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The Saskatchewan Registered Nursing Association

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The historical image of the nurse in the white uniform with a cap, has military discipline and a stiff upper lip, still holds true to numerous individuals today. Yet, the nursing profession and image is changing drastically. Transparency and accountability in healthcare, higher levels of education for registered nurses, public perception and various types of media influence what the nursing image is today. Is the nursing image relevant to safe, competent practice? This paper will explore what the regulations of the Saskatchewan Registered Nursing Association (SRNA) state, what public opinion is, and what the media portrays with regard to nursing image and care. Interviews from professionals, the public, and patients will provide insight …show more content…

Foundation competencies are the minimum levels of expected performance for a registered nurse (SRNA p. 10). The SRNA is very clear about the level of education a nurse requires, and has strict accountability standards to which it holds each registered nurse. The SRNA is less involved with the physical appearance of professionals, especially with regard to tattoos, type of hairstyle or scrubs one wears. The association believes more in how professionals conduct themselves. Key aspects of providing safe, competent care and creating trust with the client is providing a safe environment that builds a trusting relationship. This reinforces that the nurse’s motivating force is to have the client’s best interest in mind. Furthermore, the client will be more likely to listen to the nurse when advice is needed. This type of behavior supports the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (2008, p. 8), which states that nurses are to engage in compassionate care through their speech and body language. With all of these regulations and standards in place, one would think that all nurses work at the same standard that has been outlined and therefore safety is of no concern. Yet, a peer review conducted a study on the safety of student and graduate nurses. They concluded that unprofessional image consisted of repetitive errors, disrespect, anger, defensiveness, overconfidence, low confidence, and apathy.

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