Nursing has taken many positive steps toward being considered a profession. Licensure, certification, credentialing, and accountability are now all part of the customary practices of nursing. Professional nursing associations further the professionalism of nursing through support of evidence-based practices and practices based on professional codes of conduct and standards. Nursing associations and unions support their members through various means. Nurses are becoming more involved in the political processes that influence both licensure and delivery of care. The role of the nurse is defined by the Nurse Practice Act and Scope of Practice. Because each state has its own Practice Act, it is even more critical that nurses are engaged in their professional associations and collectively bring their concerns to policy makers with a united voice. This week, you will further examine the characteristics of nursing as a profession. You will explore the role of professional organizations on current nursing practice and examine professional codes of conduct and standards. As you review the resources and information this week, you will see how these codes and standards impact nursing behavior. Objectives Students will: €¢ Describe how professional codes of conduct and professional standards influence professional nurse behaviors
Application: Professional Power Locate and examine the regulations for licensure required by your state including any mandatory continuing education requirements. Then explore the influence of the American Nurses Association standards as well as legislation on nursing and health care practice in your state. Write a 2-3 page paper that has the following: 1. Purpose and introduction-
Begin this paper with a brief paragraph that provides an overview of the assignment and its purpose. This will be about 2-3 sentences. This paragraph is worth 2 points. Within the introduction, I expected to see: a. The heading for this paragraph is the same as the title of the paper. b. An introduction to the topic: this is a brief paragraph that provides an overview of the assignment and its purpose c. The last sentence in this paragraph is a sentence that begins The purpose of this paper is to€¦ ¨.
2. Scope of practice €“
Discuss the RN Scope of Practice in your state based on your state’s definition of nursing practice and requirements for initial and continuing licensure. Include any continuing education requirements. I expect to see: a. Heading: Scope of Practice b. Discuss the RN Scope of Practice in your state based on your state’s definition of nursing practice and requirements for initial and continuing licensure. Include any continuing education requirements.
3. ANA standards €“
Evaluate EITHER the: €¢ American Nurses Association (ANA) Standards for Professional Nursing Practice
OR €¢ the nine provisions of the new Code of Ethics for Nurses approved in 2001 )
Discuss at least 2 specific ways in which either ANA codes and standards for practice OR the nine provisions of the new Code of Ethics influence nursing practice. I expect to see: a. Heading: ANA Standards OR Code of Ethics b. Discuss at least 2 specific ways in which these codes and standards influence nursing practice
4. Summary €“
Summarize your thoughts on the benefits and challenges presented by professional standards and codes of conduct. I expect to see: a. Heading: Summary b. Summary of the main points of the paper