MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION

The size of the organization is not as important as how the group is organized and who is
leading it. Therefore it is really important to do some research before making some commitment
through membership. Reading about the officer and membership composition of the organization
is important.

Expectations of Membership
• Upon joining an organization, one must have an idea about:
- history of the organization
- future meetings and current activities
- officer contact information
- local contacts
• Networking
- one of the most important things to do
- to connect with local organization
- for the aspirant to be able to decide how much time he can allocate to the
organization since there are many different ways to be involved, all of which carry
different time commitments
• Do not expect for a “perfect” organization
- an organization is composed of human
- every organization has its struggles

To maximize your experience, you owe it to yourself to do research about the

organization, talk to the members, get a feel of the group dynamics, and assess what you want to
get out of the experience and how you can contribute to the organization. Consider strengths and
talents and see if there is a need or a fit within the organization.

Joining/ Reasons for Involvement

Motivation to join an organization can vary a great deal. Membership has become an
integral part of one's career development. The average nurse may hold membership in a variety
of social and professional organizations, devoting more time to one particular area of interest.
e.g. Nurses may choose to belong to the ANA, as well as one or more specialty
organizations.

• Reasons for joining an organization may be:

- a sense or responsibility to the profession or the hope that they are contributing to
the greater good of the profession
- desire to enhance their resume and marketability purposes
- they want to promote their profession
- have particular legislative interest
- have other social reasons

A common belief among nurses is that their organization of choice can help improve
conditions and care for their patients. In addition, there are those who choose to be active
participants by joining committee work, running for office or taking on other leadership roles.

• Organizational Involvement
- like any organizational process, can improve nursing morale
 being around others who take pride and celebrate the nursing profession is
contagious, and you will inevitably spread that attitude
 whatever preference for personal preference for level of involvement, you
are contributing greatly to your profession by simply joining and becoming a
member, but active involvement within an association can guarantee a world of
opportunities

Right to work – nurse employed in an institution that has a union contract has the option to join
the organization if so desired
• also implies that nurse is responsible for direct communication with the employer
• many of this type have instituted a workplace advocacy program which provides the
nurse with communication and conflict resolution tools
 e.g. Shared governance or self-governance – a concept that was developed by in
the mid-1980's where the governance of the organization is shared by those who are
directly involved

What You Can Get Out of Participating in an Organization

• provide members with a variety of ways to lead and relate to others
• doesn't have to be an officer or committee position to get “involved”

Participation
• assess your own motivations and goals before joining and making time commitments
within the organization
• participation should be a personal decision and must be guided by one's personal
commitment and time limits
• evaluate your passion, expertise and skills
• look for areas within the organization that you can put passion, expertise and skills to use
• seek position and opportunities that would enable you to enhance your skills
• seek involvement in legislative affairs activities to become more politically
knowledgeable about current legislation and political process

Personal Benefits
 substantial scholarships for nurses who are pursuing higher education and
certifications
 scholarships to attend policy meetings
- these two are examples of wonderful opportunities through which nurses
can learn about legislative issues, the political process, health care advocacy, and how
to be more effective on local, state, and national levels
• opportunity to travel for conventions and meetings
• benefits that are not advertised:
e.g. Networking and exposure to different opportunities within the nursing profession
are 2 of the most valuable benefits
 • provide continuous source of professional colleagues for today's
nurse to draw upon for invaluable advise and collective support
• can serve as additional training ground through which nurses can
build skills and gain wonderful experiences
• opportunities for leadership development through committees or in
officer positions, which can provide invaluable skills training

Professional Benefits
• organizations can serve as springboards for your career
• could be a key to helping solve workforce shortage because associations have always
advocated for quality patient care and adequate nurse staffing
• can help improve morale
• increases job satisfaction

