What is Professionalism?

What is Professionalism?

What is Professionalism?

By Terri Herzog RN, CGRN

Are you a true professional? I know this sounds like a boring topic but it's not what you think. According to Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 10th edition, professionalism is the conduct, aims or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person.

What is a gastrointestinal (GI) nurse? How can we be better professionals? Isn't that what it's all about, striving for more?

When I started in GI eight years ago, my physician insisted we join the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA). Already you're asking, he insisted? Yes. He knew that by getting us involved it would also benefit him. At the time I didn't realize how much being in an organization would benefit me personally and professionally. Between the literature, the journals and the networking, how else can you keep up in this ever-changing field? Who knew we'd be doing virtual colonoscopies?

I have attended regional, multiregional and national meetings and have been the chair of a national special interest group. Locally, I have been on the board of directors, president-elect and now president of the Chicago region. I know this never would have happened without the encouragement of my physician. What I have paid in dues is small compared to what I have gained.

I have learned basic and advanced GI technique from seminars I have attended, which has led me to question how and why things are done. The line "it's always been done that way" doesn't work for me anymore. Most of the physicians I work with listen to my thoughts and ideas because mine are just as important as theirs. They know I am constantly learning and using new knowledge in my day-to-day practice.

My family knows that by attending lectures and seminars I am a better nurse. It makes me feel better about my ability to care for my patients. Certification is a way to show professionalism and shows your bosses, doctors and other staff members that you care about being knowledgeable. My job also uses excellence as a job appraisal tool and evaluates continuous skill development.

SGNA is not the only organization to promote professionalism or education. The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and the American Nurses Association (ANA) are others that work together to promote nursing.

This article was written to make you think about joining an organization, keep updated and aim to be the best professional GI nurse possible. Join now, volunteer for a committee or the board of directors and attend the meetings. Don't be one of those people who says, "I don't like that organization because ..." Get involved and change it to help meet your needs. Your actions will speak louder than words.

Terri Herzog, RN, CGRN is a nurse clinician and GI motility coordinator at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago.

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