A nurse is explaining to a newly licensed nurse what distinguishes nursing as a professional career from nursing as an occupation.
Which of the following attitudes exemplifies nursing professionalism?

Choice A rationale

Employing coercive power, which relies on threats or punishment, is generally counterproductive in policy development. Sustainable political influence stems from collaboration and well-reasoned arguments, rather than dictatorial approaches. Coercion erodes trust and can alienate potential allies, ultimately hindering effective advocacy for public health initiatives.

Choice B rationale

Nurses possess unique insights into community health needs due to their direct patient contact and understanding of social determinants of health. Voicing these concerns to elected officials is a vital aspect of civic engagement, allowing nurses to advocate for policies that promote population well-being and address health disparities. This aligns with their professional responsibility to the public.

Choice C rationale

Preventing the development of coalitions within healthcare facilities is detrimental to effective advocacy. Coalitions amplify collective voices, pooling resources and diverse perspectives to exert greater influence on policy makers. Collaboration among various healthcare professionals strengthens advocacy efforts, leading to more comprehensive and impactful policy changes.

Choice D rationale

While clinical duties are paramount, nurses also have a professional and ethical obligation to engage in political processes. Healthcare policies directly impact patient care, nursing practice, and public health outcomes. Avoiding political involvement limits their ability to shape the environment in which they practice and advocate for their patients' best interests.

Choice A rationale

Fidelity in nursing refers to the ethical principle of faithfulness and keeping commitments. Returning to evaluate a client's response to pain medication demonstrates adherence to the commitment made to the client to manage their pain effectively. This follow-up ensures the initial intervention was successful and addresses any ongoing discomfort, upholding the nurse's promise of care.

Choice B rationale

Finding a private location to report client laboratory results primarily upholds the ethical principle of confidentiality, which involves protecting sensitive patient information. While important, it does not directly exemplify fidelity, which focuses on honoring commitments and maintaining trust through consistent actions.

Choice C rationale

Asking whether a client has advance directives is an action that primarily aligns with the ethical principle of autonomy, respecting the client's right to make decisions about their own healthcare. While part of comprehensive care, it does not directly demonstrate the concept of fidelity, which is about being faithful to obligations.

Choice D rationale

Providing comprehensive education to a client about their new medication primarily upholds the ethical principle of beneficence, which means doing good and promoting the well-being of the client. It also touches on autonomy by empowering informed decision-making. However, it is not the most direct example of fidelity, which relates to commitment and trustworthiness.