essay pro nursing

How to Write a Nursing Essay with a Quick Guide

Ever felt the blank-page panic when assigned a nursing essay? Wondering where to start or if your words will measure up to the weight of your experiences? Fear not, because today, we're here to guide you through this process.

Imagine you're at your favorite coffee spot, armed with a cup of motivation (and maybe a sneaky treat). Got it? Great! Now, let's spill the secrets on how to spin your nursing tales into words that not only get you that A+ but also tug at the heartstrings of anyone reading. We've got your back with nursing essay examples that'll be your inspiration, an outline to keep you on the right path, and more!

What Is a Nursing Essay

Let's start by dissecting the concept. A nursing essay serves as a focused exploration of a specific aspect of nursing, providing an opportunity for students to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and its practical application in patient care settings.

Picture it as a journey through the challenges and victories of a budding nurse. These essays go beyond the classroom, tackling everything from tricky ethical dilemmas to the impact of healthcare policies on the front lines. It's not just about grades; it's about proving, 'I'm ready for the real deal.'

So, when you read or write a nursing essay, it's not just words on paper. It's like looking into the world of someone who's about to start their nursing career – someone who's really thought about the ins and outs of being a nurse. And before you kick off your nursing career, don't shy away from asking - write my essay for me - we're ready to land a professional helping hand.

How to Start a Nursing Essay

When you start writing a nursing essay, it is like gearing up for a crucial mission. Here's your quick guide from our nursing essay writing service :

Choosing Your Topic: Select a topic that sparks your interest and relates to real-world nursing challenges. Consider areas like patient care, ethical dilemmas, or the impact of technology on healthcare.

Outline Your Route : Plan your essay's journey. Create a roadmap with key points you want to cover. This keeps you on track and your essay on point.

Craft a Strong Thesis: Assuming you already know how to write a hook , kick off your writing with a surprising fact, a thought-provoking quote, or a brief anecdote. Then, state your main argument or perspective in one sentence. This thesis will serve as the compass for your essay, guiding both you and your reader through the rest of your writing.

How to Structure a Nursing Essay

Every great essay is like a well-orchestrated performance – it needs a script, a narrative that flows seamlessly, capturing the audience's attention from start to finish. In our case, this script takes the form of a well-organized structure. Let's delve into the elements that teach you how to write a nursing essay, from a mere collection of words to a compelling journey of insights.

Nursing Essay Introduction

Begin your nursing essay with a spark. Knowing how to write essay introduction effectively means sharing a real-life scenario or a striking fact related to your topic. For instance, if exploring patient care, narrate a personal experience that made a lasting impression. Then, crisply state your thesis – a clear roadmap indicating the direction your essay will take. Think of it as a teaser that leaves the reader eager to explore the insights you're about to unfold.

In the main body, dive into the heart of your essay. Each paragraph should explore a specific aspect of your topic. Back your thoughts with examples – maybe a scenario from your clinical experience, a relevant case study, or findings from credible sources. Imagine it as a puzzle coming together; each paragraph adds a piece, forming a complete picture. Keep it focused and let each idea flow naturally into the next.

Nursing Essay Conclusion

As writing a nursing essay nears the end, resist the urge to introduce new elements. Summarize your main points concisely. Remind the reader of the real-world significance of your thesis – why it matters in the broader context of nursing. Conclude with a thought-provoking statement or a call to reflection, leaving your reader with a lasting impression. It's like the final scene of a movie that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll.

Nursing Essay Outline

Before diving into the essay, craft a roadmap – your outline. This isn't a rigid skeleton but a flexible guide that ensures your ideas flow logically. Consider the following template from our research paper writing service :

Introduction

• Opening Hook: Share a brief, impactful patient care scenario.
• Relevance Statement: Explain why the chosen topic is crucial in nursing.
• Thesis: Clearly state the main argument or perspective.

Patient-Centered Care:

• Definition: Clarify what patient-centered care means in nursing.
• Personal Experience: Share a relevant encounter from clinical practice.
• Evidence: Integrate findings from reputable nursing literature.

Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing Practice

• Scenario Presentation: Describe a specific ethical challenge faced by nurses.
• Decision-Making Process: Outline steps taken to address the dilemma.
• Ethical Frameworks: Discuss any ethical theories guiding the decision.

Impact of Technology on Nursing

• Current Trends: Highlight technological advancements in nursing.
• Case Study: Share an example of technology enhancing patient care.
• Challenges and Benefits: Discuss the pros and cons of technology in nursing.
• Summary of Key Points: Recap the main ideas from each section.
• Real-world Implications: Emphasize the practical significance in nursing practice.
• Closing Thought: End with a reflective statement or call to action.

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Nursing Essay Examples

Here are the nursing Essay Examples for you to read.

Writing a Nursing Essay: Essential Tips

When it comes to crafting a stellar nursing essay, a few key strategies can elevate your work from ordinary to exceptional. Here are some valuable tips from our medical school personal statement writer :

Connect with Personal Experiences:

• Approach: Weave personal encounters seamlessly into your narrative.
• Reasoning: This not only adds authenticity to your essay but also serves as a powerful testament to your firsthand understanding of the challenges and triumphs in the nursing field.

Emphasize Critical Thinking:

• Approach: Go beyond describing situations; delve into their analysis.
• Reasoning: Nursing essays are the perfect platform to showcase your critical thinking skills – an essential attribute in making informed decisions in real-world healthcare scenarios.

Incorporate Patient Perspectives:

• Approach: Integrate patient stories or feedback into your discussion.
• Reasoning: By bringing in the human element, you demonstrate empathy and an understanding of the patient's experience, a core aspect of nursing care.

Integrate Evidence-Based Practice:

• Approach: Support your arguments with the latest evidence-based literature.
• Reasoning: Highlighting your commitment to staying informed and applying current research underscores your dedication to evidence-based practice – a cornerstone in modern nursing.

Address Ethical Considerations:

• Approach: Explicitly discuss the ethical dimensions of your topic.
• Reasoning: Nursing essays provide a platform to delve into the ethical complexities inherent in healthcare, showcasing your ability to navigate and analyze these challenges.

Balance Theory and Practice:

• Approach: Connect theoretical concepts to real-world applications.
• Reasoning: By bridging the gap between theory and practice, you illustrate your capacity to apply academic knowledge effectively in the dynamic realm of nursing.

Highlight Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

• Approach: Discuss collaborative efforts with other healthcare professionals.
• Reasoning: Acknowledging the interdisciplinary nature of healthcare underscores your understanding of the importance of teamwork – a vital aspect of successful nursing practice.

Reflect on Lessons Learned:

• Approach: Conclude with a thoughtful reflection on personal growth or lessons from your exploration.
• Reasoning: This not only provides a satisfying conclusion but also demonstrates your self-awareness and commitment to continuous improvement as a nursing professional.

As we wrap up, think of your essay as a story about your journey into nursing. It's not just about getting a grade; it's a way to share what you've been through and why you want to be a nurse.

Imagine the person reading it – maybe a teacher, a future coworker, or someone starting their nursing journey. They're trying to understand your passion and why you care about nursing.

So, when you write, remember it's more than just an assignment. It's your chance to show why nursing matters to you. And if you ever need help – there's always support from our essay writer online .

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How to Write a Nursing Essay?

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Writing Tips for Nursing School Students

• Nursing School Writing Types
• Writing a Nursing Essay
• Citations Guide
• Common Writing Mistakes
• Writing Resources

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Writing is an essential skill nurses should achieve proficiency in early in their career. It is a crucial part of the profession, as nurses need to be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

While verbal communication also plays a vital role in nursing, being able to write well builds the nurse’s ability to provide better care.

Being able to accurately detail a patient’s personal history, symptoms, and diagnosis allows for the execution of a precise treatment plan that is clearly communicated to all parties involved, both professional and personal.

From registered nurses to clinical nurses and beyond, being able to communicate effectively and efficiently is a critical soft skill that will help nurses in any role increase their ability to treat their patients.

This guide provides an overview of the types of writing nurses will experience throughout their educational training. Utilize the following tips and tricks to help strengthen your writing skills, which will ultimately help in the development of transferable career skills .

Types of Writing Nurses Will Do in School

Personal statements for nursing school.

Nursing schools want candidates who meet academic and professional requirements. They also want a candidate who demonstrates a sincere passion for patient care and individual connections. You should always craft a personal statement, even when the application doesn’t explicitly require one. Personal statements allow you to describe your goals, characteristics, credentials, volunteer work, and meaningful life experiences. A well-crafted essay can help you stand out among other qualified applicants. And, as with any piece of writing, you must take the time to revise.

In your personal statement, you should portray yourself as determined and empathetic, with characteristics, goals, work ethic, and healthcare philosophy that align with a program’s values. Some nursing schools ask for a general personal statement, while others require a specific prompt. Colleges commonly ask students to describe a hardship they overcame, a difficult task they accomplished, or a professional goal they hope to achieve through the program. Many schools also ask students to detail previous experiences in healthcare. You may decide to write about how you connect with patients or how you provide practical and emotional support to loved ones.

You will also encounter writing prompts during examinations, including standardized tests like the GRE or MCAT, nursing school entrance exams , and course-specific evaluations. You may also take exams to get state licensure or professional certification. In most of these instances, you will need to write one or several long-form essays. Proper planning is key. Though you won’t know what specific prompt the test will require, you can expect certain common topics. You can search online or use study guides to determine which prompts usually appear on each test.

On test day, you should begin by creating an outline that lists three main points in response to the prompt. Using these points, work backwards to write a central thesis to guide the essay’s structure. Review what you’ve written to ensure that the essay actually responds to the prompt at hand. Be sure to leave time to correct spelling, grammar, and stylistic errors.

Research Papers

Like essays, research papers follow a long-form structure. Unlike an essay, which heavily relies on the writer’s point of view, a research paper presents an in-depth investigation of a topic using data, expert opinions, and insights. While an essay evaluates general critical thinking and writing skills, a research paper tests your knowledge, research skills, and original contributions. Research papers also allow you to prove you understand what has been argued and discovered about a topic. Research papers, especially at the graduate and doctoral levels, require independent research and analyses. These papers sometimes take months or years to complete.

To write a successful research paper, you should pick a topic relevant to your interests and the nursing field. Possibilities include elderly care challenges, patient safety and ethics, mental health treatment and regulations in the U.S., and nursing shortages and possible solutions. Whatever your choice, you must plan accordingly. Advanced papers such as dissertations may require funding or help from professors. Research papers often consist of the following sections: abstract, introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. You should keep this general structure in mind as you prepare notes and outlines.

How Do You Write a Nursing Essay?

In nursing school, essay writing includes academic papers, personal narratives, and professional compositions. You should become familiar with each of the five major forms below. There are many similarities between these essay types, such as an overarching thesis and a supportive, logical structure. You should support claims with factual, statistical, anecdotal, and rhetorical evidence. However, each form requires distinct skills to achieve specific results.

Comparative

Cause and effect, citations guide for nursing students.

Citations allow readers to know where information came from. By citing sources, you avoid plagiarizing or stealing another person’s ideas, research, language, and analyses. Whether intentional or unintentional, plagiarism is one of the most egregious errors one can make. Consequences for plagiarism include automatic course failure, disciplinary actions from the university, and even legal repercussions. You should take special care to ensure you properly cite sources.

American Psychological Association (APA) Style

APA is the most commonly used style among natural scientists, social scientists, educators, and nurses. Like other citation styles, APA emphasizes clarity of font style, font size, spacing, and paragraph structure. APA citations focus on publication date, and in most cases, the date comes right after the author’s name. This order makes the style particularly useful for scientists, who value new research and updates on current findings. For more information on APA style, visit this official website .

(Author and year of publication, page number) “Punishment, then, will tend to become the most hidden part of the penal process” (Foucault, 1977, p. 9).

Chicago Manual of Style (CMS)

CMS (also known as CMOS or, simply, Chicago) features two citation systems, the notes and bibliography, and the author and date. This style is used primarily by historians, who place high importance on a text’s origin. The notes and bibliography include a superscript number with a corresponding footnote or endnote. Scientific professionals use the author and date citation, a generic parenthetical system with similarities to other citation styles. The CMS official website provides additional information, including changes to citation systems in the current edition.

“Punishment, then, will tend to become the most hidden part of the penal process”. 1 1. Michel Foucault, trans. Alan Sheridan, Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison (New York: Pantheon Books, 1977), 9.

(Author and year of publication, page number) “Punishment, then, will tend to become the most hidden part of the penal process” (Foucault 1977, 9).

Modern Language Association (MLA) Format

MLA format traces its history to 1951 when it was first published as a thin booklet. Today, MLA is the primary format used by academics and professionals in humanities, English, literature, media studies, and cultural studies. To adapt to the rapid growth of new mediums over the past few decades, MLA updates its citation system. Visit the MLA Style Center for in-depth information on new guidelines and ongoing changes. In general, in text citations consist of author and page number, or just page number if the author’s name appears in the text.

(Author and page number) “Punishment, then, will tend to become the most hidden part of the penal process” (Foucault 9).

Associated Press (AP) Style

Published in 1952, the original AP Stylebook was marketed to journalists and other professionals related to the Associated Press. AP now stands as the go-to style for professionals in business, public relations, media, mass communications, and journalism. AP style prioritizes brevity and accuracy. The style includes specific guidelines regarding technological terms, titles, locations, and abbreviations and acronyms. Unlike the previous styles, AP does not use parenthetical or in-text citations. Rather, writers cite sources directly in the prose. For more information, including style-checking tools and quizzes, visit the Associated Press Stylebook .

In the book, “Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison,” first published in English in 1977, philosopher Michel Foucault argues that “Punishment, then, will tend to become the most hidden part of the penal process”.

Which Style Should Nursing Students Use?

Because nurses rely on scientific terms and information, professionals in the field usually use APA style. Regardless of the purpose and specific genre of your text, you should always strive for concise, objective, and evidenced-based writing. You can expect to learn APA style as soon as you enroll in a major course. However, you should also prepare to learn other styles as part of your academic training. For example, freshman composition classes tend to focus on MLA guidelines.

Common Writing Mistakes Students Make

Active vs. passive voice.

Active and passive voice represent two different ways to present the same piece of information. Active voice focuses on the subject performing an action. For example, the dog bites the boy. This format creates clear, concise, and engaging writing. Using active voice, nurses might write, I administered patient care at 11:00. Passive voice, on the other hand, focuses on the object of the sentence or the action being performed. For example, the boy was bitten by the dog. A passive sentence is usually one that contains the verb “to be.” Using passive voice, you might write, patient care was administered at 11:00.

Professionals in the sciences often use passive voice in their writing to create an objective tone and authorial distance. Passive voice can prioritize specific terms, actions, evidence, or research over the writer’s presence. Additionally, nurses use passive voice because it is usually clear that the reported thoughts, actions, and opinions come from them. However, you must also learn how to use active voice.

Punctuation

There are 14 punctuation marks in the English language, each with multiple and sometimes overlapping uses. Additionally, certain punctuation marks only make sense in highly specific and nuanced grammatical instances. To master punctuation, you must learn through practice, particularly by revising your own writing.

For example, colons and semicolons are often used interchangeably, when they actually serve distinct purposes. Generally used before itemized lists, colons stand in for the phrases “here is what I mean” or “that is to say.” For example, I am bringing three things to the picnic: applesauce, napkins, and lemonade. Semicolons separate two independent clauses connected through topic or meaning. For example, It was below zero; Ricardo wondered if he would freeze to death. Comma splices, which create run on sentences, are another common mistake. You can identify a comma splice by learning the differences between an independent and dependent clause.

Grammar refers to the rules of a particular language system. Grammar determines how users can structure words and form sentences with coherent meaning. Aspects include syntax (the arrangement of words to convey their mutual relations in a sentence) and semantics (how individual words and word groups are understood). Unless you major in writing, literature, etymology, or another related field, you generally won’t examine English grammar deeply. Through years of cognitive development and practice, native users implicitly understand how to effectively employ the language.

Distinct grammatical systems exist for each language and, sometimes, even within a single language. For example, African American Vernacular English uses different syntactic rules than General American English. You should learn grammatical terms and definitions. Common errors include subject/verb agreement, sentence fragments, dangling modifiers, and vague or incorrect pronoun usage. Hasty writers can also misuse phonetically similar words (your/you’re, its/it’s, and there/their/they’re).

