Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses

Another strategy is a change champion (Nelson-Brantley & Ford, 2017). At
the unit level, change champions are staff members who continually promote
new ideas for change and act as role models. Characteristics of successful
change champions are the following: (1) expert clinician, (2) informal leader
who is respected among peers, (3) positive working relationship with other
interdisciplinary team members, (4) passionate about the topic of practice, and
(5) commitment to improving the quality of patient care (Titler, 2006). These
characteristics are important for any innovator as well. Innovators might be
known as change champions or by any other title used by the institution to
implement practice changes.

Developing team leadership skills occurs over time. This is also where in-
novator characteristics, a sense of inquiry, flexibility to change, awareness of
self and of the unit, and good communication skills are needed. As you develop,
your team leadership skills will emerge.

17.3 Professionalism

Identify the following as either formal or informal means of developing oneself as a professional.

1. Attending conferences


2. Finding a mentor


3. Enrolling in graduate education


4. Reading a journal


5. Attending a mandatory in-service

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE 17-2

How did you do? 1. Formal; 2. Informal; 3. Formal; 4. Informal; 5. Formal

KEY TERMS

team leadership

skills: Behaviors

that collaboratively

engage others while

working toward a

goal

behavioral

inventory for

professionalism:

A measure of

education and

training, skill,

ethics, professional

organization, and

service

At the end of this section, you will be able to:

‹ Outline a plan to develop your professionalism as a nurse

Models of Professionalism

Professionalism is how one deports oneself within the nursing profession. Miller,
Adams, and Beck (1993) developed a behavioral inventory for professionalism
in nursing to measure the following: (1) education and training, including con-
tinuing education; (2) skill based on theoretical knowledge; (3) a code of ethics;
(4) a professional organization; and (5) service. For example, their inventory

17.3 Professionalism 461