Introduction
This essay examines the concepts of professionalism and accountability within the context of nursing, exploring their implications for professional regulation once qualified. Professionalism in nursing encompasses adhering to ethical standards, demonstrating competence, and maintaining a commitment to patient care, while accountability refers to the obligation to take responsibility for one’s actions and decisions. Both concepts are central to ensuring safe and effective practice and directly influence regulatory frameworks, such as those set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This discussion will define these concepts, analyse their significance in professional regulation, and reflect on a personal experience in practice where professionalism and accountability were evident, highlighting the outcomes and implications for those involved.
Understanding Professionalism and Accountability
Professionalism in nursing is often described as the consistent demonstration of behaviours, skills, and values that uphold the trust and respect of patients and colleagues (Hoeve et al., 2014). It includes maintaining confidentiality, communicating effectively, and engaging in continuous professional development. Accountability, on the other hand, involves being answerable for one’s actions, both to patients and to regulatory bodies like the NMC, which mandates nurses to adhere to the Code of Conduct (NMC, 2018). Together, these principles ensure that nurses deliver high-quality care and maintain public safety. Indeed, a lapse in either professionalism or accountability can lead to disciplinary actions or compromised patient outcomes, underscoring their importance in everyday practice.
Implications for Professional Regulation
Once qualified, nurses are subject to stringent regulatory oversight to protect the public and maintain standards of practice. The NMC’s Code (2018) explicitly outlines expectations for professionalism and accountability, such as acting in patients’ best interests and documenting care accurately. Failure to meet these standards can result in investigations or sanctions, highlighting how deeply these concepts are embedded in regulation. Furthermore, as argued by Gallagher (2010), accountability fosters a culture of transparency, encouraging nurses to reflect on their practice and engage in lifelong learning. This regulatory framework not only safeguards patients but also supports nurses in navigating complex ethical dilemmas, ensuring they prioritise care quality over personal or systemic pressures.
A Case Study from Practice
During a clinical placement in a busy hospital ward, I witnessed a positive example of professionalism and accountability that left a lasting impression. A senior nurse noticed a discrepancy in a patient’s medication chart during a routine check. Rather than overlooking the error, she immediately reported it to the ward manager, took responsibility for not catching it sooner, and collaborated with the team to rectify the mistake before it reached the patient. This incident demonstrated adherence to the NMC’s emphasis on prioritising patient safety (NMC, 2018). The outcome was overwhelmingly positive: the patient remained unharmed, and the team’s trust in the senior nurse grew due to her transparency. However, it also highlighted the potential for stress among staff, as the nurse faced scrutiny during the investigation. This experience underscored the importance of accountability in preventing harm, while also revealing the emotional toll it can take on practitioners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, professionalism and accountability are foundational to nursing practice and significantly shape professional regulation once qualified. They ensure that nurses uphold ethical standards, prioritise patient safety, and comply with regulatory expectations set by bodies like the NMC. The personal experience discussed illustrates how these principles, when applied effectively, protect patients and strengthen team dynamics, though they can also impose personal challenges. Ultimately, embracing these values fosters a culture of trust and continuous improvement, essential for maintaining public confidence in the nursing profession. As future practitioners, reflecting on such experiences equips us to navigate the complexities of regulation with integrity and resilience.
References
- Gallagher, A. (2010) Moral Distress and Moral Courage in Everyday Nursing Practice. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 16(2).
- Hoeve, Y.T., Jansen, G. and Roodbol, P. (2014) The Nursing Profession: Public Image, Self-Concept and Professional Identity. A Discussion Paper. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 70(2), pp. 295-309.
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). (2018) The Code: Professional Standards of Practice and Behaviour for Nurses, Midwives and Nursing Associates. NMC.