Writing Resources for Nursing Students

Apa style central, reviewed by:.

Shrilekha Deshaies, MSN, RN

Shri Deshaies is a nurse educator with over 20 years of experience teaching in hospital, nursing school, and community settings. Deshaies’ clinical area of expertise is critical care nursing and she is a certified critical care nurse. She has worked in various surgical ICUs throughout her career, including cardiovascular, trauma, and neurosurgery.

Shri Deshaies is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. Learn more about our review partners here .

Page last reviewed November 30, 2021

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How to Write a Nursing Reflective Essay as a BSN Nursing Student

• Author Jermaine Huey
• Published November 29, 2023

Welcome to NursingWriters.net, your go-to resource for expert information and guidance on writing nursing essays. In this article, we will provide you, as a BSN nursing student , with a comprehensive guide on how to write a compelling nursing reflective essay. Reflective essays are a personal reflection on your experiences in the nursing profession, and we are here to help you navigate this writing challenge.

As a busy nursing student, we understand that you may have limited time to spare. That’s where NursingWriters.net comes in, empowering you to excel in your BSN program by providing expert guidance on different writing and comprehension challenges you may face. Let’s dive into the world of nursing reflective essays and discover how you can effectively express your thoughts and insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Reflective essays allow nursing students to reflect on their experiences and personal growth in the profession.
• A nursing reflective essay is different from a personal statement, focusing on self-reflection rather than academic achievements.
• Key elements to include in a nursing reflective essay are the inciting incident, personal reflections, vivid details, and actions taken.
• The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide a clear thesis statement.
• The body paragraphs should delve into the writer’s reflections and emotions with specific examples and anecdotes.

What Is a Reflective Essay in Nursing?

A reflective essay in nursing is a powerful tool that allows nursing students to analyze their experiences, emotions, and actions related to their nursing practice. It provides an opportunity for self-reflection, critical thinking, and personal growth. Reflective writing can help nurses develop a deeper understanding of their own practice, improve patient care, and enhance their professional development.

Reflective essays in nursing differ from personal statements in that they focus on specific experiences and their impact on the writer’s growth and development. These essays require the writer to critically reflect on their actions, emotions, and thoughts, and identify ways to improve their practice. By examining their experiences and applying reflective frameworks, nursing students can gain valuable insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth.

When writing a reflective essay in nursing , it is important to follow a structured approach. This includes describing the incident or experience, analyzing personal thoughts and feelings, exploring the actions taken, and reflecting on the outcomes and implications. By structuring the essay effectively, nursing students can communicate their reflections in a clear and organized manner.

Key Elements to Include in a Nursing Reflective Essay

When writing a nursing reflective essay, it is important to include key elements that will make your essay comprehensive and impactful. These elements will help you convey your thoughts and experiences clearly, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of your reflections on nursing practice.

Inciting Incident or Event

The first key element to include in your nursing reflective essay is the inciting incident or event. This is the moment or experience that triggered your reflection and made a significant impact on your practice. It could be a challenging patient encounter, an ethical dilemma, or a personal realization. By describing this event in detail, you set the stage for your reflective journey.

Personal Reflections

Your nursing reflective essay should also include personal reflections on the experience. This is where you delve into your thoughts, feelings, and emotions related to the inciting incident. Reflect on how the event made you feel, what you learned from it, and how it has influenced your growth as a nursing professional. Be honest and vulnerable in your reflections, as this will allow the reader to connect with your experience on a deeper level.

Vivid Setting and Descriptive Details

To create a vivid and engaging narrative, include specific details that paint a picture of the setting and the people involved. Describe the physical environment, the interactions between healthcare professionals and patients, and any other relevant details that contribute to the overall context of the experience. This will help the reader visualize the situation and understand the complexities of the event.

Actions Taken

Finally, it is important to describe the actions you took in response to the inciting incident. Discuss how you applied your nursing knowledge and skills to address the challenges or opportunities presented by the event. Reflect on the effectiveness of your actions and whether there were any areas for improvement. This demonstrates your ability to critically analyze your own practice and make informed decisions.

By including these key elements in your nursing reflective essay, you can create a comprehensive and impactful piece of writing that showcases your growth and development as a nursing professional.

How to Write the Introduction of a Nursing Reflective Essay

The introduction of a nursing reflective essay plays a crucial role in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the entire essay. It should provide a concise overview of the main points that will be discussed and create a sense of curiosity and engagement. Here are some tips to help you write an effective introduction for your nursing reflective essay:

• Start with an intriguing opening line: Begin your introduction with a captivating statement or anecdote that relates to the topic of your essay. This will grab the reader’s attention and make them eager to continue reading.
• Provide context and background information: Give a brief overview of the event or experience that you will be reflecting on in your essay. This will help the reader understand the context and significance of your reflections.
• Present a clear thesis statement: Your thesis statement should clearly state the main purpose of your essay and the specific points or themes that you will be exploring. This will give the reader a preview of what to expect in the body of the essay.

By following these tips, you can craft an introduction that captivates the reader and sets the stage for a compelling nursing reflective essay.

“As I walked into the busy hospital ward on my first day of clinical rotation, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Little did I know that this experience would become a pivotal moment in my nursing journey, shaping my understanding of empathy, communication, and patient-centered care. In this reflective essay, I will delve into the details of this encounter and explore the personal and professional growth that resulted from it.”

With an attention-grabbing opening, providing context, and presenting a clear thesis statement, your introduction will set the stage for a compelling nursing reflective essay that captures the reader’s attention and lays the foundation for your reflections.

Nursing Reflection Essay Tips and Examples

Writing a nursing reflective essay requires careful consideration and thoughtful analysis. Here are some tips to help you craft an impactful and meaningful reflection essay as a BSN nursing student . Additionally, we will provide examples to illustrate how these tips can be applied.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Reflection Essay:

• Start by choosing a specific experience or event that had a significant impact on your nursing practice. This could be a challenging patient encounter, a critical incident, or a personal realization that transformed your perspective.
• Reflect on the experience and consider how it affected your emotions, thoughts, and actions. What did you learn from the experience? How has it shaped your growth as a nursing professional?
• Focus on the key aspects of the experience that were particularly impactful or meaningful to you. Avoid including unnecessary details or deviating from the main message of your reflection.
• Use specific examples, anecdotes, or patient scenarios to support your reflections. This will make your essay more engaging and relatable to the reader.
• Consider the ethical implications of the experience and reflect on how it has influenced your approach to patient care and decision-making.
• End your essay with a reflection on the implications of your learning for future nursing practice. How will you apply the lessons learned to provide better care and improve patient outcomes?

Now, let’s take a look at two examples of nursing reflective essays to further illustrate these tips:

“During my clinical rotation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), I encountered a complex patient case that challenged my critical thinking skills and decision-making abilities. The patient was a middle-aged woman who had undergone a complicated surgery and experienced numerous post-operative complications. This experience taught me the importance of collaboration within the healthcare team and the significance of advocating for the patient’s best interests…”

“One of the most significant experiences during my nursing education was my time spent in the pediatric oncology unit. Witnessing the resilience and bravery of children facing life-threatening illnesses had a profound impact on my perspective as a nurse. It taught me the importance of providing holistic care, not only addressing physical needs but also supporting emotional well-being and promoting a positive environment for healing…”

These examples demonstrate how personal reflections, specific details, and professional insights can be incorporated to create a compelling nursing reflective essay. Remember to structure your essay in a clear and organized manner, ensuring that your reflections flow logically and coherently.

By following these tips and utilizing examples, you can create a compelling nursing reflective essay that showcases your growth and development as a nursing professional.

How to Conclude a Nursing Reflective Essay

The conclusion of a nursing reflective essay serves as the final reflection on the writer’s growth and learning from the experience. It is an essential part of the essay that summarizes the main points discussed and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The reflective essay conclusion should bring closure to the essay by restating the thesis statement and highlighting the key takeaways from the essay.

To write a strong and impactful conclusion, start by restating the thesis statement in a clear and concise manner. This reminds the reader of the main focus of the essay and reinforces its significance. Next, summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs, highlighting the most important insights and reflections. This helps to reinforce the main ideas and ensures that they are not overlooked in the final reflection.

In addition to summarizing the main points, a thought-provoking statement or future outlook can be included to provide a sense of closure and leave the reader with something to ponder. This can be a reflection on how the experience has influenced the writer’s future practice or a call to action for continued personal and professional growth. By ending the essay on a strong and meaningful note, the conclusion enhances the overall impact of the nursing reflective essay.

A well-crafted conclusion is essential for a nursing reflective essay as it reinforces the main ideas, leaves a lasting impression on the reader, and provides a sense of closure. By following these tips, nursing students can create a powerful and impactful conclusion that enhances the overall effectiveness of their reflective essays.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Reflective Essay

Writing a nursing reflective essay can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can also be a rewarding experience. Here are some helpful tips and strategies to guide nursing students in their essay writing process:

• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm ideas, reflect on your experiences, and write and revise your essay. Starting early will help you avoid last-minute stress and allow for a more thoughtful and polished essay.
• Conduct thorough self-reflection: Before you begin writing, take the time to reflect on your experiences and emotions related to your nursing practice. Consider how these experiences have shaped your growth and development as a nurse, and what lessons you have learned along the way.
• Organize your thoughts and ideas: Create an outline or a rough structure for your essay to ensure a logical flow of ideas. Group similar thoughts and reflections together to create cohesive paragraphs, and use headings or subheadings to further organize your essay.
• Seek feedback: Share your essay with trusted peers or instructors and ask for their feedback. They can offer valuable insights, provide constructive criticism, and help you refine your essay to make it stronger and more impactful.

Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the technical aspects of your essay:

• Grammar and spelling: Proofread your essay carefully to ensure it is free of any grammatical or spelling errors. Use grammar and spell-check tools, and consider asking someone else to review your essay for a fresh perspective.
• Coherent writing style: Use clear and concise language to convey your thoughts and reflections. Avoid excessive jargon or technical terms, and focus on communicating your ideas effectively.
• Formatting guidelines: Follow any formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or institution. Pay attention to font style, size, spacing, and citation style if required.

By following these tips and strategies, nursing students can approach their reflective essay writing with confidence and produce compelling and insightful essays that showcase their growth and development in the nursing profession.

Reflective Tools and Models for Nursing Reflective Essays

Reflective tools and models can provide structure and guidance for nursing students when writing reflective essays. These tools help organize thoughts and experiences, allowing for a more comprehensive and meaningful reflection. By utilizing reflection models , nursing students can enhance their reflective writing skills and deepen their understanding of their own growth and development as healthcare professionals.

Gibbs’ Reflective Model

“Reflective practice is both an art and a science that requires ongoing commitment and practice.” – Gibbs

Gibbs’ Reflective Model is a widely used reflection framework in nursing. It consists of six stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan. This model encourages a structured approach to reflection, allowing the writer to systematically explore their thoughts and emotions, analyze the situation, and identify areas for improvement or further development.

Dewey’s Reflective Thinking Model

“We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience.” – Dewey

Dewey’s Reflective Thinking Model focuses on the importance of reflection as a tool for learning and growth. It emphasizes the need to actively engage with experiences, thoughts, and emotions, and to critically evaluate them in order to gain deeper insights and understanding. This model encourages nursing students to think analytically and develop a continuous learning mindset.

Kolb Reflective Model

“Knowledge results from the combination of grasping experience and transforming it.” – Kolb

The Kolb Reflective Model is based on the concept of experiential learning. It consists of four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. This model encourages nursing students to engage in a cyclical process of learning, where they actively participate in experiences, reflect on them, conceptualize their insights, and apply their learning in real-life situations.

Schön Reflective Model

“Reflection-in-action is the heart of the learning process.” – Schön

Schön Reflective Model emphasizes the importance of reflection in the midst of action. It focuses on the ability to think and adapt in real-time, making decisions based on professional knowledge and experiences. This model encourages nursing students to develop a reflective mindset that allows them to learn and grow while actively engaging in their practice.

Benefits of Reflective Writing in Nursing

Reflective writing plays a crucial role in nursing practice, offering numerous benefits for nursing students and professionals alike. By engaging in reflective writing, nurses can enhance their self-awareness, develop their critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper understanding of patient experiences. This section will explore the advantages of reflective writing in nursing and its significance in healthcare.

Enhanced Self-Awareness

Reflective writing fosters self-reflection, allowing nurses to examine their thoughts, emotions, and actions in various clinical situations. Through this process, they gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This heightened self-awareness enables nurses to provide more effective and compassionate patient care, fostering a patient-centered approach.

Improved Critical Thinking

Reflective writing encourages nurses to think critically about their experiences and the impact of their actions. It requires them to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of their decision-making and problem-solving skills. By reflecting on past experiences, nurses can identify areas where they can enhance their clinical practice and make informed decisions based on evidence and best practices.

Increased Empathy and Understanding

Through reflective writing, nurses develop a deeper empathy and understanding of patient experiences. By reflecting on their interactions with patients, nurses can recognize the emotions, fears, and challenges faced by individuals in their care. This increased empathy enables nurses to provide more holistic and patient-centered care, improving the overall healthcare experience for patients.

Continuous Professional Development

Reflective writing is an essential tool for nurses’ continuous professional development. It allows them to document their growth, learning, and achievements throughout their nursing career. By regularly engaging in reflective writing, nurses can identify areas for further development, set goals for improvement, and ensure they are providing the best possible care to their patients.

Overall, reflective writing in nursing is a powerful tool that empowers nurses to enhance their self-awareness, critical thinking skills, and empathy. By engaging in this practice, nurses can continuously improve their clinical practice, provide high-quality patient care, and contribute to the ongoing development of the nursing profession.

Nursing Reflective Essay Examples

Looking for inspiration for your nursing reflective essay? Here are some examples that showcase different experiences, reflections, and growth in the nursing profession.

These examples demonstrate how nursing reflective essays can provide valuable insights into personal experiences, reflections, and professional growth. They serve as excellent references to help nursing students develop their own reflective writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of the nursing profession.

Writing a Nursing Reflective Essay for Nursing School Application

A nursing reflective essay can be a powerful tool for nursing school applications. It allows applicants to showcase their self-awareness, critical thinking skills, and passion for the nursing profession. When writing a nursing reflective essay for a nursing school application, there are a few key tips to keep in mind.

Reflect on your passion for nursing

Start by reflecting on what drew you to the nursing profession and why you are passionate about it. Consider your personal experiences, such as volunteering or shadowing healthcare professionals, and how they have shaped your desire to become a nurse. Highlight your commitment to providing compassionate and quality patient care.

Share personal experiences in healthcare settings

Provide specific examples of your experiences in healthcare settings, such as clinical rotations or internships. Reflect on the challenges you faced, the lessons you learned, and how those experiences have impacted your growth and development as a future nurse. Discuss any significant interactions with patients, healthcare teams, or mentors that have shaped your understanding of the nursing profession.

Align with the nursing school’s values and mission

Research the nursing school’s values, mission, and educational philosophy. Ensure that your reflective essay aligns with these principles and demonstrates your commitment to the school’s mission. Use the nursing school’s prompts or essay questions as a guide to structure your essay and address the specific criteria they are looking for in applicants.

By following these tips, you can write a compelling nursing reflective essay that effectively conveys your passion for nursing, showcases your experiences, and aligns with the nursing school’s values. Remember to proofread your essay carefully for grammar and spelling errors and seek feedback from mentors or trusted individuals in the nursing profession to ensure your essay is clear, concise, and impactful.

(Table) Tips for Writing a Nursing Reflective Essay for Nursing School Application

Writing a nursing reflective essay can be a transformative experience for BSN nursing students. It allows them to gain valuable insight into their own growth and development as future healthcare professionals. Throughout this comprehensive guide, we have provided expert information and guidance on how to write a compelling nursing reflective essay.

By understanding the purpose of a reflective essay and the key elements to include, nursing students can effectively showcase their personal experiences and reflections. Incorporating reflection models such as Gibbs’ Reflective Model or Kolb Reflective Model can also provide structure and depth to their essays.

At NursingWriters.net, we are dedicated to empowering busy nurses and providing them with the tools they need to excel in their BSN programs. Whether it’s writing a reflective essay or any other writing challenge, we are here to support and guide nursing students towards success.

What is a nursing reflective essay?

A nursing reflective essay is a personal essay where the writer reflects on their own experiences and how those experiences have shaped their growth and development in the nursing profession.