There are several professional organizations in the world particularly in the Philippines
wherein each one has specific objective and philosophy. Provided are several of the many
organizations in the Philippines which are active and aims to widen their organization for the
improvement of health management throughout the world.
• Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. (PTSI)
- is a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization whose advocacy is
towards the prevention, treatment, and control of tuberculosis in the Philippines
• Human Organ Preservation Effort
- is a non-profit organization in the Philippines under the umbrella of the National
Kidney & Transplant Institute, dedicated to the legal procurement of donor organs for
transplantation to patients afflicted with various types of end-stage organ disease
- effort concentrates mostly on donors who have been declared brain dead with
otherwise normal organs
• Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA)
- a private, non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of mental
health and prevention of mental disorders
 • Department of Health (DOH)
- is the principal health agency in the Philippines
- responsible for ensuring access to basic public health services to all Filipinos
through the provision of quality health care and regulation of providers of health goods
and services
• Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
- to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield,
endeavors - in its international and national capacity - to prevent and alleviate human
suffering wherever and whenever it may be found
- purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being
- it promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation, and lasting peace
among its people
• Operating Room Nurses Association
- promote the highest professional standard of Perioperative Nursing
• Critical Care Nurses Association in the Philippines, Inc.
- CCNAPI is the recognized national organization of nurses interested in the
specialization of critical care nursing practice in the Philippines

PERSONAL IMAGE BUILDING

Employer Expectations
Generally speaking, employers prefer candidates who possess some combination of the
positive personality traits, skills, and qualities of success such as clear goals, a positive attitude,
risk taking, enthusiasm and motivation. Along with the positive attitudes comes the ability to
trust and believe in oneself and others. Risk takers who are at the same time willing to accept
failure as part of the course. Motivation is an inner drive that makes you do something.
Motivation makes you productive and allows you to work well independently. If you are
motivated, you have a healthy interest in yourself.
Goals
When you have goals, an employer may recognize your commitment to your career,
believe you will stay in a job for a reasonable length of time, and realize where your self
motivation will come from.
Positive Personality
A person with a positive personality has certain characteristics, including a good attitude,
poise, self confidence, decisiveness, and a tendency to be extroverted. Having one or more of
these attributes may convince an employer that you can do the job well.
Appropriate Technical Skills
An employer will evaluate how much training you need and decide whether it is possible
to provide you with this additional training. You must be sure to convince an employer that you
can perform the tasks that the job requires. Remember that the attitude you present with those
skills may convince an employer to hire you even when more technical training is needed in the
job.
Leadership
Successfully influencing and inspiring other individuals and groups toward common goal
is one proof of leadership ability. Leaders usually emerge from within the group because of their
ability to draw followers. Institutions seek individuals with proven leadership ability o become
change agents in their organization.
Work Ethic
Proving you have strong ethic may include giving examples that show you are willing to
work hard and perform to the best of your ability on regular basis. Even if you haven’t had a lot f
work experience, the hard work you put into your studies or into your projects or hobbies are
good examples of your strong work ethic.
Realistic Expectations
Realistic expectations of job candidates about starting salaries and job responsibilities
arte important to employers because they may improve job satisfaction. When a job applicant
understands what is fully expected of him or her on a day-to-day basis, there is less chance of
disagreement or disappointment about the job.
Maturity
Employers evaluate maturity in variety of ways. Your ability to remain poised in different
situations, tolerate differences in opinion, and assume responsibility with little supervision are
some examples of how an employer may evaluate your maturity level. Immaturity in the
workplace can lead to personality conflicts, poor performance, or inappropriate social behavior.
Employer try to avoid hiring immature workers because they may be disruptive or un-productive
in the workplace., show less likelihood of success, or require more supervision and training than
an employer is willing to provide.
Enthusiasm
. Enthusiasm is the demonstration of a strong interest in something. Enthusiasm lends
credibility to that you do and results in your own satisfaction. It builds spirit around an idea and
is a great basis for creativity. Employers prefer candidates who seem genuinely excited about
their job, because usually people perform best when they are doing what they like to do. Lack of
enthusiasm may be interpreted as lack of interest or confidence on your part.
Focus
Your ability to be focused on your career goals tells the employer you have already
thought through many options and have decided to make a commitment to a specific career. This
means there is a greater chance that you are choosing the job you really want and that you will
concentrate on doing what is necessary to be successful.
Scholastic Record
Your scholastic record is one way an employer may judge whether you have developed
skills appropriate to the job. Reviewing your record will indicate if the courses you studied
provided the skills you will need, and good grades in these courses will indicate an
understanding of the subject. Good grades may also be concrete evidence that you have the
motivation, enthusiasm, and focus needed to succeed.
Follow Through
An ability to independently follow directions on services is important. Employers want to
know if you can complete your work on your own without constant supervision.
Handling Conflict
Conflicts between people happen frequently in the workplace, and an employer needs to
know that you are able to handle them n your own. This is a sign of maturity on your part and
time saver on the employer.
Self Discipline
Is helpful on the job because it helps keep you focused on your job until it is completed.
The ability to avoid distractions and be self driven helps you perform your job well.
Outside Interest
 Employers look at how involved you are in activities outside the classroom in order to
understand your likes and dislikes, you level of initiative, your leadership potentials, and your
ability to manage your time well. Usually, the right type I someone who demonstrates positive
personality traits, qualities of success, and meets employer’s over all expectations
Loyalty
You should be able to give prospective employer examples of situation that demonstrate
your ability to be loyal to your employer.

