Professional approaches to care.

Harper-Ovstebo, Bruce; Mair, Jane

Abstract

This chapter explores the concepts of professionalism, professional standards, regulatory requirements and policies underpinning community nursing. It evaluates decision-making approaches and clinical expertise, relating to integrated working environments and diverse cultures. The importance of lifelong learning is examined and continuous professional development. Cultural awareness and emotional intelligence are reflected on in promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. Wellbeing and self-care within professional practice are analysed. Recruitment and retention issues and the RePAIR model are considered, as well as an appraisal of the community nurse's role in supporting student learning and widening participation and access. Overall, this chapter discusses the importance of professionalism and decision-making for community nurses working within integrated community environments and with diverse cultures. It also acknowledges the importance of lifelong learning, professional development and supporting students' learning to maintain and sustain the professionalism of community nurses across communities.

Citation

HARPER-OVSTEBO, B. and MAIR, J. 2025. Professional approaches to care. In Chilton, S. and Bain, H. (eds.) A textbook of community nursing. Third edition. Abingdon: Routledge [online], chapter 4, pages 79-100. Available from: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003347545-5

• Online Publication Date: Dec 23, 2024
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2025
• Deposit Date: May 5, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 24, 2025
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 79-100
• Edition: Third edition
• Book Title: A textbook of community nursing
• Chapter Number: 4
• ISBN: 9781032389356; 9781032381176
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003347545-5
• Keywords: Nurses; Community nurses; Professionalism and nursing; Professional standards and nursing; Regulation and nursing
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2656525