How is a reflective essay in nursing different from a personal statement?

While a reflective essay in nursing focuses on the writer’s personal experiences and reflections, a personal statement is more of a formal document that highlights the writer’s qualifications, achievements, and future goals in the nursing profession.

What are the key elements to include in a nursing reflective essay?

The key elements to include in a nursing reflective essay are the inciting incident or event, personal reflections on the experience, specific details to create a vivid setting, and a description of the actions taken by the writer. It is important to avoid including academic details and excessive focus on emotions.

How should I write the introduction of a nursing reflective essay?

To write an engaging and informative introduction for a nursing reflective essay, you can grab the reader’s attention with an intriguing opening line, provide context and background information, and present a clear thesis statement. Focus on the specific event or experience that will be the main focus of the essay.

How should I structure the body paragraphs of a nursing reflective essay?

The body paragraphs of a nursing reflective essay should have a clear structure. Use the first paragraph to present the thesis statement and provide background information on the event. Use subsequent paragraphs to explore your reflections, emotions, and actions taken. Use specific examples and anecdotes to make the essay more engaging.

How should I conclude a nursing reflective essay?

To write a strong conclusion for a nursing reflective essay, you can summarize the main points discussed in the essay, provide a final reflection on your growth and learning from the experience, restate the thesis statement, and leave the reader with a thought-provoking statement or future outlook.

What are some tips for writing a nursing reflective essay?

Some tips for writing a nursing reflective essay include starting early, conducting thorough self-reflection, organizing your thoughts and ideas, and seeking feedback from peers or instructors. Pay attention to proper grammar and spelling, coherent writing style, and adhere to any formatting guidelines provided.

How can reflective tools and models help with nursing reflective essays?

Reflective tools and models provide structure and guidance for nursing students when writing reflective essays. Models such as Gibbs’ Reflective Model, Dewey’s Reflective Thinking Model, Kolb Reflective Model, and Schön Reflective Model can be used as frameworks for organizing thoughts and experiences in a nursing reflective essay.

What are the benefits of reflective writing in nursing?

Reflective writing in nursing offers benefits such as enhanced self-awareness, improved critical thinking skills, increased empathy and understanding of patient experiences, and continuous professional development. It promotes lifelong learning and helps improve patient care.

Where can I find nursing reflective essay examples?

You can find nursing reflective essay examples that showcase different experiences, reflections, and growth. These examples incorporate personal reflections, specific details, and professional insights into nursing practice. They demonstrate the diversity of topics and experiences that can be explored in nursing reflective essays.

How can I write a nursing reflective essay for nursing school applications?

To write a nursing reflective essay for nursing school applications, reflect on your passion for nursing, personal experiences in healthcare settings, and future goals in the nursing profession. Address specific prompts and align the content with the nursing school’s values and mission.

How can writing a nursing reflective essay benefit BSN nursing students?

Writing a nursing reflective essay allows BSN nursing students to gain insight into their own growth and development as future healthcare professionals. It helps improve critical thinking skills, self-awareness, and understanding of patient experiences. It also promotes continuous professional development.

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Tips for Writing Your Nursing Program College Essays

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Giebien Na in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

The importance of your college essays, general advice for writing your nursing essays.

If you know you want to be a nurse, you probably have quite a few reasons for that. Instead of merely relying on your academic and test performances to tell your story, you get the opportunity in your essays to share exactly why you’re so passionate about nursing. Writing about this can be a clarifying and even exciting process. This article explains why college application essays matter and how you should write about why you want to become a nurse.

Grades and test scores matter when you’re applying to college, but your essays can help improve your chances of admission. They’re how you can express your experiences and make your desire to become a nurse clear and personal.

If your prospective school doesn’t have supplemental essays, it’s a good idea to include your interest in nursing in your Common App essay . This could mean that you end up with two different drafts of the essay: one for if there are supplemental essays where you can discuss your interests in nursing and one for if there are not. You’ll change them out depending on whether you also have to respond to specific prompts about why you want to pursue nursing. This may not sound like much fun, but it will help you be admitted to your school of choice.

It might seem exciting to apply to a place where you don’t have to write extra essays—it’s less work! If you don’t do that additional work, though, you’ll have fewer chances to explain yourself. You might not be able to share exactly why you think that you’re the right fit for a certain college or program. 

If you are writing supplemental essays for the colleges that you’re interested in, you can include more details about your passion for nursing. You’ll often be asked, “why this major?” or “why this school?” When you have those opportunities to share your specific reasons, you can let yourself get personal and go deep into your passion. Use that space to share important details about who you are.

Start Broad

When writing essays entirely about why you want to pursue nursing , try to start from a broad interest, then slowly work your way to telling specific personal stories and goals. 

When first thinking about your general interest in nursing, ask yourself what attracts you to the work of being a nurse. This can lead to powerful potential responses. Maybe you like taking care of people in the community. Perhaps you’ve always known that you wanted to make a difference in the healthcare profession, but you don’t want to be a doctor. You’d rather make patients’ healthcare experiences as comfortable and pleasant as possible. 

After you’ve described these broad, overarching motivations for wanting to go into nursing, consider any personal experiences that have made you want to be a nurse. Think about moments you’ve had during hospital visits or checkups or an anecdote from a time that you decided to volunteer in a healthcare role. Once you’ve written these stories, you can end the essay by discussing your planned major and career goals.

Discuss Your Future Goals

If you know what your end goal is, be sure to include it. You can write about becoming a registered nurse or maybe a nurse practitioner. It doesn’t have to be set in stone , but sharing a final ambition can help anchor your personal narrative. Writing about the future that you want can help the admissions officer reading your essay see how you view yourself. If they can do this, they’ll better understand your values and motivations and see you as a real candidate for their school. 

You don’t have to follow this pattern exactly. For example, it can be powerful to begin your essay in the middle of the action—you can dive right into an anecdote and get the reader interested in your story from the jump. 

While you should avoid dramatization, starting with a few clear, memorable scenes or a line or two of dialogue can make for an instantly interesting essay. All of this helps you show your passion, rather than simply explaining what intrigues you about a nursing career. 

Once you’ve led with your narrative, though, remember to ground it in clear reasons for your intended career and what you want your future to look like. A good essay will be balanced between the past, present, and future. It’s how a college will see who you are and everything that you have to offer.

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Nursing Essay Examples

Nursing Essay Examples That Will Help You Write a Stellar Paper

Published on: May 6, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

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Many nursing students struggle with writing effective nursing essays, which are an essential part of their education and professional development.

Poor essay writing skills can lead to low grades and an inability to effectively communicate important information.

This blog provides a comprehensive guide to writing nursing essays with examples and tips for effective writing. Whether you are a nursing student or a professional looking to improve your writing skills, this blog has something for you. 

By following the tips and examples provided, you can write compelling nursing essays that showcase your dedication to the field.

Let’s get started.

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What is a Nursing Essay?

A nursing essay is a type of academic writing that aims to explore a particular topic related to nursing. It also presents a clear and concise argument or viewpoint supported by evidence. 

Nursing essays can take many forms, including:

• Descriptive essays
• Reflective essays
• Analytical essays
• Persuasive essays

What is the Importance of the Nursing Essay?

Nursing essays are important for several reasons. First, they help nursing students develop critical thinking skills by requiring them to analyze and evaluate information.

Second, they help students develop research skills by requiring them to locate and use credible sources to support their arguments. 

Third, nursing essays help students develop communication skills by requiring them to present their ideas clearly and concisely in writing. Finally, nursing essays are important for nursing education because they prepare students for the types of writing.

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To help students better understand how to write nursing essays, it can be helpful to review examples.

Below are some examples of nursing essays.

Nursing School Essay Examples

College Nursing Essay Examples

Graduate Nursing Essay Examples

Nursing Scholarship Essay Examples

Nursing Essay Conclusion Examples

Nursing Essay Examples of Different Fields

Nursing is a diverse field with many different specialties and areas of focus. As a result, nursing essays can take many different forms and cover a wide range of topics. 

Given below are some examples of different types of nursing essays:

Personal Philosophy Of Nursing - Essay Examples

Cal State Fullerton Nursing Essay Examples

Evidence Based Practice Nursing In Medical Field - Essay Examples

Leadership In Nursing And Healthcare Professionals - Essay Examples

Principles Of Professional Practice Of Nursing Professionals And Pharmacists

If you're seeking additional examples of nursing essays, you're in luck! 

Below are some more examples that can help you gain a better understanding of nursing essays:

Health Care And Reflective Models For Nursing - Essay Examples

History Of Nursing Essay Examples

Ethical Dilemma In Nurses Work - Essay Examples

Mental Health Nursing Essay Examples

Why I Want To Be A Nurse Essay

Working In A Team And Collaboration In Nursing

How to Write a Nursing Essay

Writing a nursing essay can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience.

Here are the key steps involved in writing a nursing essay:

Understanding the Topic and Question

The first step in writing a nursing essay is to carefully read and understand the topic and question. 

This will help you determine what information you need to research and include in your essay. Make sure you understand any key terms or concepts related to the topic. Consider different perspectives or viewpoints that may be relevant.

Researching the Topic

Once you have a clear understanding of the topic and question, it's time to research. 

Start by gathering information from credible sources such as academic journals, textbooks, and government websites. 

Consider both primary and secondary sources, and make sure to take detailed notes as you read.

Organizing and Outlining the Essay

Once you have completed your research, it's time to organize your ideas and create an outline for your essay. 

Start by identifying the main points or arguments you want to make, and then organize them into a logical order that flows well. 

Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Writing the Essay

With your outline in place, it's time to start writing your essay. Make sure to follow your outline closely, and use clear and concise language that effectively communicates your ideas. 

Use evidence from your research to support your arguments, and cite your sources appropriately.

Editing and Revising the Essay

Once you have completed a first draft of your essay, take some time to edit and revise it. Look for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation, and make sure your essay is well-organized and flows well. 

Consider asking a peer or instructor to review your essay and provide feedback.

What To Include In Your Nursing Essay

When writing a nursing essay, there are several key elements that you should include. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Introduction

Your introduction should provide a brief overview of the topic and purpose of your essay. It should also include a clear thesis statement that presents your main argument or point of view.

• Background Information

Provide some background information on the topic to help the reader better understand the context of your essay. This can include relevant statistics, historical information, or other contextual details.

• Evidence and Examples

Use evidence and examples from your research to support your arguments and demonstrate your knowledge of the topic. Make sure to cite your sources appropriately and use a variety of sources to strengthen your argument.

• Analysis and Evaluation

Provide analysis and evaluation of the evidence and examples you've presented. This can include discussing strengths and weaknesses, comparing and contrasting different viewpoints, or offering your own perspective on the topic.

Your conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement. It should also offer some final thoughts or suggestions for further research or action.

Nursing Essay Topic Ideas

Choosing a topic for your nursing essay can be challenging, but there are many areas in the field that you can explore. Here are some nursing essay topic ideas to consider:

• The role of technology in nursing practice
• The impact of cultural diversity on healthcare delivery
• Nursing leadership and management in healthcare organizations
• Ethical issues in nursing practice
• The importance of patient-centered care in nursing practice
• The impact of evidence-based practice on nursing care
• The role of nursing in promoting public health
• Nursing education and the importance of lifelong learning
• The impact of nursing shortages on healthcare delivery
• The importance of communication in nursing practice

These are just a few ideas to get you started. You can also explore other topics related to nursing that interest you or align with your academic or professional goals. 

Remember to choose a topic that is relevant, interesting, and feasible to research and write about.

Tips for Writing an Effective Nursing Essay

Writing a successful nursing essay requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you write an effective nursing essay:

• Writing Concisely and Clearly

Nursing essays should be written in clear and concise language, avoiding unnecessary jargon or technical terms. Use simple language and short sentences to help ensure that your ideas are communicated clearly and effectively.

• Stating a Clear Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement should clearly state your main argument and provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and located at the end of your introduction.

• Using Proper Citation and Referencing

Citing and referencing your sources is crucial in any academic writing, including nursing essays. Make sure to use proper citation and referencing styles, such as APA or MLA. Include a reference list or bibliography at the end of your essay.

• Seeking Feedback and Revising

Before submitting your nursing essay, seek feedback from peers, professors, or writing tutors. Use their feedback to revise and improve your essay. Make sure that it is well-structured, coherent, and effectively communicates your point of view.

By following these tips, you can write a nursing essay that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in the field.

In conclusion, writing a successful nursing essay requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. 

To showcase your knowledge in the field of nursing, it is important to have a clear understanding of the topic at hand. When writing your nursing essay, be sure to include relevant examples, incorporate current research, and use proper citation and referencing. 

And remember , seeking feedback and revising your essay is key to ensuring that it effectively communicates your ideas and arguments.

If you need help with your nursing essay or any other type of academic writing, consider using our AI essay writer . 

Our nursing essay writing service can provide personalized support to help you succeed in your academic goals.

So, why wait? Contact us to get college essay writing help today! 

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Top Nursing Argumentative Essay Topics: Engage in Thought-Provoking Debates

This article was written in collaboration with Christine T. and ChatGPT, our little helper developed by OpenAI.

Nursing is a diverse and evolving field, constantly presenting new challenges and debates. As a nursing student or professional, engaging in these discussions allows you to develop critical thinking and writing skills while expanding your field knowledge. This blog post will explore various nursing argumentative essay topics to help you find inspiration for your next paper.

Patient Care and Ethics

• The ethics of administering experimental treatments to terminally ill patients
• Balancing patient autonomy and nurse responsibility in care decisions
• Addressing cultural and religious beliefs in end-of-life care
• The role of informed consent in patient care and treatment decisions
• Ethical considerations in the allocation of scarce medical resources
• The ethics of withholding information from patients for their benefit
• Patient privacy and confidentiality in the age of electronic health records
• Comparing faith practices in healthcare: Sikhism, Judaism, Bahaism, and Christianity
• The ethics of using restraints in patient care
• The ethical implications of non-compliance with prescribed treatments
• The role of nursing in advocating for patients’ rights
• Ethical considerations in caring for patients with mental health disorders
• The ethics of mandatory vaccinations for healthcare workers
• Addressing moral distress among nurses in patient care situations
• The ethics of caring for patients who refuse life-saving treatments
• The role of advance directives in ethical decision-making for patient care
• Ethical considerations in the care of patients with substance use disorders
• The ethics of healthcare rationing in times of crisis
• The ethical implications of assisted reproductive technologies
• Addressing ethical dilemmas in neonatal and pediatric nursing
• The ethics of pain management in nursing practice
• Pediatric oncology: working towards better treatment through evidence-based research
• Ethical considerations in the care of patients with dementia and cognitive decline
• The ethics of genetic testing and personalized medicine in patient care
• The ethical implications of clinical trials and research involving human subjects
• The role of nursing in addressing ethical issues related to organ transplantation
• Ethical considerations in the care of prisoners and detainees
• The ethics of involuntary treatment and psychiatric care
• Euthanasia: an analysis of utilitarian approach
• Addressing ethical challenges in the care of patients with disabilities
• The ethical implications of medical tourism and cross-border healthcare
• The role of nursing in addressing ethical issues related to global health
• Ethical considerations in the care of military veterans and their families
• The ethics of surrogate decision-making in patient care
• Addressing ethical challenges in the care of patients with chronic and terminal illnesses
• The role of nursing in promoting patient advocacy and self-determination
• Ethical considerations in the care of patients with rare diseases and conditions
• The ethics of care rationing in the context of an aging population
• The role of nursing in addressing ethical issues related to access to healthcare
• Ethical considerations in the care of patients during public health emergencies
• The ethics of triage and prioritization of care in emergencies
• The role of nursing in promoting environmental sustainability and addressing ethical issues related to climate change
• Ethical challenges in the care of patients at the end of life

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Technological Advancements in Nursing