Professionalism
Reliability, an excellent appearance, and proper business manners are all part of
professionalism. Good attendance in class and at work can be one indicator of your reliability.
Meeting your industry’s standards on grooming and dress is also an important part of
professionalism. In fact, your appearance creates an employer’s first impression of you. If that
first impression is not positive, you will probably not be considered further in the hiring process.
Handshake
Arrive at the interview 10 minutes before your scheduled time. Introduce yourself
courteously to the receptionist. Stand when your name is called, smile and shake hands firmly. If
you perspire easily, wipe your palms just before handshake time.
Eye Contact
During the interview, use the interviewer’s title and last name as you speak. Never use
the interviewer’s first name unless specifically requested to do so. Use good listening skills (all
those leadership skills you’ve just learned). Smile and nod occasionally, making frequent eye
contact. Do not fold your arms across your chest, but keep your hands at your sides or in your
lap. Pay attention, and sound sure of yourself.
Good Speaking Skills
Being able to express yourself verbally to an employer can give the impression that you
well interact well with others on the job and that you ca promote your skills and your ideas
confidently. A good appearance may leave the employer thinking you really care about the
impression you make on others and that you would present a positive image of the company.
Phrase your questions appropriately, and relate them to yourself as a candidate’s proper
grammar and diction. Words like “yeah”, “uh-uh”, “uh”, “you know”, are too casual for the
interview. Don’t say “I guess” or “I feel” about anything. These words make you sound
indecisive and wishy-washy.
Writing
Writing effectively can also help you gain a competitive edge in your job search when
writing letters or resumes or completing a job application. People from an impression about you
through your writing. Well organized thoughts and good grammar, spelling, and punctuation
show the reader that you care abut the quality of your work. The document should also be neat.

Personal Care and Personal Appearance

Personal care and personal appearance are both an important part of your personal image
development because they help you create a positive impression with prospective employers.
Dress in business attire. For women, a skirted suit or tailored jacket dress is appropriate. Men
should wear a classic suit, light colored shirt and conservative tie. For both men and women,
gray or navy is rarely wrong. Shoes should be polished, with appropriate heels. Nails and hair fro
both men and women should reflect cleanliness, good grooming, and willingness to work.
It is best to dress conservatively than in a trendy manner. Make up, perfume, and jewelry should
be minimal. Be sure to turn off all cell phones and pagers so that all your attention can be
directed to the interviewer.
Grooming
Hair should be short for men, short enough not to hit your shirt collar. Long hair, multi
length hair, and brightly colored hair are discouraged. Clothing should fit properly.
Personal Hygiene
• bathe daily
• use underarm deodorant to avoid possible body odor.
• be clean shaven
• keep oral hygiene
• keep nails clean and nicely cut
• if you wear a make up, be sure to apply it lightly so that it accentuates your features
instead of changing your looks
Professional Dress
Work Situations – jobs in many fields require uniforms. This is true in health care institutions.
Keep them clean, pressed, new looking at all times. Wear shoes that are appropriate to the
uniform. Do not over accessorize uniform.

