8. Nurses must collaborate with other healthcare professionals and the public to promote community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs . As part of this collaborative responsibility, nurses must recognize that this country and the world are filled with cultural diversity and avoid impinging their personal cultural values upon others. 9. The nursing profession (as represented by professional associations and their members) is responsible for the communication and affirmation of the values of the profession to its members . This is accomplished by articulating the values of nursing, maintaining the profession’s integrity and that of its practice, and shaping social policy.
5. Nurses owe the same duties to themselves as to others . They have a responsibility to preserve their integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue their personal and professional growth. Competence includes having knowledge relevant to the current scope and standards of nursing practice, changing issues, concerns, controversies, and ethics. It also requires a commitment to lifelong learning. 6. Nurses must recognize that the healthcare environment and conditions of employment are essential to optimum patient care and maximal employee performance . Therefore, nurses must participate in the establishment, maintenance, and improvement of healthcare environments and conditions of employment. 7. Nurses are obligated to advance the profession of nursing . They should do so by developing, maintaining, and implementing professional standards in clinical, administrative, and educational practice. as encompassing “autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups, and communities, sick or well, and in all settings. Nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled, and dying people. Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy, in patient and health systems management, and education are also key nursing roles.” The American Nurses Association defines nursing as: “Nursing integrates the art and science of caring and focuses on the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and human functioning; prevention of illness and injury; facilitation of healing; and alleviation of suffering through compassionate presence. Nursing is the diagnosis and treatment of human responses and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in recognition of the connection of all humanity” (ANA, p. 9, 2021). In the United States, there are three levels of nursing practice: 1. Registered nurse (RN). 2. Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). 3. Licensed practical nurse (LPN). The ANA describes RNs as forming the backbone of healthcare provision in the United States (American Nurses Association, 2019). The association identifies the following key responsibilities of the RN (American Nurses Association): What is scope of practice? The ANA describes nursing scope of practice as an explanation of the who, what, where, when, why, and how of nursing practice. Furthermore, scope of practice delineates what the law allows based on specific education, training, experience, and licensure (American Nurses Association, 2021). Determining the scope of practice How can nurses determine if an action is within their scope of practice? First, they must review appropriate standards, laws, and rules of nursing practice. They must know the content of their state’s nurse practice act and what their licenses allow them to do (American Nurses Association, 2021a; Wacker Guido, 2020). Step 1 Clarify what skills, education, and training are needed to perform an action. Nurses should ask themselves the following questions: ● Is this action allowable by law according to legal standards and the nurse practice act in my state?
These ethical provisions must be incorporated into the legal realm of nursing practice. It is important that nurses have knowledge of basic legal principles and how to incorporate those principles into nursing practice. NURSING SCOPE OF PRACTICE AND STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL NURSING PRACTICE The International Council of Nurses (ICN;2022) defines nursing ● Performs physical exams and obtains health histories before making critical decisions.
● Provides health promotion, counseling, and education. ● Administers medications, provides wound care, and carries out a multitude of personalized interventions. ● Coordinates care in collaboration with a large array of healthcare professionals. The licensed practical nurse, known as licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in California and Texas, complements the healthcare team by providing basic and routine care consistent with their education and under the supervision of an RN, APRN, or MD (American Nurses Association, 2019). Key responsibilities of the licensed practical nurse include the following (American Nurses Association, 2019): ● Checks vital signs and looks for signs that health is deteriorating or improving. ● Performs basic nursing functions such as changing bandages and wound dressings. ● Ensures patients are comfortable, well fed, and hydrated. ● Administers medications in some settings. Self-Assessment Quiz Question #2 Which of the following can be delegated to an LPN?
a. Assessment and physical exam. b. Initial education on medications. c. Changing a bandage. d. Coordinating care.
SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Nursing consideration: Nurses must know not only their own scope of practice but also the scope of practice of others, such as LPNs and nursing assistants, to whom they delegate tasks. RNs who delegate tasks are still accountable for that delegation in terms of its safety and appropriateness. ● If so, does the employing healthcare facility have policies and procedures that provide guidance for its performance? ● Do I have the necessary skills, experience, and training to perform this action? ● Am I competent to perform this action? If in doubt, nurses must seek help from a supervisor or peer who is competent in this action. Nurses must remember that once a patient assignment is accepted, they are responsible for fulfilling it safely and competently.
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Book Code: ANCCUS2423
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