• The impact of electronic health records on nursing practice and patient care
• The role of telemedicine in expanding access to healthcare services
• How wearables and remote monitoring devices are changing nursing care
• The integration of artificial intelligence in nursing practice and decision-making
• The use of virtual reality in nursing education and training
• Ethical considerations in the use of advanced technologies in nursing practice
• The role of robotics in patient care and nursing support
• The impact of mobile health apps on nursing practice and patient engagement
• The use of big data and analytics in improving patient outcomes and nursing practice
• The role of 3D printing in medical device innovation and patient care
• The integration of telehealth in the management of chronic conditions
• The use of social media and online platforms for professional development and networking in nursing
• Usability, integration, and interoperability of healthcare technology
• The impact of advanced diagnostics and imaging technologies on nursing practice
• The role of blockchain technology in improving healthcare data security and management
• The use of gamification in nursing education and patient engagement
• The impact of technology on nursing workflow and time management
• The role of virtual assistants and chatbots in patient care and nursing support
• Clinical laboratory IT security: challenges, implications, and solutions
• The use of augmented reality in nursing education and practice
• The integration of telepsychiatry and mental health services in nursing care
• The impact of technology on nurse-patient communication and relationship-building
• The role of electronic prescribing and medication management systems in reducing medication errors
• The use of telemonitoring and remote care in the management of high-risk pregnancies
• The impact of technology on infection control and prevention in healthcare settings
• The role of smart home technologies in supporting aging-in-place and home-based care
• The use of technology in promoting self-care and patient empowerment
• Safeguarding patient information: nursing informatics best practices for privacy and security in healthcare
• The integration of genomics and personalized medicine in nursing practice
• The role of technology in addressing healthcare disparities and promoting health equity
• The impact of technology on nursing workforce planning and resource allocation
• The use of predictive analytics in identifying high-risk patients and improving care coordination
• The role of technology in promoting interprofessional collaboration and communication in healthcare
• The impact of technology on nursing education and the development of future nursing competencies
• The role of technology in supporting disaster response and emergency preparedness in nursing
• The use of technology in promoting patient safety and reducing medical errors
• The impact of technology on nursing leadership and management
• The role of technology in addressing the social determinants of health and promoting community health
• The integration of technology in palliative and end-of-life care
• The use of technology in enhancing patient engagement and satisfaction in nursing care
• The role of technology in promoting evidence-based practice and research in nursing
• The impact of technology on nursing ethics and professional boundaries
• The role of technology in addressing the global nursing shortage and promoting workforce sustainability

Nursing Education and Professional Development

• The role of simulation-based learning in nursing education
• The impact of online learning on nursing education outcomes
• Integrating cultural competence in nursing curricula
• Strategies for promoting lifelong learning in nursing practice
• The role of mentorship in nursing professional development
• Addressing the transition from student nurse to professional nurse
• The impact of interprofessional education on nursing practice and patient outcomes
• The role of nursing preceptorship in clinical education
• Strategies for reducing nursing student attrition and promoting retention
• The integration of evidence-based practice in nursing education
• The role of reflective practice in nursing professional development
• Addressing the nursing faculty shortage: Challenges and solutions
• The impact of standardized testing on nursing education and practice
• The role of nursing leadership development in healthcare transformation
• Strategies for enhancing critical thinking skills in nursing education
• Global health learning in nursing and health care disparities
• The impact of clinical experience on nursing students’ confidence and competence
• The role of continuing education in maintaining nursing competency and licensure
• Addressing the needs of diverse learners in nursing education
• The impact of technology on nursing education and the development of digital literacy skills
• Digital healthcare and organizational learning: enhancing patient care through technology and knowledge management
• The role of nursing education in promoting health literacy and patient education
• Strategies for promoting resilience and self-care in nursing education
• The impact of global health experiences on nursing students’ cultural competence and professional development
• The role of nurse educators in shaping the future of nursing practice
• Addressing the challenges of teaching nursing ethics and professional values
• The impact of accreditation standards on nursing education and program quality
• The role of professional nursing organizations in supporting continuing education and development
• Strategies for fostering a culture of learning and professional growth in nursing practice
• The impact of nursing education on patient outcomes and quality of care
• The role of nursing education in addressing healthcare disparities and promoting health equity
• The integral role of nurses in healthcare systems: the importance of education and experience
• Addressing the challenges of teaching and assessing clinical judgment in nursing education
• The impact of nursing education on workforce development and nursing shortages
• The role of nursing education in promoting environmental sustainability and planetary health
• Strategies for promoting effective communication and teamwork in nursing education
• The impact of nursing education on patient safety and error prevention
• The role of nursing education in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare
• Addressing the needs of adult learners and nontraditional students in nursing education
• The impact of nursing education on interprofessional collaboration and healthcare team dynamics
• The role of nursing education in promoting ethical decision-making and moral courage in practice
• Strategies for enhancing nursing students’ clinical reasoning and decision-making skills
• The impact of nursing education on the development of professional identity and role socialization

Healthcare Policies and Nursing Practice

• The role of nurses in shaping healthcare policy and advocating for reform
• The impact of the Affordable Care Act on nursing practice and patient care
• Addressing the nursing shortage: policy initiatives and workforce strategies
• Understanding the impact of the American Healthcare System Regulatory Acts
• The role of nursing scope of practice regulations on healthcare delivery and outcomes
• The impact of healthcare reimbursement policies on nursing practice and patient care
• The role of nursing in addressing the opioid crisis: policy and practice implications
• The impact of public health policies on nursing practice and community health
• The role of nursing in promoting healthcare access and reducing disparities
• The impact of healthcare quality and safety regulations on nursing practice
• The role of nursing in implementing evidence-based practice guidelines and policies
• The impact of health information technology policies on nursing practice and patient care
• The role of nursing in addressing social determinants of health through policy and practice interventions
• The impact of nurse staffing regulations on patient outcomes and workforce planning
• The role of nursing in promoting health literacy and patient-centered care through policy and practice initiatives
• Healthcare management: career paths and requirements
• The impact of healthcare privacy and confidentiality policies on nursing practice and patient trust
• The role of nursing in promoting environmental sustainability and climate change policies in healthcare
• The impact of healthcare workforce diversity policies on nursing practice and cultural competence
• The role of nursing in promoting global health and addressing international healthcare challenges
• The impact of mental health policies on nursing practice and the care of patients with mental health disorders
• The role of nursing in promoting value-based care and payment models in healthcare
• The impact of healthcare cost containment policies on nursing practice and resource allocation
• The role of nursing in promoting patient safety and quality improvement through policy and practice initiatives
• The impact of healthcare reform on nursing education and workforce development
• Understanding the US health care reform: necessity, challenges, and implementation
• The role of nursing in promoting health equity and addressing healthcare disparities through policy and practice interventions
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing leadership and management roles
• The role of nursing in promoting interprofessional collaboration and teamwork through policy and practice initiatives
• The impact of healthcare policies on the integration of technology in nursing practice and patient care
• The role of nursing in promoting ethical decision-making and moral courage through policy and practice initiatives
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing practice in rural and underserved communities
• The role of nursing in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare through policy and practice initiatives
• Combating health care-associated infections: a community-based approach
• The impact of healthcare policies on advanced practice nursing roles and scope of practice
• The role of nursing in promoting palliative and end-of-life care through policy and practice initiatives
• The impact of healthcare policies on infection control and prevention in nursing practice and patient care
• The role of nursing in addressing the challenges of an aging population through policy and practice initiatives
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing practice in the care of patients with chronic and complex conditions
• The role of nursing in promoting patient advocacy and self-determination through policy and practice initiatives
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing practice in disaster response and emergency preparedness
• The role of nursing in promoting evidence-based practice and research through policy and practice initiatives
• The impact of healthcare policies on nursing practice in the care of vulnerable and high-risk populations
• The role of nursing in addressing the global nursing shortage and promoting workforce sustainability through policy and practice initiatives

Cultural Competence and Health Equity

• The role of cultural competence in reducing healthcare disparities
• Integrating cultural competence into nursing education and practice
• Addressing implicit bias in nursing practice and patient care
• The impact of cultural competence on patient satisfaction and outcomes
• The role of nursing in promoting health literacy among diverse populations
• Strategies for effective communication with patients from diverse backgrounds
• Mental health and gender inequality
• The impact of cultural competence on nurse-patient relationship-building and trust
• The role of nursing in addressing social determinants of health and promoting health equity
• Addressing the challenges of providing culturally competent care in rural and remote settings
• The impact of cultural competence on interprofessional collaboration and teamwork
• Bridging the gap: tackling maternal and child health disparities between developed and underdeveloped countries
• The role of nursing in promoting cultural competence in healthcare organizations
• Addressing health disparities among LGBTQ+ populations through culturally competent nursing care
• The impact of cultural competence on the prevention and management of chronic diseases
• The role of nursing in promoting culturally competent mental health care
• Addressing health disparities among immigrant and refugee populations through culturally competent nursing care
• The impact of cultural competence on patient safety and error prevention
• The role of nursing in promoting cultural competence in palliative and end-of-life care
• Addressing health disparities among indigenous populations through culturally competent nursing care
• The impact of cultural competence on the care of patients with disabilities
• The role of nursing in promoting culturally competent care for patients with substance use disorders
• Addressing health disparities among racial and ethnic minority populations through culturally competent nursing care
• The impact of cultural competence on the care of patients with rare diseases and conditions
• The role of nursing in promoting culturally competent care in global health settings
• Addressing the challenges of providing culturally competent care in disaster response and emergency preparedness
• The impact of cultural competence on nursing leadership and management
• The role of nursing in promoting culturally competent care in the context of an aging population
• Addressing health disparities among low-income populations through culturally competent nursing care
• The impact of cultural competence on nursing practice in the care of patients with complex and chronic conditions
• The role of nursing in promoting culturally competent care for military veterans and their families
• Addressing health disparities among women and girls through culturally competent nursing care
• The impact of cultural competence on nursing practice in the care of patients with infectious diseases
• The role of nursing in promoting culturally competent care for incarcerated individuals and detainees
• Addressing health disparities among individuals with limited English proficiency through culturally competent nursing care
• The impact of cultural competence on nursing practice in the care of patients at the end of life
• The role of nursing in promoting culturally competent care in the context of climate change and environmental health
• Addressing health disparities among individuals experiencing homelessness through culturally competent nursing care
• The impact of cultural competence on nursing practice in the care of patients with traumatic experiences
• The role of nursing in promoting culturally competent care in the context of medical tourism and cross-border healthcare
• Addressing health disparities among individuals with low health literacy through culturally competent nursing care
• The impact of cultural competence on nursing practice in the care of vulnerable and high-risk populations

Mental Health and Burnout in Nursing

• The prevalence of burnout among nursing professionals
• Strategies for preventing and addressing nurse burnout
• The impact of nurse burnout on patient care and outcomes
• The role of nursing leadership in addressing mental health and burnout
• Promoting self-care and resilience among nursing professionals
• The impact of nurse burnout on job satisfaction and retention
• The role of nursing education in addressing mental health and burnout
• Strategies for fostering a healthy work-life balance in nursing
• The impact of nurse burnout on interprofessional collaboration and teamwork
• The role of peer support and mentorship in addressing mental health and burnout
• The impact of nurse burnout on nursing errors and patient safety
• The role of workplace wellness programs in addressing mental health and burnout
• Strategies for managing stress and anxiety in nursing practice
• The impact of nurse burnout on professional development and career progression
• The role of professional nursing organizations in addressing mental health and burnout
• The impact of nurse burnout on healthcare costs and resource allocation
• The role of nursing research in understanding and addressing mental health and burnout
• Strategies for promoting emotional intelligence and self-awareness in nursing practice
• The impact of nurse burnout on the nursing workforce and workforce planning
• The role of nursing in promoting mental health and well-being among patients and families
• The impact of nurse burnout on ethical decision-making and moral distress
• The role of nursing in addressing mental health disparities and stigma
• Strategies for promoting a culture of empathy and compassion in nursing practice
• The impact of nurse burnout on nurse-patient communication and relationship-building
• The role of nursing in addressing mental health needs in rural and underserved communities
• The impact of nurse burnout on nursing advocacy and policy engagement
• The role of nursing in promoting mental health and well-being in global health settings
• Strategies for addressing mental health and burnout among nursing students and new graduates
• The impact of nurse burnout on nursing education and faculty well-being
• The role of nursing in addressing mental health needs in disaster response and emergency preparedness
• The impact of nurse burnout on nursing practice in the care of patients with mental health disorders
• The role of nursing in promoting mental health and well-being in the context of an aging population
• Strategies for addressing mental health and burnout among advanced practice nurses
• The impact of nurse burnout on nursing practice in the care of patients with chronic and complex conditions
• The role of nursing in promoting mental health and well-being among military veterans and their families
• The impact of nurse burnout on nursing practice in the care of patients with substance use disorders
• The role of nursing in addressing mental health needs in the context of climate change and environmental health
• Strategies for addressing mental health and burnout among nurses working with vulnerable and high-risk populations
• The impact of nurse burnout on nursing practice in the care of patients at the end of life
• The role of nursing in promoting mental health and well-being in the context of healthcare innovation and change

Now that you have a list of thought-provoking nursing argumentative essay topics, you can engage in meaningful debates and expand your knowledge in the field. Consider various perspectives, use credible sources to support your arguments, and practice clear, concise writing. Happy writing!

📎 Related Articles

1. Mental Health Nursing Research Topics: Inspiring Ideas for Students 2. Top Nursing Topics for Discussion: Engaging Conversations for Healthcare Professionals 3. Key EBP Nursing Topics: Enhancing Patient Results through Evidence-Based Practice 4. Top Nursing Research Topics for Students and Professionals 5. Nursing Debate Topics: The Importance of Discussing and Debating Nursing Issues 6. Exploring Controversial Issues in Nursing: Key Topics and Examples 7. Pediatric Nursing Research Topics for Students: A Comprehensive Guide

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Why I Want To Be A Nurse Essay

Applying for nursing school is an exciting step towards a rewarding career helping others. The nursing school essay, also known as a personal statement, is a critical part of the application. This is your chance to showcase your passion for the nursing profession and explain why you want to become a nurse.

This guide will show you exactly what admission committees are looking for in a strong nursing school application essay. Let’s walk through how to plan, write, and polish your “why I want to be a nurse” personal statement so it stands out from the competition.

What To Include In Your Nursing Essay

Writing a compelling nursing school essay requires advanced planning and preparation. Follow these tips to create an effective personal statement:

Plan Your Nurse Essay

The first step is to carefully conceptualize your nursing school admissions essay. Jot down some notes answering these key questions:

• Why do you want to go into nursing?
• What personal experiences or traits draw you to the field of nursing?
• How have you demonstrated commitment to caring for others?
• What are your academic and professional qualifications for nursing?

From here, you can start mapping out a logical flow of key points to cover in your nursing school application essay.

Show an Emotional Connection to the Profession

Admission committees want to see that you have genuine passion and empathy for the nursing career choice. Dedicate part of your personal statement to describing your intrinsic motivations and positive impacts for desiring to become a nurse.

Avoid cliché reasons like “I want to help people.” Instead, get specific by sharing a personal anecdote that emotionally moved you towards nursing.

Here’s an example of how you could open your nursing school entrance essay by highlighting a meaningful patient-care interaction:

“Holding Mrs. Wilson’s trembling hand, I watched her fearful eyes relax as I reassured her that the medical team would take excellent care of her. At that moment, providing empathetic comfort to calm her nerves despite the clinical chaos around us, I knew deep down that nursing was my calling.”

This introduction immediately establishes an emotional pull towards the human side of healthcare. From here, explain how this or similar experiences instilled a drive in you to become a nurse.

Show That You Care

Much of nursing is providing compassionate, person-centered care. Therefore, your “why I want to be a nurse” essay should emphasize your ability to be caring, empathetic, patient, and comforting to others.

Share examples that showcase your natural inclination for caregiving:

“Volunteering at the Red Cross shelter after the wildfires by comforting displaced families demonstrated my patience and attentiveness to those suffering. Even as some evacuees grew frustrated by the chaos, I calmly reassured them that we would do everything possible to assist with their recoveries and ensure they felt cared for.”

This example highlights key soft skills needed in nursing as a career, like compassion, active listening, the desire to help, and providing a calming presence under pressure.

Share Your Aspirations

A strong application essay will also articulate your goals and vision for contributing to the nursing field. What are you hoping to achieve through a career in nursing?

Here is an example of discussing aspirations in a nursing school personal statement:

“My long-term aspiration is to become a nurse leader by earning an advanced degree and management experience. I aim to leverage my organizational, communication and critical thinking skills to mentor junior staff, improve operational workflows, and advocate for policies that enhance quality of care. In nursing, I’ve found my true calling – to provide critical care, and help others by being a source of compassion and driving excellence in healthcare delivery.”

