look clean and polished. You may also consider a matching pantsuit with a blazer. There are a lot of options available to match your style while also looking put-together and professional. Whichever option you choose, be sure you feel confident and secure in your outfit. Your discomfort will show during your interview.

If you are applying for a nursing leadership or management position or an APRN position, having a headshot prepared and available can be a great asset. Your headshot is often used as your badge photo on company websites and social media. You may also use your headshot on any business-related social media, such as LinkedIn, or in the signature line of your business email. This can be a great way for hiring managers and leadership to connect your application and profile to a face, which helps build a more significant connection.

Social media

Social media is a topic of debate among hiring personnel and employees. While you may believe your social media is theirs to post and share as they wish, you must consider that many employers search on social media to gain better insight into who you are as a person. While this may not affect hiring their decision, it can affect whether they view you as a professional or otherwise. Take time before posting, and consider if your photo or social media content is something you are okay with your employer seeing. Consider laws such as HIPPA that prevent you from sharing protected patient information. If you decide to keep your social media profiles, consider keeping them private, where you can select which friends and family can access your content. Consider having social media with a tag or username unrelated to your legal name. Consider setting up a professional social media account such as LinkedIn. Overall, it is essential to remember that once information or images are on the internet, it is hard to erase them. Aim to represent yourself on the internet as the professional that you are.

Professional organizations

Joining a professional organization is an excellent idea for all healthcare professionals. Not only does your membership support their work to improve your field, but they often offer both free and paid educational opportunities related to your field. Organizations like the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC), and Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) are constantly providing updated research and best practices related to the nursing and healthcare fields. These organizations also offer volunteer opportunities to serve on different committees and boards. This experience can help grow your leadership skills and allow you to network and make connections.

Becoming a healthcare professional can take many forms. It involves hard work through education and certification and continuing education throughout your years of practice. Being a healthcare professional means caring for your patients, treating them respectfully and kindly, and acting altruistically. It also means being able to present yourself and your achievements through a professional resume or CV and presenting yourself well online through your social media accounts. Participating in professional organizations allows you to gain connections and grow leadership skills. Combining all these aspects will enable you to become a respected professional in the most trusted profession in the United States.

References

  1. Cao, H., Song, Y., Wu, Y., Du, Y., He, X., Chen, Y., Wang, Q., & Yang, H. (2023). What is nursing professionalism? a concept analysis. BMC nursing, 22(1), 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-022-01161-0
  2. Chen, Y., Xie, C., Zheng, P., & Zeng, Y. (2022). Altruism in nursing from 2012 to 2022: A scoping review. Frontiers in psychiatry, 13, 1046991. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1046991
  3. Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). (n.d.). What’s the difference between a resume and a CV?: Key differences and similarities you need to know to jumpstart your career search. Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. https://orise.orau.gov/internships-fellowships/blog/resume-vs-cv.html#:~:text=Is%20a%20resume%20the%20same,experience%2C%20publications%2C%20and%20presentations.
  4. Brenan, M., & Jones, J. (2024, January 22). Ethics ratings of nearly all professions down in U.S. Gallup.com. https://news.gallup.com/poll/608903/ethics-ratings-nearly-professions-down.aspx
  5. National Nurses United. (2024, January 22). Nurses named most trusted profession for 22nd consecutive year | National Nurses United. Www.nationalnursesunited.org. https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/nurses-named-most-trusted-profession-22nd-consecutive-year