Background

• Nurses apply the attributes of professionalism daily in the context of practice.
• While there is no consensus in the literature as to the meaning of professionalism, there are some generally recognized descriptors or attributes.
• Authors from various fields have since provided different perspectives on what professionalism means, including knowledge based on scientific principles, accountability, autonomy, inquiry, collegiality, collaboration, innovation and ethics and values.
• The concept of professionalism has not been examined by traditional qualitative and quantitative research.
• More common are theoretical approaches found in the social sciences and humanities.
• Recognizing that it is sometimes difficult to maintain professionalism in a changing health care setting, this guideline provides the basis for a template that can be applied to assist practitioners with the complexities of daily practice.
• The guideline outlines the attributes of professionalism and discussion of the existing evidence and/or literature in the area, concluding with general statements that provide some strategies for success.