This type of self-motivated, forward-looking vision demonstrates maturity, strong goals, and natural leadership qualities.

Describe Your Nursing Skills and Qualifications

Finally, your nursing school entrance essay should summarize the skills; profession offers, and experience that makes you an excellent candidate for the nursing program. Highlight relevant strengths like:

• Academic achievements (science/healthcare courses, GPA, etc.)
• Extracurricular activities (volunteering, internships, etc.)
• Relevant work experience (patient care roles like CNA, medical assistant, etc.)
• Other transferable skills (communication, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, etc.)

For example:

“My passion for science, healthcare experience as a CNA, and volunteering at a community health fair have prepared me to thrive in the intellectually stimulating and collaborative nursing curriculum. I bring dedication, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic as demonstrated by my 3.8 GPA studying Biology at the University of Michigan.”

With application essays, it’s all about showcasing why you would make an outstanding addition to the nursing program, making a difference through your qualifications and intangible traits.

How Do You Write an Introduction to a Nurse Essay?

Now that you’ve brainstormed content ideas, it’s time to turn them into a polished personal statement. Here are some tips for crafting an attention-grabbing introduction to your nursing school essay:

Hook the Reader with a Personal Story

One of the most engaging ways to start writing your essay is by recounting a brief personal story that illuminates your drive to become a nurse. This can immediately immerse the reader in your intrinsic motivations.

For example , you could open with an anecdote describing a meaningful instance of care and comfort you provided to someone in need:

“Tears streamed down Mrs. Hernandez’s face as she told me about losing her husband to cancer last year. As a hospice volunteer, I held her hand, listening intently to her painful story of grief and loss…”

This type of vivid introduction pulls the reader into the narrative straight away. From here, you can continue sharing details about the scenario and its influence on your desire to pursue nursing.

Illustrate the Human Impact of Nursing

Another compelling way to begin your nursing personal statement is by painting a picture of nursing’s profound impact on patients and their families. This highlights your understanding of the profession’s vital role.

For instance:

“Looking a trembling new mother in the eyes as she first held her newborn, relieved knowing both were safe and healthy after a complicated delivery – that is the human difference nurses make each and every day.”

This type of introduction emphasizes nursing’s profound emotional impact on patients during vulnerable yet joyful moments. It activates the reader’s empathy by bringing them into the vivid scene while showing your own insight into the medical field.

Articulate Passion for Helping Others

Finally, you can start your nursing application essay by asserting your resounding passion for caring for others. This clear expression allows you to succinctly introduce central values like empathy and compassion.

“Ever since I was a young volunteer candy striper in my local hospital, I’ve held an unwavering passion for helping those suffering through the profound act of nursing. I was born to care for others.”

This authoritative opening clearly states your emotional connection to nursing in a compelling yet concise way. You can then build on this assertion of passion through personal examples and further explanation.

No matter how you start your nursing school essay, the introduction should vividly showcase your motivation and why you chose nursing. Set the tone early with your authorship and emotion.

Why I Want To Be A Nurse Essay Examples 

Now let’s analyze some complete sample nursing personal statements for inspiration on crafting your own:

Why I Want to Be a Nurse at a Hospital: Essay

Essay on why i want to be a nurse assistant, 1000-word essay on why i want to be a nurse, essay on why i want to be a nurse, why i want to be a nurse: argumentative essay, mental health nursing personal statement, why i want to be a pediatrics nurse, why i want to be a nurse practitioner essay, writing a why i want to become a nurse essay.

To craft a standout nursing school application essay, prospective students should engage the reader with an emotional opening that illuminates their calling to the profession, whether through a compelling personal anecdote or vivid imagery expressing the profound impact of nursing. 

The conclusion should be resolved by painting an inspiring vision of how the writer’s skills, values, and determination will be channeled into excellence as a nursing student and future registered nurse, making an empathetic difference in patients’ lives.

With focused, mature writing that radiates passion and preparedness, a “why I want to become a registered nurse” personal statement can stand out amidst the competition as a window into a promising applicant’s commitment to this vital healthcare profession.

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What is nursing professionalism? a concept analysis

1 Nursing College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001 Shanxi People’s Republic of China

2 Linfen Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University (Linfen People’s Hospital), Linfen, 041000 Shanxi People’s Republic of China

3 The Third Peoples Hospital of Taiyuan, Taiyuan, 030001 Shanxi People’s Republic of China

Yangjie Chen

4 The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001 Shanxi People’s Republic of China

Qiaohong Wang

Associated data.

Data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Nursing professionalism plays an important role in clinical nursing. However, a clear conceptual understanding of nursing professionalism is lacking.

Walker and Avant’s strategy was used to analyse the concept of nursing professionalism. We searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL, for studies published from 1965 to 2021. Quantitative or qualitative studies published in English that focused on nursing professionalism were included in the study.

The three attributes of nursing professionalism are multidimensional, dynamic, and culture oriented. Based on the analysis, nursing professionalism is defined as providing individuals care based on the principles of professionalism, caring, and altruism.

Conclusions

This study offers a theoretical definition and conceptual model of nursing professionalism that may be applied to develop standardized assessment tools or nursing professionalism training programs.

Introduction

The COVID-19 outbreak has exposed deficiencies in the underinvestment of the global health system, including the shortage in nursing resources and nursing staff, and a similar situation is noted in China ( https://www.icn.ch/news/investing-nursing-and-respecting-nurses-rights-key-themes-international-nurses-day-2022 ). An unbalanced number of nurses and patients, high work pressure, lack of social occupational identity and other reasons have led to job burnout, low job satisfaction, and even the resignation of many nurses. Research has also shown that the lack of nursing professionalism adversely affects patient care and patient outcomes [ 1 ]. Ohman [ 2 ] pointed out that lower levels of professionalism may cause negative outcomes, such as turnover and attrition and lower productivity.

In recent years, researchers have tried to solve the above problems through professionalism.

However, nursing professionalism plays a more important role in clinical nursing. Some studies have shown that professionalism can improve the professional knowledge and skills of nurses and ameliorate reductions in institutional productivity and quality [ 3 ]. Higher levels of professionalism can improve nurses’ autonomy and empowerment, increase their recognition and facilitate organizational citizenship behaviours, establish nursing care standards and even improve quality services [ 4 , 5 ].

Nursing professionalism has been discussed for several decades. Hall (1968) developed the Professionalism Inventory Scale [ 6 ]. Miller et al [ 7 ] (1993) first specified the 9 standards criteria of nursing professionalism (educational background; adherence to the code of ethics; participation in the professional organization; continuing education and competency; communication and publication; autonomy and self-regulation; community service; theory use, development, and evaluation; and research involvement.). Yeun et al. (2005) summarized five themes regarding nurses’ perceptions of nursing professionalism: self-concept of the profession, social awareness, professionalism of nursing, the roles of nursing services, and originality of nursing [ 8 ]. Yoder defined nursing professionalism based on six components: acting in the patients’ interests; showing humanism; practising social responsibility; demonstrating sensitivity to people’s cultures and beliefs; having high standards of competence and knowledge; and demonstrating high ethical standards [ 9 ]. Although some researchers have explored the concept of professionalism. How can professionalism be evaluated in nursing clinical practice? Few studies have shown a clear conceptualization of nurses’ professionalism [ 10 , 11 ]. To nurture nursing professionalism, the concept of professionalism must be clarified.

Given that the meaning of professionalism varies across time, contexts, or cultures, it is difficult to define, quantify or measure professionalism [ 12 , 13 ]. The operational definition of nursing professionalism in studies has shortcomings. Sullivan et al. [ 14 ] found professionalism to be a multidimensional concept, but some papers have addressed only one dimension, such as values [ 15 ] or behaviours [ 16 ]. Moreover, professionalism is considered a complex concept. The links and dynamic processes between these different inner characteristics have not been included in the concept. Thus, a comprehensive definition of nursing professionalism, including its characteristics and the relations between them, is necessary.

Recognizing and understanding the concept of nursing professionalism may be an essential step towards providing quality care for people. It may also provide more information for further developing nursing professionalism for nurses.

Method of concept analysis

Walker and Avant’s method used linguistic philosophy techniques to contribute to the philosophical understanding of a concept [ 17 ]. The W & A method is considered a mark of the positivist paradigm, which views the concept as a stable factor that can be reduced or extracted from its context of application [ 18 ]. This study used Walker and Avant’s method, which assumes that nursing professionalism is a relatively mature and stable concept (numerous studies on nursing professionalism have been published to date). This approach to conceptual analysis, although not perfect, is helpful in clarifying the concept of nursing professionalism.

Using the structured method of Walker and Avant enables conceptual clarity to be obtained based on an inductive identification of the concept’s attributes, antecedents and consequences. The concept analysis helps to clarify meanings and develop operational definitions, considering evidence from a wide range of information resources for further research or clinical practice [ 17 , 19 ]. These features make this method particularly useful for the analysis of the concept of ‘nursing professionalism’. The conceptual attributes as well as antecedents and consequences are based on the research team's analysis of the literature using Walker and Avant’s strategy and are not the product of a priori theoretical categories.

Walker and Avant’s [ 17 ] eight-step method includes the following: 1) selecting a concept; 2) determining the aims or purposes of analysis; 3) identifying all uses of the concept; 4) determining the defining attributes of the concept; 5) constructing a model case; 6) constructing borderline, contrary, invented, and illegitimate cases; 7) identifying antecedents and consequences; and 8) defining empirical references.

Selection criteria

The inclusion criteria were as follows: related to the concept of nursing professionalism; included nurse professionalism, nursing spirit, or nurse spirit; written in the English language; qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods or systematic reviews; published between 1965 and 2021 (when professionalism was first introduced by nursing in 1965); and published in books or dictionaries. We excluded articles published in nonpeer reviewed journals, editorials and letters to the editor.

Data sources

We searched several online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL, for articles published from 1965 to 2021. We searched the words that appear in the title, abstract, and keyword section of the studies.

(((((((((Nursing professionalism[Title]) OR (Nursing professionalism[Title/Abstract])) OR (Nurse professionalism[Title])) OR (Nurse professionalism[Title/Abstract])) OR (Nursing spirit[Title])) OR (Nursing spirit[Title/Abstract])) OR (Nurse spirit[Title])) OR (Nurse spirit[Title/Abstract])).

TI Nursing professionalism OR AB Nursing professionalism OR TI Nurse professionalism OR AB Nurse professionalism OR TI Nursing spirit OR AB Nursing spirit OR TI Nurse spirit OR AB Nurse spirit.

TITLE-ABS-KEY (Nursing professionalism) OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (Nurse professionalism) OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (Nursing spirit) OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (Nurse spirit).

Any quantitative or qualitative studies published in English focusing on nursing professionalism were included in the study. Two researchers independently screened titles and abstracts to determine the selection criteria for electronic retrieval and application. The study was included only when both researchers agreed that the study met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. If the two researchers’ judgements were different, a third person was consulted to resolve the issue. Researchers identified the different usages of the concept and systematically recorded the characteristics of the concept that appeared repeatedly [ 17 ].

We used definitions and examples in the systematic record (Table ​ (Table2) 2 ) to define a cluster of antecedents, attributes and consequences (Figs. ​ (Figs.1 1 and  2 ) frequently associated with the concept [ 20 ].

Flowchart of the study selection process of the concept analysis

The connotations of nursing professionalism

Antecedents, attributes, and consequences of nursing professionalism

We identified 6013 studies on nursing professionalism. After excluding duplicates, irrelevant studies, studies that were not original scientific studies or articles, and studies published in languages other than English, 138 studies were selected for analysis. Tables 1 and ​ and2 2 show some typical literatures used in this study.

The attributes of the nursing professionalism

Uses of the concept

Dictionary definitions of the concept.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines professionalism as ‘the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person’ [ 48 ], whereas the Cambridge Dictionary [ 49 ] defines professionalism as ‘the combination of all the qualities that are connected with trained and skilled people’. These definitions are generic and difficult to use to clarify the factors involved in nursing professionalism.

Definitions of the concept reported in the literature

Hwang et al. [ 50 ] defined professionalism as commitment to a profession and professional identity level. Health-care workers demonstrate professionalism through attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours, which reflect approaches to the regulations, principles, and standards underlying successful clinical practices [ 33 ]. Nursing professionalism reflects the value orientation, concepts of nursing, work attitude and standards of clinical nurses [ 51 ].

Subconcepts

The Nightingale Spirit, named in honour of the founder of professional nursing, refers to the spirit of altruism, caring, and honesty [ 52 ]. In the past, the Nightingale Spirit advocated that nurses are willing to dedicate themselves, but the term currently encompasses more innovation [ 53 ]. E-professionalism is defined as evidence provided by digital means, attitudes and behaviours reflects the traditional models of professionalism [ 54 ]. Nurses use the internet to communicate about work or daily life, blurring the boundaries between individuals and professions; thus, e-professionalism applies to nurses [ 55 ].

The defining attributes of nursing professionalism

The defining attributes of the concept aim to understand its meaning and differentiate it from other related concepts [ 17 ]. The key defining attributes are as follows.

Nursing professionalism is multidimensional

Nursing professionalism is a three-dimensional concept based on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours that underlie successful clinical practice [ 33 ].

Professionalism can be conceptualized as a ‘systematic body of knowledge’ with complex configurations of work expertise [ 21 ].

Professionalism refers to the attitude that represents levels of recognition and commitment to a particular profession [ 22 ]. Hall [ 6 ] noted that nurses’ attitudes have a high correspondence with the behaviours of the respondent. Measuring professionalism at the cognitive level can be thought of as measuring potential professionalism at the behavioural level. Researchers noted that given the reduced restrictions of environmental constraints, measuring professionalism at the cognitive level may be more precise than measuring it at the behavioural level [ 23 ].

Nursing professionalism is often described as a set of professional behaviours [ 11 ]. Some researchers judge whether nurses exhibit professionalism through their behaviours. Miller [ 24 ] (1988) developed the Wheel of Professionalism in Nursing Model. The model is considered a framework for understanding professional behaviours among nurses. Kramer [ 56 ] (1975) quantified professionalism by assessing the number of professional books purchased, subscriptions to journals, and the number of articles published.

In addition, the perspective of professional identity formation complements the behaviour-based and attitude-based perspectives on professionalism [ 57 ].

The formation and development of professionalism are dynamic processes

Nursing professionalism is an inevitable, complex, varied, and dynamic process [ 58 ].The professionalism concept is considered ever-changing, replacing static or definitive views [ 59 ].

Socialization process

Nursing professionalism is instilled through a process of socialization in formal nursing education [ 25 ]. Nurses’ socialization process begins with formal, entry-level education to acquire knowledge and skills.

Yeun et al. [ 8 ] (2005) discussed the developmental process of nursing professionalism in which the individual’s thoughts and beliefs are formed by socialization factors through perception. These thoughts and beliefs may in turn influence the individual’s professional image or self-concept, thereby influencing nurses’ actions and performance.

Process of interaction

The dynamic of professionalism is also reflected in the process of interaction. Dehghani et al. [ 26 ]noted that nursing professionalism means the appropriate interaction of the individual and the workplace and the maintenance of interpersonal communication.

Culture oriented

One study showed that altruism is an essential element of medical professionalism in Asia or North America but not Europe [ 27 ]. In China, medical professionalism was influenced by its longstanding Confucian traditions [ 28 ]. Therefore, any definitions of professionalism should match its rooted culture and be validated with respect to the culture and context in which it is applied [ 60 ].

The connotation of nursing professionalism

Professional, having a systematic nursing knowledge system.

The nursing process is considered a method for solving problems or dilemmas in a logical and scientific manner [ 11 ]. Freidson [ 29 ] (2001) noted that professionals perform their specialized work only with the required training and experience. Professionals have specific, tacit, almost esoteric knowledge to do their work [ 61 ]. Miller et al. [ 7 ] considered that a formal university education with a scientific background is critical for professionalism in nursing.

Professional certification

Nurses actively seek specialty certification given their personal commitment to the nursing profession [ 30 ]. Specialty certification promotes nursing professionalism. When attaining the highest levels of clinical knowledge, nursing professionalism also indicates personal responsibility and dedication to best practices [ 31 ].

Lifelong learning and participation in continuing education

Due to professional and ethical obligations, nurses should sustain continuous professional growth and development to maintain individual competence. Professional growth in nursing requires lifelong learning. Lifelong learning includes continuing education and self‐study, seeking advanced degrees, etc. [ 62 ].

