The term “role modelling” is considerably widespread in various spheres of human activities and occupational fields, including health and social care. Moreover, professionalism as well as role modelling are very important for every nurse as the majority of patients expect not only a competent, skilled, and experienced nurse, but also a person that is characterized by numerous positive features of character, including patience, sense of humor, sympathy, and many others. In general, being a role model means to behave professionally enough to combine all positive qualities and characteristics. The essay is aimed to determine and evaluate the nature and meaning of being a role model.
In the sphere of practice environment or, in other words, in nursing, a role model may be referred to as the person that serves as a good example and, at the same time, whose attitudes and behavior are positively evaluated or accepted by patients and coworkers. In order to become a role model, every nurse is recommended to ensure a high-quality care in order to meet the expectations of patients.
Despite the fact that nursing is considered to be a stressful, demanding, and exhausting profession, nurses should do their best in order to foster a positive atmosphere and satisfy the expectations of patients. Despite the fact that some qualities and features of a role model are acquired at the early stages of upbringing and development, it is possible for nurses to become role models at any time. First of all, a nurse should be well-educated and ready to demonstrate personal skills and experiences when it is needed. Secondly, a nurse should possess well-developed and flexible psychomotor skills. Thirdly, such features as compassion, motivation, humility, commitment, willingness to admit possible mistakes, respect, and confidence contribute to the development of a role model in the sphere of nursing. Finally, it is rather important to note that it is possible to learn the characteristics of a role model even from those people that are not viewed as good examples or, in other words, role models. It is usually said that the sense and nature of nursing are not taught but caught. That is why, students that want to become nurses in the future acquire the general sense of role modelling on the basis of behavior that is manifested by their educators. However, even if behaviors, attitudes, and actions of educators are not professional, students may notice it, and, consequently, taking into account the educator’s mistakes, develop their own “standards of excellence”.
To be honest, I as a registered nurse believe that after graduating from the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, will try to do my best in order to follow the features of a role model. In other words, I as a well-educated and skilled nurse will try to cope with difficulties, listen to the recommendations of experienced colleagues, and behave according to the moral principles and the codes of ethics. After entering into practice, I will try to behave like a motivated enthusiast that is willing to help patients to cope with their problems. In general, I will follow the recommendations that were given to me in the process of studying by the educators as I confide in their knowledge, skills, and work experience across the nursing field.