title: Perceptions of professionalism among nursing faculty and nursing students.
abstract: Although there is no consensus about the definition of professionalism, some generally recognized descriptors include knowledge, specialization, intellectual and individual responsibility, and well-developed group consciousness. In this study, Q-methodology was used to identify common viewpoints about professionalism held by nursing faculty and students, and four viewpoints emerged as humanists, portrayers, facilitators, and regulators. The humanists reflected the view that professional values include respect for human dignity, personal integrity, protection of patient privacy, and protection of patients from harm. The portrayers believed that professionalism is evidenced by one's image, attire, and expression. For facilitators, professionalism not only involves standards and policies but also includes personal beliefs and values. The regulators believed that professionalism is fostered by a workplace in which suitable beliefs and standards are communicated, accepted, and implemented by its staff. The differences indicate that there may be numerous contextual variables that affect individuals' perceptions of professionalism.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. daneshn@mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: Noori
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Akhtar-Danesh
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Baumann
authors.forename: Camille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kolotylo
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lawlor
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tompkins
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D005181:Faculty, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D011361:Professional Competence; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*