Continuing education is one of the indicators of professionalism. Professionals keep up with the latest developments in the field and partake in continuing education. Additionally, continuing education is as important as other criteria for increasing professionalism in nursing [ 7 , 32 ]. Ongoing education brings fresh knowledge to health care, consequently leading to more efficient and quality service for people.

Evidence-based practice

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a hallmark of professionalism [ 33 ]. Dollaghan [ 63 ] (2004) reported that we identify and use the highest quality scientific evidence as an integral part of our efforts to provide the best patient care; EBP is a knowledge base that responds to specific clinical issues in a clear, intelligent, and serious manner while considering clinical practice in the context of the highest-quality scientific evidence available.

Innovation in nursing helps to improve patient care quality and improve nurses’ job performance [ 64 ]. Shen et al. [ 34 ] noted that innovative education plays an important role in the professional quality of undergraduate nursing students.

Striving for excellence

Striving for excellence is a requirement and attribute of nursing professionalism. There is a growing need in nursing practice to possess knowledge and skills in quality improvement science, translational research, and implementation science [ 35 ]. Clinical nurses have the same responsibilities as nursing scientists.

Caring is considered the core attribute of nursing professionalism

The practice of caring is central to nursing [ 65 ]. Caring is defined as the moral ideal of nursing [ 36 ]. Therefore, caring is an important core attribute of nursing professionalism.

Creating a caring-healing environment

Nurses devoted to creating a caring-healing environment embody professionalism. Caring means nurses should create a healing environment at all levels by providing a supportive, protective environment as well as a corrective mental, physical, societal, and spiritual environment for patients. People’s basic needs include a clean environment, comfort measures, safety concerns, and feeling safe or protected [ 65 ].

Displaying kindness/concern/empathy for others

A nurse is defined as someone caring for the ill within the hospital setting [ 66 ]. Caring means showing or having compassion, concern and empathy for others [ 37 ]. Caring behaviours are an interactive and mental process between patients and nurses [ 38 ]. Displaying kindness and concern for others is shown by love, compassion, support and involvement [ 39 ].

Using all methods of knowing support and involvement

‘Human problems reside in ambiguity, paradox, and impermanence’. Therefore, suffering, healing, miraculous cures, and synchronicity are all part of knowing support and involvement.

Researchers suggest that nursing comprises Caritas Nursing, Energy Nursing, Transpersonal Nursing, Holistic Nursing, or Contemplative Nursing…… It goes beyond ordinary nursing. Nursing should have higher standards with excellence for caring, healing, and peace in the world. Therefore, caring means using all methods of knowing support and involvement [ 65 ].

Embracing the unknowns and miracles in life and practising loving

Nursing is a special profession. Nurses confront special circumstances daily and witness people’s struggles with life and death. Everyone has his or her own specific story about his or her experiences and predicaments. Each person seeks his or her own meanings to find inner peace and balance in the midst of fear, doubts, despair, and unknowns. Therefore, the care of nurses is not to blindly sacrifice their own needs but to be a real nurse, embracing the unknowns and miracles in life and caring for patients [ 65 ].

The central tenet of professionalism is to put the needs and best interest of others over self-interests. Altruism is an engagement in caring acts towards others without expecting something in return [ 67 ].

Patients first

To be altruistic means to put others’ needs before your own. Altruism is the selfless concern for others and doing things with the other person’s well-being in mind [ 40 ].

During pandemics, nurses were considered to have a high sense of duty and dedication to patient care [ 41 ]. Front-line nurses perceive high work engagement, especially in self-dedication [ 42 ]. Grøthe et al. [ 43 ] showed that cancer patients in a palliative unit appreciate nurses who have the most dedication and expertise characteristics.

• Public service

Due to a strong sense of civic and social responsibility, nurses participate in public service. Nurses volunteer as participants in summer camps, schools, or health-care teams. Nurses are also committed to responding to large-scale crises, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, as well as national and international relief efforts, such as tsunamis and Hurricane Katrina [ 44 ].

• Disaster and infectious disease rescue

Individuals involved in providing disaster relief face many challenges, experience fatigue and personal suffering, and encounter numerous personal stories of life and death [ 45 ]. Nurses have played a significant role in the fight against infectious diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic [ 68 ]. Nurses are closest with patients. Nurses provide intensive care, regularly assessing and monitoring airways, tubes, medications, and physical therapy. Nurses are also devoted to reducing complications. Nurses assist with daily living activities when patients are unable to care for themselves [ 46 ].

• Community service

In addition, emphasizing professionalism means respecting values and commitment to community service delivery [ 69 ].

According to Walker and Avant [ 17 ], cases help further clarify concepts.

Model cases (a real case example)

Model cases help demonstrate all the defining attributes of a concept and helps to better articulate its meaning [ 17 ].

MS A is a 63-year-old nursing director. She worked in clinical nursing and management for 42 years. As she progressed from a new nurse to a nursing expert, she gradually poured her enthusiasm (Multidimensional: Attitudes) into nursing work (Dynamic). She believes that the core of nursing professionalism in China is dedication and responsibility (Culture oriented). In 2020, COVID-19 broke out in Wuhan, China. She led a team to Wuhan to provide support (Multidimensional: Behaviours), reflecting the spirit of altruism (Altruism). She actively promoted exchanges and cooperation among disciplines and the development of academic conferences. She guided students to pay attention to practical innovation and develop evidence-based innovations (Professional). Although she is retired, she still imparts knowledge and experience to students everywhere (Multidimensional: Behaviours). She stated that the development of nursing professionalism is very difficult and requires nursing education and role models. (Multidimensional: Knowledge). The role of a nurse is like that of a mother, bringing care to the people (Caring).

Borderline cases (a real case example)

Borderline cases provide the examples that contain the most defining attributes of the concept [ 17 ].

B is a novice nurse. When working in the infection ward, she was so worried about being infected. She was reluctant to care for patients and wanted to escape from the ward environment. Fortunately, her nurse manager fully understood her situation and helped her adapt to work and reduce her anxiety. B observed that her nurse manager had been helping patients solve problems and giving them comfort and hope. This prompted her to think about what nursing truly means. In 2020, she volunteered to help COVID-19 patients (Altruism).

Related cases (a real case example)

Related cases are related to the concept but do not contain all its defining attributes [ 17 ].

C is a novice nurse. After graduating from nursing school, he became a nurse in the emergency department. He saw many patients who died or recovered, which made him realize the importance of caring (Caring). He said that emergency nurses need strong professionalism (Multidimensional: Attitudes). He participated in social service activities (Multidimensional: Behaviours), for example, promoting knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (Altruism) in the community. After working for five years, he returned to school for a master’s degree to help the head nurse conduct nursing research or evidence-based practice (Professional). In his Asian cultural milieu, his is embarrassed about his identity as a male nurse (Culture oriented), but he believes he can do well.

Contrary cases (a fictional case example)

A contrary case does not include any defined attributes of the concept [ 17 ].

D is a nurse in paediatrics. She disliked nursing when she was a nursing student and even did enjoy communicating with patients (poor dynamics). She was exhausted after work and felt her life was out of balance. One of the values of the hospital where she worked was dedication, which confused her (Poor culture orientation). She considers it unrealistic to require professionalism (Poor nursing professionalism knowledge) and thinks that taking care of new-borns is particularly troublesome (Poor nursing professionalism attitudes), so she is always careless in her work (Multidimensional: poor attitude). D’s child felt ill last week, so she secretly reduced a patient’s medicine (Poor nursing professionalism behaviours) and took the remaining medicine home for her child (lack of altruism). She stopped doing so after her colleagues sensed something strange. One day, a baby kept crying; D reported it to the doctor and did not make further observations (Poor professional). When the shift nurse took over, she observed abnormal limb activity on one side of the child. The child’s family asked the nurse to bear legal responsibility. D said it was no big deal; she no longer wanted to be a nurse (Poor dynamic, professionalism not established).

Antecedents

Antecedents are events that occur before the intended concept [ 17 ].

Macro antecedents

Jin [ 28 ] suggested that the conceptualization of professionalism is influenced by culture. Employees defined organizational culture underlies an organization’s values and beliefs [ 70 ]. Nursing professionalism may be supported by a variety of cultures, so a firm understanding of and personal congruence with each particular culture is essential [ 71 ].

Religious beliefs

Religiosity is another contributing factor in the cultivation of altruism [ 72 ]. Taylor noted that nurses’ job motivation and views of the patient and nursing services are affected by their religious beliefs [ 73 ].

Micro antecedents

Snizek [ 74 ] (1972) reported that devotion to work is a professional value originating from a sense of calling to the field. Liaw et al. [ 75 ] (2016) found that nursing students who had caring and compassionate qualities as the most common personal characteristics strongly believed that they were called to nursing.

Individuals who pursue excellence in the workplace may be described as motivated and devoted to their work. Attree [ 76 ] (2005) noted that nurses’ perceived lack of autonomy over their practice could impact quality of care.

Personal characteristics

Nursing professionalism is influenced by various factors, such as educational background, personal interests, professional satisfaction, and professional values [ 77 , 78 , 79 ]. In each country, nurses with higher educational levels may have a higher level of professionalism [ 22 ]. Professionalism is thus a trait related to personal character and upbringing [ 80 ]. Researchers [ 81 ] have demonstrated that professionalism is positively associated with female gender, striving for professional goals, and acceptability. One study found that people’s values tend to shift to emphasize altruism over personal gain as they age [ 79 ]. Nursing professionalism is closely associated with personality traits (extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness) [ 82 ].

Consequences of nursing professionalism

Consequences are events or incidents that are the result of the occurrence of a concept [ 17 ].

Consequences for patients 

Professionalism is one of the decisive factors that critically influences patient satisfaction [ 50 ]. Professionalism can also improve practising nurse career development and the quality of service [ 81 ].

Consequences for nurses

Studies have shown that professionalism and a sense of belonging with colleagues and managers affect the satisfaction [ 83 ] and retention rate of nursing students in academic institutions [ 84 ]. Izumi et al. [ 85 ] (2006) found that good nurses felt pride and happiness in caring for patients closely related to their professionalism.

Empirical references

As the last step to concept analysis, empirical references can further clarify the concept and facilitate its measurement [ 17 ].

Hall’s professionalism inventory scale

Hall’s Professionalism Inventory Scale [ 6 ] identified five attitudinal attributes of professionalism: (a) use of professional organizations as major referents, (b) belief in public service, (c) self-regulation, (d) a sense of calling to the field, and (e) autonomy. Nursing researchers used Hall’s Professionalism Inventory Scale to measure professionalism in nursing [ 22 , 47 ]. Snizek [ 74 ] (1972) modified the professionalism scale to more closely match the clinical context of nursing and better reflect the professionalism of nursing staff.

Kramer’s index of professionalism

Kramer (1974) [ 86 ] constructed an index of professionalism that includes indicators of behaviours, such as the number of professional books published, subscriptions to professional journals, hours spent on professional reading, continuing education, participation in professional organizations, number of professional publications, speeches given, committee activity, and participation in research.

The behavioural inventory for professionalism in nursing (BIPN)

The Behavioural Inventory for Professionalism in Nursing [ 7 ] (BIPN) identifies professional behaviours and values among nurses. The nine categories in the BIPN are (1) educational background; (2) adherence to the code of ethics; (3) participation in the professional organization; (4) continuing education and competency; (5) communication and publication; (6) autonomy and self-regulation; (7) community service; (8) theory use, development, and evaluation; and (9) research involvement.

Definition of the concept

Based on the present analysis, we define nursing professionalism as follows: ‘Nursing professionalism is a multidimensional concept manifested by the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours that underlie successful clinical practice. Nursing professionalism is dynamicized through a process of socialization in formal nursing education. This feature is also reflected in the process of interaction. Therefore, nursing professionalism should match its rooted culture.

The connotations of nursing professionalism include professional, caring, and altruism. These connotations are detailed as follows:

• Possesses a systematic nursing knowledge system; professional certification
• Exhibits lifelong learning and participation
• Participates in evidence-based practice
• Demonstrates innovation
• Strives for excellence
• Creates a caring-healing environment
• Displays kindness/concern/empathy for others
• Uses various methods of knowing support and involvement
• Embraces the unknowns and miracles in life and practices loving
• Patient-first

A conceptual model of nursing professionalism is shown in Fig.  2 .

Defining the connotation of nursing professionalism

Nursing professionalism has been defined as professional, caring, and altruistic.

Professional values are characteristic of nursing professionalism. Nursing work requires rich knowledge and scientific evidence-based work to improve the quality of nursing services for patients. Nurses need lifelong learning, qualification certification, and participation in academic and practical activities.

Caring is regarded as the core of professionalism. This study suggests creating a caring-healing environment, displaying kindness/concern/empathy for others, employing all methods of knowing support and involvement, embracing the unknowns and miracles in life and practising loving to care for people to obtain high professionalism. This study notes that nursing professionalism emphasizes care for the individual patient and that the nurse does everything possible to create a caring and healing environment for patients. In different health systems worldwide, nurses have incorporated caring about nursing professionalism into everything they do. This characteristic is consistent with Nightingale's view that “Nurses need to be sensitive. A nurse must use her brain, heart and hands to create healing environments to care for the patient’s body, mind and spirit” [ 87 , 88 ].

Nursing has an altruistic nature, and people interested in helping patients are attracted to this profession [ 89 ]. However, some studies have shown that altruistic care is equated with self-sacrifice, self-denial, and unidirectional and unconditional care [ 90 ]. Care for a nurse’s own needs is equally important, but nurses should be able to put aside their own needs when required to focus on the needs of others [ 91 ]. Nurses should view self-care and altruism as dialectical. Self-realization and providing care for others are not conflicting concepts [ 92 ].

Defining the attributes of nursing professionalism

In this study, we defined nursing professionalism as multidimensional, dynamic, and culture oriented.

Nursing professionalism is a multidimensional concept that includes knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour. Previous studies have defined professionalism as the degree of commitment by individuals to the values and behavioural characteristics of a specific career identity [ 6 , 7 ]. However, current research on nursing professionalism is mostly single dimensional. The Behavioural Inventory for Professionalism in Nursing (BIPN) is based on Miller’s model and is used to measure professional behaviours among nurses [ 7 ]. Hall’s Professionalism Inventory Scale [ 6 ] identified five attitudinal attributes of professionalism. This study highlights that it is also necessary to focus on the knowledge dimension of professionalism. Nursing students and nurses should first understand the nursing professionalism that is necessary to become a nurse, which may be the first step in developing professionalism. Nursing students and nurses need to know the values that are necessary to practice the nursing and not have vague impressions. Some studies have shown that nursing students or nurses learn values and norms in informal trainings [ 93 ]. Therefore, this study suggests that the development of assessment tools for the knowledge dimension of professionalism is also necessary. Multidimensional evaluation tools are not available for nursing professionalism. Thus, clarifying the multidimensional nature of nursing professionalism will contribute to the development of multidimensional evaluation tools.

Moreover, understanding the dynamics of professionalism is helpful for cultivating nursing professionalism in stages and steps. Inquiries into medical professionalism should be integrated into the culture of social media interaction [ 94 ]. Nursing educators and managers should dynamically cultivate nursing professionalism in their interactions.

Differences in the connotation of nursing professionalism are noted in different cultures. This study suggests that the cultivation and evaluation of nursing professionalism need to consider the cultural attributes of different regions and countries.

Future research directions

• Exploring the antecedents of nursing professionalism can help schools or hospitals cultivate nursing professionalism and develop courses and specific measures.

The macro antecedents of nursing professionalism include culture and religion, and the micro antecedents include calling, autonomy, and personal characteristics. Some researchers have explored methods to cultivate nursing professionalism; for example, role modelling, feedback, group discussions, case-based discussions, reflection, holding ethical rounds, and reports potentially represent more effective methods [ 95 ]. Some researchers have tried to enhance professionalism through social media [ 96 ]. One of the findings this study is that nursing professionalism is complex and its cultivation difficult. Studies have shown that didactic lectures are ineffective for teaching professionalism [ 97 ]. The development of true nursing professionalism requires national advocacy and the immersion of a good professional environment that incorporates professionalism into daily nursing practice. Role modelling is considered an effective method for developing professionalism in nursing [ 98 ]. Therefore, this study suggest that studies should be actively conducted to deeply discuss the causes and processes affecting professionalism and to cultivate and intervene at macro and micro levels as well as the key time periods and populations that form professionalism to truly shape the formation of professionalism. Moreover, an environment for building professionalism [ 99 ] is very important. Williams [ 100 ] (2015) considered that the development of professionalism should begin as early as the first semester of an undergraduate nursing course. One of the themes of nursing students’ professional identity development is ‘doing-learning-knowing-speaking’. Students should develop professionalism in all these areas of nursing practice.