Personal Qualities
Responsibility
Taking ownership, being accountable for the results of a team you are leading, being
trusted with confidential information, finding solutions.
Self-Esteem
Volunteering to do a different job, continuing to work toward the goal after experiencing
some setbacks, taking criticism well.
Sociability
Working in harmony with other personnel.
Self-management
Successfully handling procedures, working with little or no supervision, working the
hours necessary to get the job done.
Integrity
Refusing to tae short cuts that could compromise work quality, refusing to talk negatively
about a former employer, refusing to make a popular decision, if you believe it is a wrong
decision.
Honesty
Not accepting credit for something someone else did, identifying areas of your own
performance that need improvement.

SELF-GOVERNANCE
• goes beyond participatory management through the creation of organizational structures
that allow nursing staff to govern themselves
• place autonomy, authority, and control of services to clients with the professionals
providing the care
• members of councils = staff nurse representatives
- have authority for specified functions, to make decisions and are responsible for
the results: typically have functional accountability for practice, governance, nursing
 professional development, peer behavior, and governance with a coordinating council
- council chairs comprise the management committee
- charged with making the final operational decisions for the organization
• bylaws are developed to specify the authority, responsibility, communication channels,
and coordination of the self-governance structure
• important to clarify what decisions councils will make, what shared decisions will be
made by the staff and managers, and what decisions will be the responsibility of
administration

Accountability
It forms the foundation for designing self-governance models. To be accountable,
authority to make decisions concerning all aspects of responsibilities is essential. This need for
authority and accountability is particularly important for nurses who treat the wide range of
human responses to wellness states and illnesses. The major cause of nurses' dissatisfaction with
their work revolves around the absence of this accountability.

INDEPENDENT NURSING PRACTICE

• The term “independence” means the nurse is self employed and provides professional
nursing services to clients/patients and their families.
• These nurses reach out and offer their services rather than expect clients to seek their
help.
• Performs both independent and collaborative roles
• Scope of nursing practice:
- Health care assessment
- Formulating plans for health maintenance
- Prevention strategies
- Continuation of supportive activities in critical and complex health problems
• They make referrals and collaborate with physicians and other disciplines as needed by
the client or family.
• Independent nurse practitioners are accountable for their decisions.
 • Collaborative work is needed for effective, efficient and economical care

Contribution of independent nursing practice to the improvement of the health care in the
country:
• It will encourage professional nurses to extend their capabilities and assume greater
responsibilities for designated areas of generalized nursing practice.
• Amount of health care will be more increased and accessible to people.
• The nurse’s involvement in the client’s family or community will increase the nurse’s
sensitivity and response to their clients’ needs.
• Improvement of health services will help prevent serious illness and maintain positive
community health programs.
• It will provide data for nursing education, to validate and legitimize extended role
practices for nurses.
 EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE
• uses:
- outcomes research
 provides evidence about benefits, risks, and results of
treatments
 seeks to understand the end results (may include changes in
a person’s ability to function and carry out routine activities of daily living) of
particular health care practices and interventions
 identify potentially effective strategies that can be
implemented
- other current research findings
• used to guide practice interventions and is most successful when the entire
organization and interdisciplinary team participate and support the process
• useful for developing policies and procedures as well as for making other
management decisions (Boswell, 2007)
• role of nurse: participate in developing a comprehensive, interdisciplinary
evidence-based plan of care in conjunction with the patient and members of the health care
team

Evolution of Evidence-based Practice

• 1970s
 - medical advances proliferated and health care consumers became better informed
and developed higher expectations of their health care providers
- more nurses became educated
- influenced nursing education and practice with research
• 1980s
- total quality management and continuous quality improvement
- stimulated a debate about the difference between research and evaluation
- research = more generalized; evaluation = more specific to a situation
• 1990s
- appeared in literature
- associated with quantitative and qualitative research methods

Evidenced-based Clinical System Processes (Malloch and Porter-O’ Grady, 2006)

1. data collection
2. link information
3. construct protocols
4. test practices
5. aggregate results
6. evaluate outcomes
7. establish best practices

Five Phases of Disciplined Clinical Inquiry (Malloch and Porter-O’ Grady, 2006)
1. needs assessment and environmental scan
2. learning and knowledge generation
3. knowledge assimilation
4. knowledge application
5. appraisal/ evaluation

