Promoting professionalism in RN-BSN education

Abstract

Professional nursing practice entails more than the employment of technical skills while caring for patients. It also includes participation in professional organizations and involvement in the community. While there is evidence of the need for RN-BSN programs to provide learning activities that will promote sustained professionalism in the baccalaureate nurse, there is a paucity of literature describing such activities. This article describes the case report of one university’s use of curricular changes in the RN-BSN program through inclusion of clinical activities to enhance professional development and values. The responses of RN-BSN students to these clinical experiences demonstrate engagement and interest in both professional nursing organization and civic meetings, as well as personal satisfaction as a result of their involvement in these experiences. Nursing faculty teaching in RN-BSN programs should find these comments inspiring, and be motivated to incorporate some of these clinical activities into their curriculum to promote sustained professionalism in RN-BSN students after graduation.