Evolution of Nursing Profession

Interpersonal Skills

• Individuality of man
• Communication skills (verbal and non-verbal)
• Ghanaian sign language

The Health Team

• Members of the health team
• Factors promoting effective team work

Quality Assurance and Improvement

• Concepts of quality assurance
• Importance of quality health care
• Dimensions of quality assurance
• Evaluating quality of care
• Monitoring quality care from:
  • Patient's point of view
  • Medical provider's point of view
  • Hospital manager's point of view

Introduction to Professional Adjustment

What is a Profession?

• An occupation that requires advanced knowledge and skills and grows out of society's need for special services (Polit & Hungler, 1997)
• Specialized knowledge and intense academic preparation for the acquisition of skills to practice
• Occupation that involves prolonged academic training and formal qualification
• Members of a profession determine the standard of training and practice

Professionalism

• Involves professional character, spirit, or methods
• Teaching activities found in various occupational groups whose members aspire to be professional
• General criteria that must exist for the chosen occupation to be considered a profession

Process of Attaining Professionalism

• Professionalization is a dynamic process
• Nursing may be described as a semi-profession or an emerging profession
• The process of becoming a professional

Nursing in Ghana

• In 1921, there were only 64 nurses and nurses-in-training
• In 1923, Gold Coast Hospital (Korle-Bu) was opened, leading to a major advancement in nursing and training of nurses
• By 1930, there was accelerated growth in the training of nurses, with the number increasing and exceeding 200
• Nursing had become a critical factor in modernization of public health facilities in the 1920s
• Advanced training for nurses and midwives formed part of the agendum of the Third Conference of the senior members of the West Africa Medical staff held in Accra in 1925

Challenges to the Growth of Nursing Education

• Problems faced by tutors and students alike, including:
  • Outdated and inaccessible textbooks
  • Limited audiovisual equipment in training colleges
  • Heavy burden of tropical diseases resulting in high rates of absenteeism
  • Increased intake of students resulting in overcrowding and problems at the clinical area

Nursing in the 21st Century

• Professional nurses face many challenges within the health care system
• GCNM stands for C.R.E.A.T.E:
  • C -- Change through leadership, role-modeling, and mentorship
  • R -- Results-oriented and research-focused
  • E -- Engagement for teamwork in health care
  • A -- Accountability
  • T -- Thinking strategically
  • E -- Ethics for optimal, efficient professional conduct
• Motto: Integrity, Professionalism, and Excellence
• Integrity: Good character, moral soundness, reliability, and trustworthy professional

Commonwealth Nurses Federation (CNF)

• Established in 1973
• Works with its membership, national nursing and midwifery associations from Commonwealth countries to:
  • Influence health policy
  • Develop nursing networks
  • Improve nursing standards and competence
  • Strengthen nursing leadership throughout the Commonwealth
• A credible, democratic, and participatory organization
• Represents nurses and midwives from Commonwealth countries at Commonwealth meetings
• Links nurses and midwives from Commonwealth countries together with regular communication
• Conducts education and training workshops in Commonwealth countries
• Supports national nursing and midwifery organizations to develop their potential to lobby and influence policy and government decisions

Explore the transformation of nursing from its colonial roots to its current state, including the increasing educational qualifications of nurses and their impact on medical practices.