• The relationship between nursing professionalism and health outcomes or nurses’ human resources needs to be further studied.

Our research suggests that the ultimate goal of nursing professionalism is to serve patients with professional knowledge and special professional quality. The public has become increasingly aware of certain possibilities, limitations, and consequences of professionalism. COVID-19 significantly increased the discussion of professionalism and patient outcomes.

Improving professionalism has a positive impact on job satisfaction, professional quality of life, and the willingness to continue in the profession [ 101 , 102 , 103 ]. Therefore, it is important to improve support for nurses, create a good environment for professionalism, and establish a training system for professionalism, thus paving the way to enhance training in professionalism and create opportunities for nurses.

Implications for nursing management

In April 2020, the World Health Organization (2020) issued the First State of the World’s Nursing 2020 [ 104 ]. The report highlighted that nursing professionals are the largest occupational group in the health sector, numbering 27.9 million worldwide. Nurses spend more time with patients than any other health care professionals [ 105 ].

Worldwide, nursing professionalism is considered important and associated with expectations. This study clarifies the concept of nursing professionalism and contributes to a framework for developing a theoretical model as well as instruments to measure the concept. A conceptual model of nursing professionalism may increase nurse managers’ insight into nurses’ behaviours and values, creating a good working environment.

Nurse managers should integrate nursing professionalism into their philosophy, mission, and objectives and provide necessary resources, tools, and projects to develop professionalism among nurses. Nurses should cultivate professionalism to provide good nursing services to patients. Further research should explore the relationship between nursing professionalism and patient health outcomes and formulate effective training programs for professionalism.

Limitations

This conceptual analysis has some limitations. First, research on nursing professionalism published in English may be conducted in different countries and cultures. However, it is also necessary to obtain a more comprehensive and mature concept of the study of different national languages. Second, the lack of research on the combination of all elements of professionalism may lead to overestimation of the impact of these subelements on professionalism. Third, the concept analysis focused on the research process and the researchers’ perspectives, possibly reflecting a lack of other professional understandings of nursing professionalism in medical groups. In addition, the concept analysis included a risk of selection bias, extraction bias, and analysis bias because the study selection process, data extraction, and analysis were all conducted by two researchers. Despite these risk, the studies were all described accurately and systematically.

Nursing professionalism is one of the important foundations of clinical nursing. It is multidimensional, dynamic, and culture oriented. Based on the analysis, nursing professionalism has been defined as providing people care based on principles of professionalism, caring, and altruism. The definition, attributes, antecedents, consequences, and reference analysis of the experience of nursing professionalism determined in this study provide a theoretical basis for future research. This information can be used to evaluate nursing professionalism, develop assessment tools, or generate theory-based training courses and interventions.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Hui Yang for the great efforts made in designing the research. We would like to thank linbo Li for providing valuable suggestions for this study.

Author’s contributions

Hl C and HY made substantial contributions to conception and design. HL C, YJ S, YM W, YF D Collectioned and analysis the data. Hl C was a major contributor in writing the manuscript. XY H, YJ C, QH W revised it critically for important intellectual content. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Postgraduate Education Innovation Program of Shanxi Province in China (No. 2020BY067).

Availability of data and materials

Declarations.

Our study was approved by the ethical committee of The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University,Shanxi, China,(approval no. 2020K061).

Not applicable.

There is no conflict of interest in this study.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Contributor Information

Huili Cao, Email: moc.qq@2855838711 .

Yejun Song, Email: moc.qq@9109580601 .

Yanming Wu, Email: moc.621@6927myw .

Yifei Du, Email: moc.qq@3283291401 .

Xingyue He, Email: moc.361@320eHeuygnix .

Yangjie Chen, Email: moc.qq@8011856511 .

Qiaohong Wang, Email: [email protected] .

Hui Yang, Email: moc.361@0202iuhyq .

How to write a Nursing Career Plan Essay (Plus Example)

The nursing profession is an essential part of the healthcare system. It is the glue that holds the healthcare journey together. For this reason, any person aspiring to join this magnificent but challenging profession must acquire extensive knowledge, education, and the necessary skills before practicing as a nurse. But before entering nursing school , you must show the college reviewers that you are up for the task by writing a career plan essay.

A nursing career plan is an essential document that serves as a roadmap for aspiring nurses. It outlines the goals, aspirations, and strategies for professional development for students aspiring to be nurses. You must, therefore, clearly state why you are passionate about the profession.

In this comprehensive guide, we will define what a nursing career plan is and show you how to write one that articulates your vision,

What is a Nursing Career Plan?

A nursing career plan is an important document that ranges between 300- 500 words outlining your goals, dreams, aspirations, and experiences .

It is a necessary document required before being enrolled in a nursing program. Depending on the nursing college or university of choice, you will be asked to write a nursing career plan essay explaining why you should be given a chance to pursue the program and the value you will bring to the institution. It is part of an institution’s competitive application process. For this reason, you must know how to write one.

A career plan essay is essential to helping you figure out what you want at the end of the program. While it is easy to state your dreams and aspirations, putting them down on paper is something else.

What Does a Career Plan Include?

A nursing career plan outlines how you intend to use the nursing degree after school. So, the essay's primary focus should be your goals and the necessary information that distinguishes you from other applicants. Some additional information that you should consider adding to your career plan essay is:

• Personal stories that show what drives you to pursue the career.
• Short-term goals that highlight your plans and identify the steps you will take.
• Long-term goals for your career- This could be academic and professional.
• Desired nursing environment. The nursing environment showcases what type of environment you wish to work. This will help the admissions board make an informed decision about which nursing program is right for you.
• Academic qualifications. Nursing schools require your educational qualifications.  
• Skills and experiences. Add information about your skills and experiences that are relevant to the program.

Steps for Writing a Great Nursing Career Plan

Follow these steps to write an effective nursing career plan essay.

Plan Your Essay

Before writing a career plan essay, you need to develop a plan for writing the content. Start thinking about what you wish to include in the document. This could be things like your qualifications, what sets you apart, and why you are passionate about it. As you do this, you might also consider the following:

• Who is your audience?
• Why are you applying for the nursing program?
• Key character traits that set you apart and make you ideal for nursing?
• Why should the admissions board consider your application?
• What kind of steps are you taking to achieve the goals?

Answering these questions will help you write an impactful nursing career plan essay.

What Your Motivation

Think about your motivations for choosing nursing as a career of choice. Consider what inspired your interest in a healthcare career. Is it a desire to help those around you? A personal experience that sparked your interest? Or your fascination with the healthcare industry. Keep in mind that nursing is a career that demands a lot from an individual. You may have to sacrifice a lot, including some relationships and personal time, to earn that degree. Your motivation will guide you through all the hurdles. Therefore, clearly state your reasons and how they align with your values and aspirations. By doing this in your essay, you will demonstrate to the recruiters that you are passionate and committed to the profession.

Define Your Goals

You must identify both short- and long-term goals for your nursing career, no matter how small you think they are. For instance, your short-term goals could be finishing assignments and submitting them on time, attending class early, gaining practical experience through clinical rotations, and procuring specific nursing certifications. On the other hand, long-term goals could be choosing a specialization, for instance, working in pediatrics, geriatrics, or critical care. Or maybe you wish to take up leadership roles or research opportunities? Define these goals clearly, ensuring they align with your passions and aspirations.

If you have no clue about your long-term goals. Consider conducting relevant research on nursing programs to comprehensively understand the different career paths, specialties, and available opportunities. Carefully explore the different roles and determine which areas align most with your interests and goals. Doing this will help you tailor your career plan essay and make an informed decision about the desired nursing path.

Please remember, as you set your goals, make sure they are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Goal setting is an effective way to monitor your progress in school and your profession.

Assess Your Skills and Knowledge

Conduct an honest self-assessment of your skills and knowledge to determine what you have to offer. Break down your skills into the following categories: knowledge-based skills, transferable skills, and soft skills.

• Knowledge-based skills are those that you have acquired from your previous education or job experience.
• Transferable skills can be incorporated into various roles, including leadership, communication, problem-solving, and analysis.
• Soft skills involve personality. These traits include a positive work ethic, adaptability, and being a team player.

Ensure you identify areas where you excel and those that require further development. Once you have broken down your skills into the above categories, you will be able to identify the necessary steps to enhance them and fill any knowledge gaps. This will then ensure that you are well-prepared for a career in nursing.

Create a Timeline

You must show the admissions board that you have goals and aspirations and the commitment to achieving them. State all the strategies that you will use to accomplish these plans. This could involve furthering your education, attending healthcare conferences, participating in professional organizations related to nursing, and seeking mentorship from experienced nurses. Highlight any steps you plan to enhance your skills, knowledge, and expertise in your chosen nursing specialty.

Come up with a timeline that outlines your milestones and deadlines for achieving plans. This timeline will keep you focused and motivated throughout your education and nursing career. Please ensure that the timeline is realistic. Allow some flexibility for unexpected situations that could arise during this time.

Highlight Your Commitment to Patent Care

Since this is a nursing program, you must show the admissions board that you are committed to patient care; that's what the whole career is based on. Explain what values and ethical principles you will embrace during your practice. Additionally emphasize the importance of cultural sensitivity, advocating for patients’ rights and interest, and evidence-based care. Share relevant personal experiences or stories that prove your dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.

Organize Your Work

Trying to figure out how to write a nursing career plan essay is challenging when your thoughts are disorganized. For this reason, you must create an outline highlighting all the points you will cover in the paper. An outline will also help you develop an excellent nursing career plan essay that impresses your target audience. It will also help you identify areas for improvement that add essential information to the essay.

A good outline must have the following:

• An introduction - This is the first paragraph of your essay, which outlines why you are writing the career goal essay.
• Body paragraphs -explain the main idea behind your essay. It must state your goals and how you intend to achieve them.
• Conclusion - As the last paragraph of your essay, a conclusion should summarize what you have discussed throughout the essay.

Come up with a Great Title

Like all other academic essays, a nursing career plan must have a great title that accurately tells readers what you will discuss. Ensure the title suits the essay's purpose and highly resonates with your target audience. So, highlight qualities the admission board will likely appreciate, like professionalism and originality.

Consider writing the title after you are done writing the rest of the essay when you know what information to add that will capture the context of the paper.  

Write a Captivating Introduction

Now that you have everything you need to write a good nursing career plan essay, write a great introduction. A great introduction that grabs the readers' attention will go a long way in encouraging the admissions board to rest the paper. It tells them that it is not just an essay they are used to reading. Remember that these people go through thousands of career plan essays, so you must ensure you stand out.

After writing a good introduction, end with a thesis statement highlighting your motivation for choosing the nursing program. Remember that the essay aims to show your goals for the nursing program. So, apart from outlining the theme of the essay, it should also show your “why.”

Many students find the introduction the most challenging part of writing a career plan essay. So, you may have to consider writing it last if you want it to reflect everything you have talked about in the body part.

Write the Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs should mention all the essential details about your goals and ambitions. Explain why these goals are essential and why the nursing program means so much to you. Then, clarify all the actions you would take to achieve these goals.

Finish with a Great Conclusion

As with any academic essay, your conclusion must summarize everything you have discussed in the essay. Don’t add anything new; it will tell readers you have not cohesively written your essay. Mention the goals again and state why you wish to study the program in the particular school.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Career Goal Essay

Use these tips to help improve your nursing career goal essay.

Cite Your Sources

Ensure you cite everything that is not your own in the essay. This tells your readers you value and respect other authors by giving them credit for their work. It also demonstrates that you are well-versed with essay writing standards. Additionally, if you state that you have worked in a healthcare setting and acquired relevant nursing skills, provide evidence about your experience there.

Ensure you provide a list of references at the end of the paper. This will show that you have researched the work.

Use the Proper Structure

Since this is a formal document, it must follow the appropriate structure, especially if you are trying to get admission into a nursing school. So, ensure that you have structured it well, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It should also meet all the requirements needed in a career plan and those that apply to a formal essay. If there is a specific structure that the institution wants you to use, make sure you follow it to the letter.

Use Your Unique Voice

Make sure you use your own unique and creative voice throughout the essay. Write about your aspirations and goals in a way that reflects your personality. Use a language that is easy to understand and fits your personality experience. Just because you are writing to an admission board does mean you should use complex vocabulary. Your writing should be communicated consistently throughout the essay. This will tell your target audience that you are taking the nursing career very seriously.

Sharing a little backstory about yourself is a great tip to show your personality. This could be a unique experience that shaped your desire for the nursing profession. Clearly explain why you chose this profession amongst others. Share any pivotal moment in your life that made you make this step.

Proofread Your Essay

Before you submit the nursing career plan essay, ensure that it has no errors. Follow the editing and proofreading tips to evaluate your essay for mechanical correctness. Proofread after you have finished writing.

Follow the Word Length Given 

You must follow all the instructions given, especially in word length. Going above the word count will distract from the intended message and tell your readers that you are not really keen on following instructions. So, check the word count periodically to ensure you stay on the limit.

Sample of a Nursing Career Plan Essay

Nursing is a great and noble career that provides more room for professional advancement ((Waddell et al., 2008). Nurses perform various functions in healthcare settings. They work with doctors, pharmacists, therapists, social workers, and other professionals to save lives and alleviate patients' suffering. I want to join the program and help those in need.  My long-term goal is to be a leader serving an entire health institute ward. However, I do understand that to get there, I must first have a solid academic foundation. For this reason, I wish to join a nursing program and become a registered nurse within four years. I understand nursing can be challenging, so I intend to work hard and work the required hours to finish my degree program.  I was drawn into the program because the career requires being close to another person to understand their needs. One has to be involved with a patient's key moments, including birth and death. I have had an opportunity to work closely with elderly people in a nursing home, which enabled me to acquire patient care skills, including helping patients maintain oral hygiene and take their medications. Action Steps  I must complete a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Nursing to attain the leadership role . During my studies, I intend to join an internship program to demonstrate the knowledge acquired in class and gain technical skills and experience. This experience will be sufficient when working in the Nation Health Service. For my short-term goals, I intend to improve my skills throughout my time in school continuously. I'll join various group discussions to improve my oral and presentation skills. Professional Development I intend to gain more skills and focus on my studies for the remaining two years of education. I will focus more on my weaknesses to ensure I become the best I can be, especially in mastering drugs and professional patient observation. Conclusion Nurses have a fundamental role to play in the hospital setting. This is why there is a need for constant professional improvement and new skills to ensure they are in a better position to care for their patients. Therefore, one must have a plan on how they intend to achieve these goals by doing a self-assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses and develop their career plans. References Waddell, J., Donner, G. J., & Wheeler, M. M. (2008). Building Your Nursing Career: A Guide for Students. Mosby.

The above sample is intended to give you a general idea of how to write a nursing career sample.

What to Avoid When Writing a Nursing Career Goal Essay

Your career goals essay should be as straightforward as possible. The following are some things you must avoid when writing the essay.

Weak Statements

Every word, phrase, and statement should be specific to your experience. For instance, a sentence like the following, I want to study nursing because it will allow me to get a well-paying job after graduation , doesn’t communicate why you are passionate about the profession. You must be specific about your goals and ambitions and clearly state your reasons for applying to the nursing school.

Talking About Finances

A career plan essay aims to show your short- and long-term goals about the nursing program. So, the admissions board wants to see your passion for the career in your essay. Sure, a career in nursing could be lucrative, but you don't have to show it in your essay. Focusing on fiancées shows that you are not focused on longevity in your career.

Starting Blandly

Don’t begin your essay with lackluster statements such as, ‘my career goal in nursing is…’ behind with a captivating story that is impactful to your career goal essay. Inject something exciting about your life by sharing an anecdote to set the stage for your career aspirations.

Failing to Connect Your Goals with the Nursing

Clearly state what drove you to choose the nursing program and why you want to pursue it as a career. Thus, share specific examples to demonstrate your motivation and clarify the goals for the program.