4 out of 21 competencies for the 21st century to prepare health professionals for the practice
environments and organization of the future on Pew Health Professions Commission’s Final
Report (Bellack & O’Neil, 2000):
• provide evidence-based, clinically competent care
• demonstrate critical thinking, reflection, and problem-solving skills
• take responsibility for quality of care and health outcomes at all levels
• contribute to continuous improvement of the health care system

Definition of Terms:
1. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) = defined as the conscientious, explicit, and judicious
use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients
(Sackett, Rosenberg, gray, Haynes, & Richardson, 1996).
2. Evidence-Based Nursing Practice (EBNP) = conscientious, explicit, and judicious use
of theory-derived, research-based information in making decisions about nursing to
individuals and in consideration of individual needs and preferences (Ingersoll, 2000).
3. Practice Guideline = a descriptive tool or a standardized specification for care of the
typical patient in the typical situation. (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations, 1999)

Difference between EBP and EBNP

EBP has a medical focus, whereas EBNP considers the individual’s needs and
preferences based on nursing theory and research.

NURSE ENTREPRENEUR
Many nurses are leaving the bedside for the world of entrepreneurship in a variety of
consultative, educational, or technical areas (Manthey, 1990). With this risk-taking move these
individuals quickly learn that success is based on high-quality work, patient satisfaction and
establishing and building effective.
• Entrepreneurship is not a new one to the field of nursing.
• The term entrepreneurship is an interpretation of a French word that means “to
undertake.”
• 20th century – nurse functioned independently and contracted directly with the patient or
family to provide care. (Dickerson & Nash, 1990)
 • 1930s – Nurses moved into the hospital setting and become employees.

Characteristics of Today’s Nurse Entrepreneur (Wilson, 1998; Simpson, 1998)

• Having creativity and independence
• Being responsive to a perceived need or stepping into a void
• Assuming accountability and being your own boss
• Being market focused
• Having good financial foresight
• Having common sense
• Facing the possibility of success or failure
• Taking an opportunity brought about by change

Benefits of becoming nurse entrepreneur

• Job satisfaction
• Flexibility in choosing opportunities
• Being able to do exactly what you want to do

Downsides of entrepreneurship
• Tough competition
• Riding the highs and lows of the market
• Finding the right product and service to sell
• Providing for your own health insurance

 It is important to decide what nursing service you want to provide and develop solid
business plan.
 Personal savings is used to cover initial start-up expenses, and plan to develop marketing
strategies to spread the word about your business.

Process of Establishing a Business Plan

Nursing Process Business Process
 Assess • Develop an idea/concept: short term versus long term.
• Perform a market survey and feasibility study: determine
consumer, clientele, location, and business forecast.
• Identify resources available: financial, technology and business
support.
Plan • Develop market strategies and financial plan based on market

survey and feasibility studies.

• Develop product information: literature, brochure and pamphlets.
• Develop advertising/public relation methods and materials.
• Schedule appropriate time to deliver product information and
services.
Implement • Implement business concepts: direct and indirect methods with

follow up (mailings, telephone, internet).

• Perform service/deliver products or service.
Evaluate • Perform periodic assessment of business plan: monthly’ biannually
and annually.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses and implement changes.

Elements of Business Plan

• Resources
- Financial, Technology, and Business support services
• Expenses
- Labor, Supplies, Fees, and General and administrative
• Revenue
- Direct results of services or products provided and sold
 REFERENCES

Kelly-Heidenthal, Patricia. Nursing Leadership and Management. 2nd Edition. U. S. A.: Delmar
Thomson Learning. © 2003.

Rowland, Howard S. and Rowland, Beatrice L. Nursing Administration Handbook. 3rd Edition.
U. S. A.: Aspen Publishers. © 1992.

Tappen, Ruth. Essentials of Nursing Leadership and Management. U. S. A.: F.A. Davis
Company. © 2004.

Tomey, Ann Marriner. Guide to Nursing Leadership and Management. 8th Edition. Canada:
Mosby, Inc. © 2009.

Yena, Donna. Career Directions. U. S. A.: McGraw-Hill. © 1997.

Yoder-Wise, Patricia S. Leading and Managing in Nursing. 3rd Edition. U. S. A.: Mosby, Inc. ©
2003.