A professional nurse is one who puts the needs and importance of patient care above all others. The professional should exert a positive public image considering the public is where services are directed to. A professional appearance is important for making first impressions on patients and other coworkers. The first impression is always of utmost importance and plays a major role in gaining a patient's respect and trust. Once the nurse has began establishing a relationship with their patient, they must be careful to not pass or show any judgment on a patient's decisions, beliefs, values, or culture. The professional nurse should demonstrate sensitivity to diverse cultural needs and ethnic backgrounds. Having an open mind is always necessary when dealing with such a wide array of people in the public as a nurse would be. Because healthcare is a continually expanding field, a professional nurse should be willing to stay up to date with continuing education or seminars, learning new and better ways to provide the best care possible for patients. The nurse should reflect a high degree of professionalism to patients, the public, and other professionals.
             Teamwork is a major characteristic of professional nursing. Many times nurses will need assistance helping their patients, and people will be more apt to lend a helping hand if you yourself go out of your way to help others. This not only helps your coworkers but in the long run provides faster more efficient care for the patients. Teamwork may be one of the most important professional characteristics in healthcare.
             Nurses act as advocates for the rights of their patients and are frequently involved in ethical issues and ethical decision-making processes. The professional nurse should be aware of and familiar with patient rights. The nurse must evaluate their own professional and personal values, reassessing them periodically to be aware of themselves. Ethical decision m...