measures continuing education attendance, the number of
journals read, nursing books recently purchased, professional
organization memberships, whether nursing theories are
applied in one’s practice, and participation in organization
and community service. These authors surveyed more than
500 nurses and found that 92.3% reported reading from
1 to 10 nursing articles per month; however, only 15.9%
belonged to a professional organization.
The wheel of professionalism in nursing (Figure 17-1) depicts components
to enhance professionalism (Miller, 1984). The behaviors included in the wheel
indicate degrees of professionalism; these behaviors might also be used as
measures in working up a clinical ladder in one’s facility. One example is that
active participation in a specialty organization could assist with promotions in
some institutions where such professional behaviors are a part of that institu-
tion’s philosophy. Other examples include routinely reading articles related to
one’s practice to enhance theory application for practice, pursuing continuing
education regularly for competence, and making practice changes for one’s
own practice to enhance professional autonomy.
Perhaps the most important aspect of being a professional is to use what was
learned in one’s basic nursing program, especially the application of theory to
clinical situations. One can innovate; however, one is still obligated to use a
theory base for safe patient care. Continuing to apply learning contributes to
ongoing EBP as one uses newer research and theory as a part of one’s practice.
A difficult component of professionalism for those new to the practice world
involves information overload. Rogers (2003) defined this as “the state of an
individual or system in which excessive communication inputs cannot be pro-
cessed and utilized, leading to breakdown” (pp. 368–369). With added technol-
ogy, healthcare professionals must manage an array of communication media
and evidence for updated practice arriving at breakneck speed. Although it is
complex enough for the new nurse to become proficient with patient care and
learn to manage multiple patients, the additional expectations for keeping up
with multiple modes of communication add increased stress. Learning how to
manage technology is vital. Using all of the innovator characteristics can assist a
new nurse to become an effective member of the team and provide quality patient
care. Incorporating EBP will become a routine part of professional practice.A Final Word About Developing Oneself
as an Innovator
Recognizing a possible gap between experiences in education programs and
the actual workplace means that new graduates must seek resources to bridgeFYI
Perhaps the most important aspect of being
a professional is to use what was learned in
one’s basic nursing program, especially the
application of theory to clinical situations.
Continuing to apply learning contributes to
ongoing EBP as one uses newer research and
theory as a part of one’s practice.KEY TERMS
wheel of
professionalism in
nursing: A model
depicting behaviors
of the professional
nurse
information
overload: State of
an individual in
which excessive
communication
cannot be
processed or used462 CHAPTER 17 Developing Oneself as an Innovator