Final Word on Writing a Nursing Career Plan Essay

A nursing career plan essay is a vital document that you can use to showcase your goals and aspirations for a nursing career. Writing the essay is a proactive approach to professional success. While setting these goals is important, remember to be flexible and adaptable to navigate the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

At Nursemygrade.com , we understand that writing a nursing career plan essay is challenging, so we are ready to walk with you every step of the way. As experts in nursing assignments, our writers will write exemplary career plan essays that capture every required detail. Just place an order and let us help you.

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30 Examples of How to Demonstrate Professionalism in Nursing

Whether you are a nursing student or a nurse with several years of experience, you know that professionalism is a significant trait all nurses should have. While nurses are referred to as healthcare professionals, many do not understand the concept of what true professionalism encompasses. Maybe you have asked yourself, "What is professionalism in nursing?” In this article, you will find information about nursing professionalism, including 30 examples of how to demonstrate professionalism in nursing. As you continue reading, keep in mind that each nurse is responsible for developing professional characteristics and implementing those characteristics into daily practice.

What Is Professionalism In Nursing?

Who determines the standards of professionalism in nursing, 10 reasons why professionalism is so important in nursing, what are the 7 key elements of professionalism in nursing, 1. leadership:, 2. professional values:, 3. professional development:, 4. basic care competency:, 5. altruism:, 6. social justice:, 7. human dignity:, how to demonstrate professionalism in nursing, example #1: learn effective communication, how to demonstrate it in nursing practice:, why is it important in nursing:, example #2: show compassion, example #3: participate in interdisciplinary collaboration, example #4: be accountable, example #5: never stop learning, example #6: have a positive attitude, example #7: provide high-quality patient care, example #8: dress the part, example #9: be ethical, example #10: practice cultural awareness, example #11: have a “patients first” mindset, example #12: mentor other nurses, example #13: practice integrity, example #14: be detail-oriented, example #15: become a critical-thinker, example #16: help resolve conflicts, example #17: be adaptable, example #18: lead by example, example #19: make yourself a priority by practicing self-care, example #20: show respect and appreciation to your co-workers, example #21: be a faithful patient advocate, example #22: show up for work, example #23: promote safe nursing practices, example #24: pursue personal growth and development, example #25: be willing to show empathy, example #26: be sympathetic to others, example #27: practice resilience, example #28: exercise your right to practice autonomously, example #29: be confident in your abilities, example #30: be willing to accept constructive criticism and advice, what are some examples of unprofessionalism in nursing, 1. participating in or causing conflict among team members:, 2. missing work unnecessarily:, 3. not protecting patient privacy and confidentiality:, 4. taking credit for someone else’s work:, 5. avoiding responsibilities:, 6. providing misleading or false information:, 7. abandoning patient care:, 8. accepting an unsafe patient assignment:, 9. failure to maintain professional boundaries with clients or their families:, 10. using unsafe practices:, consequences of unprofessional conduct in nursing, 1. increased absenteeism:, 2. hostility among staff:, 3. disciplinary action:, 4. loss of license:, 5. damaged professional reputation:, 5 most-common challenges to professionalism in nursing practice and how to overcome them, challenge #1: maintaining positive relationships with unprofessional peers, what is it:, how to overcome:, challenge #2: knowing where to draw the line with nurse-patient relationships, challenge #3: dealing with rude patients, challenge #4: unprofessional work environment, challenge #5: emotionally charged situations, 5 tips to enhance professionalism with patients in nursing practice, 1. make patient care a priority., 2. take time to hear what your patient needs to say., 3. speak up on your patient’s behalf., 4. protect your patient’s privacy., 5. demonstrate high standards of care., 5 tips to enhance professionalism with co-workers in nursing practice, 1. be honest with yourself., 2. encourage and participate in team collaboration., 3. recognize the accomplishments and contributions of your co-workers., 4. be accountable to your team members., 5. invite co-workers to join professional nursing associations with you., bonus useful resources to learn more about professionalism in nursing, blogs/websites, youtube videos, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. does nursing require a higher level of professionalism compared to other healthcare careers, 2. what are professional boundaries in nursing, 3. why nurses should set boundaries to maintain professionalism in nursing, 4. what is professional presence in nursing, 5. what is professional misconduct in nursing, 6. what is personal and professional development in nursing, 7. what is professional caring in nursing, 8. what is professional communication in nursing, 9. what is professional competence in nursing, 10. what is professional advocacy in nursing, 11.what is professional accountability in nursing, 12.what is professional socialization in nursing, 13.how does professionalism in nursing influence health policy, 14.how complaining in the nursing profession hurts professionalism, 15.how should professionalism be evaluated in nursing, 16.how do nursing schools teach professionalism, 17.what are the top 3 professional goals every nursing student should aim for.

“The Doctor as a Humanist”: The Viewpoint of the Students

Conference Report and Reflection by Poposki Ognen (University Pompeu Fabra); Castillo Gualda Paula (University of Balearic Islands); Barbero Pablos Enrique (University Autonoma de Madrid); Pogosyan Mariam (Sechenov University); Yusupova Diana (Sechenov University); and Ahire Akash (Sechenov University)

The practice of Medicine as a profession has become very technical; doctors rely on fancy investigations, treatment algorithms and standardized guidelines in treating patients. In a lot of universities, medical students and residents are trained without appreciating the importance of art and the humanities in delivering good care to patients and their families. Factual knowledge is imposed on us, as students, from scientific evidence delivered by highly specialized professionals: those who know more and more about niche subjects.

As a result, when someone decides to become a doctor , it seems that scientific training is the sole priority, with most attention being given to the disease-treatment model. As medical students, we are taught very specific subjects, leaving little or no space or time for any cultural enrichment programs. And yet, Personal growth as a doctor and a human being cannot be achieved unless one is exposed to the whole range of human experience. Learning from art and artists can be one such means of gaining these enriching experiences. We can learn from historians, and from eminent painters, sculptors, and writers, as well as from great scientists. How do we achieve these ends? The following essay summarizes and reviews one attempt at providing answers. The 2nd “Doctor as a Humanist” Symposium took place at Sechenov University in Moscow from the 1 st to the 3 rd of April, 2019, to explore the holistic perspective of interpersonal treatment.

To begin our essay, we would like to clarify some key concepts, such as culture, humanism and humanities, as they were employed at the conference. Culture is a complex phenomenon that includes knowledge, beliefs, artistic production, morals, customs and skills acquired by being part of a society, which can be transmitted consciously or unconsciously, by individuals to others and through different generations.

The humanities are academic disciplines that study the cultural aspects and frailties of being human, and use methods that are primarily analytical, critical, or speculative, which distinguish them from the approaches of the natural sciences. Humanism is the practice of making the human story central. Consequently, the studies of humanities, so invested in human stories, is one aspect of practicing humanism.

Technological and practical progress in medicine has been impressive in the past fifty years. Nevertheless, patients still suffer from chronic conditions such as heart failure, chronic lung disease, depression, and many others. These are conditions where technology cannot significantly change the outcomes or reverse the underlying condition. One of the ways to alleviate suffering is through compassion and empathy where the doctor is a professional who listens to, understands and comforts the patient, as well as engaging the patient as a fellow human being. We need arts and humanities as doctors’ tools to comfort and, perhaps, even to heal. We also need them to remind us that we are ‘merely human’ ourselves, and that we share our humanity with our patients, as equals.

Unquestionably, there are fundamental requirements that every physician must internalize; the conference goal was to explain that one such requirement is the humanistic view. Opera, poetry, philosophy, history, the study of dialectics, biographical readings, and even volunteering abroad can be means of engaging the world for positive change. Sometimes called  “soft” skills, these are in fact necessary and valuable qualities to empower ourselves as persons, as well as doctors. The 2nd The Doctor as a Humanist Symposium placed the corner stone in a global project that aims to understand medicine as a multidisciplinary subject, and to establish the concept of humanistic medicine both as a science and an art where the patient and the doctor are human beings working together.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION

The event united experts in Medicine and the Humanities from all over the world. The speakers (doctors, nurses and students) were from Russia, the USA, the UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, Mexico and more. Each day’s program was both intense and diverse, and included plenary lectures and panel sessions. Medical students were highly involved in all parts of the conference, offering us a great chance to introduce our projects, share our opinions on various topics, and discuss our questions connected with the role of the humanities in medicine.We participated in roundtable discussions, which were chaired by experts from different countries. Even though this made us nervous, at the same time it was very important for us, as students, to be a part of it. We discussed the future of medical humanities from various perspectives, and above all our thoughts and ideas were listened to and commented on, on an equal basis with the world’s experts. For once, we could see that our views were being taken into consideration, and we hope that in the future this will be the norm and NOT the exception. We are the future of medicine, and our voices should be heard, too.

At the end of the first day there was a students’ session, where we gave our opinions on the relative importance of the medical humanities from a multicultural viewpoint, and on this particular roundtable there were students from Russia, Spain, Iran, Mexico, Italy, as well as a Nursing resident. One of the students during the session shared her view that “I would like to see medicine through the lens of humanism and empathy, and also implement all its principles in my professional life on a daily basis”. All participants agreed, and although we were representing different countries and cultures there was no disagreement about this. Even though we have not yet faced many of the obstacles of the world of medicine, we can see the role of compassion in clinical practice better perhaps than our seniors. We shared our points of view about this question and its relevance in the different countries. It was an incredible moment, as experts and professors demonstrated a great interest in our ideas.

The program was extremely diverse; however, the main idea that most speakers expressed was how to find, sustain and not lose humanist goals. Brandy Schillace gave an impressive presentation entitled “Medical Humanities today: a publisher’s perspective”, which studied the importance of writing and publishing not only clinical trials, but also papers from historians, literary scholars, sociologists, and patients with personal experiences. The nurses Pilar d’Agosto and Maria Arias made a presentation on the topic of the Nursing Perspective that is one of the main pillars of medical practice. Professor Jacek Mostwin (Johns Hopkins University) shared his thoughts on patients’ memoirs. An Italian student, Benedetta Ronchi presented the results of an interview on medical humanities posed to the participants and speakers during the symposium. The plurality of perspectives made this conference an enriching event and showed us how diverse ideas can help us become better doctors. More importantly, it reminded us of our common humanity.

A significant part of the symposium was dedicated to Medicine and Art. Prof Josep Baños and Irene Canbra Badii spoke about the portrayal of physicians in TV medical dramas during the last fifty years. The book “The role of the humanities in the teaching of medical students” was presented by these authors and then given to participants as gifts. Dr Ourania Varsou showed how Poetry can influence human senses through her own experience in communicating with patients. She believed that many of the opinions and knowledge that we have internalized should be unlearned in order to have a better understanding of the human mind. The stimulus of poetry makes this possible. Poetry allows us to find new ways to express ourselves, and thus increase our emotional intelligence and understanding of other people’s feelings.

One of the most impressive lectures was by Dr Joan.B Soriano, who spoke about “Doctors and Patients in Opera” and showed how the leading roles of physicians in opera have changed over the centuries. People used to consider the doctor as the antihero, but with time this view has transformed into a positive one that plays a huge role in history.

It is important to be professional in your medical career, but also to be passionate about the life surrounding you; for instance, Dr Soriano is also a professional baritone singer. For students, this Symposium was full of obvious and hidden messages, which gave us much lot of food for thought. As Edmund Pellegrino, the founding editor of the Journal of Medicine and Philosophy , said: “Medicine is the most humane of sciences, the most empiric of arts, and the most scientific of humanities.”

CHOOSING ONE WORD

To conclude our summary of the students’ viewpoint each of us chose One word to encapsulate our thoughts about the symposium.

The Doctor as a Humanist is a multicultural event where everyone can learn and contribute to this global necessity to put the heart and soul back into medicine. Of course, we are aware and delighted that other organizations are championing the cause of the Humanities in Medicine, and in some cases, such as https://www.dur.ac.uk/imh/ , they have been doing so for many years.

As medical students, we appreciate how we have been placed at the centre of the symposium, which we believe has made this new initiative rather special. We hope that students of Medicine and from other disciplines come and participate in future symposia.

If you want to learn more, and see how you can participate, please contact the International student representatives, Mariam ( [email protected] ) and David ( [email protected] ).

Acknowledgements

Assistance provided by Jonathan McFarland (c) and Joan B. Soriano (University Autonoma de Madrid) was greatly appreciated during the planning and the development of the article.

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Why Choose Nursing as a Career?

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Guest Essay

Mike Pence: Donald Trump Has Betrayed the Pro-Life Movement

By Mike Pence

Mr. Pence was vice president of the United States from 2017 to 2021 and is a former candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

Serving as vice president in the most pro-life administration in American history was one of the greatest honors of my life. Of all our accomplishments, I am perhaps most proud that the Supreme Court justices we confirmed voted to send Roe v. Wade to the ash heap of history, ending a travesty of jurisprudence that led to the death of more than 63 million unborn Americans.

Since Roe was overturned, I have been inspired by the efforts of pro-life leaders in states across the country, including Indiana , to advance strong protections for the unborn and vulnerable women.

But while nearly half of our states have enacted strong pro-life laws, some Democrats continue to support taxpayer-funded abortions up to the moment of birth in the rest of the country.

Which is why I believe the time has come to adopt a minimum national standard restricting abortion after 15 weeks in order to end late-term abortions nationwide.

The majority of Americans favor some form of restriction on abortions, and passing legislation prohibiting late-term abortions would largely reflect that view. Democrats in Washington have already attempted to legalize abortion up to the moment of birth, and they failed. But they will try again, with similar extremism, if abortion restrictions are not put in place at the federal level.

Contrary to Democrats’ claims, prohibiting abortions after 15 weeks is entirely reasonable.

While Democrats often hold up Europe as a model for America to emulate, a vast majority of European countries have national limits on elective abortion after 15 weeks. Germany and Belgium have a gestational limit of up to 14 weeks. A majority of European countries are even more restrictive, with Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Greece, Austria, Italy and Ireland banning abortion on demand after 12 weeks.

When it comes to abortion policy, America today appears closer to communist China and North Korea than to the nations of Europe. By prohibiting late-term abortions after 15 weeks, America can move away from the radical fringe and squarely back into the mainstream of Western thought and jurisprudence.

That’s why it was so disheartening for me to see former President Trump’s recent retreat from the pro-life cause. Like so many other advocates for life, I was deeply disappointed when Mr. Trump stated that he considered abortion to be a states-only issue and would not sign a bill prohibiting late-term abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, even if it came to his desk.

I know firsthand just how committed he was to the pro-life movement during our time in office. Who can forget the way candidate Donald Trump denounced late-term abortion during a debate with Hillary Clinton in 2016, highlighting how she and other Democrats would allow doctors to “rip the baby out of the womb of the mother just prior to the birth of the baby.”

In 2018, ahead of a Senate vote on a 20-week national ban that was passed earlier by the House, the president publicly stated that he “strongly supported” efforts to end late-term abortions nationwide with exceptions for rape, incest or the life of the mother.

Now not only is Mr. Trump retreating from that position; he is leading other Republicans astray. One recent example is an Arizona Republican running for the U.S. Senate who followed Trump’s lead and pledged to oppose a federal ban on late-term abortions. When our leaders aren’t firmly committed to life, others will waver, too. Courage inspires imitation. So does weakness.

While some worry about the political ramifications of adopting a 15-week minimum national standard, history has proved that when Republicans stand for life without apology and contrast our common-sense positions with the extremism of the pro-abortion left, voters reward us with victories at the ballot box. In fact, voters overwhelmingly re-elected Govs. Mike DeWine of Ohio, Greg Abbott of Texas and Brian Kemp of Georgia, after they signed bills prohibiting abortion after six weeks.

But what should concern us far more than the politics of abortion is the immorality of ending an unborn human life. At 15 weeks of development, a baby’s face is well formed, and her eyes are sensitive to light. She can suck her thumb and make a fist. She is beginning to move and stretch. And she is created in the image of God, the same as you or me.

Now is not the time to surrender any ground in the fight for the right to life. While the former president has sounded the retreat on life at the national level, I pray that he will rediscover the passion for life that defined our four years in office and rejoin the fight to end late-term abortions in America once and for all. The character of our nation and the lives of generations not yet born demand nothing less.

Mike Pence was vice president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. A former governor of Indiana, he was a candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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