What is professionalism? Seems like an easy question doesn't it? Until you try to find the words to describe it ... it seems so much easier to define what unprofessionalism looks like, but what is it to be a professional.

The NMC Code sets "the professional standards that registered nurses and midwives must uphold" (NMC 2015) and is split into four distinct areas:

• Prioritising people
• Practise effectively
• Preserve safety
• Promote professionalism and trust 

But perhaps being a professional is more than this? 

The Enabling Professionalism Framework (2018) states "Professionalism is characterised by the autonomous evidence-based decision making by members of an occupation who share the same values and education. Professionalism in nursing and midwifery is realised through purposeful relationships and underpinned by environments that facilitate professional practice. Professional nurses and midwives demonstrate and embrace accountability for their actions." The framework aligns itself with the NMC Code and is meant to serve as a working document to guide nurses and midwives in professionalism. But does it bring us any closer to defining what it is to be a professional. 

Another aspect to consider is that in this, the digital age, we are not just talking about professionalism in the context of our real life selves but also our digital selves.  Do the two differ in any way? Is there anything else we need to consider when thinking about digital professionalism? 

This Tweetchat aims to explore the concept of professionalism by asking the following questions:

• What does being a professional mean to you?
• What do you think professionalism looks like in your day to day work?
• How do you think professionalism translates into a digital space? 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TRANSCRIPT AND SUMMARY OF THE TWEETCHAT WILL NOT APPEAR UNTIL AFTER ALL THE GROUPS HAVE TAKEN PART - THE TRANSCRIPT WILL APPEAR AT 9PM AND THE SUMMARY SHORTLY AFTER THAT.