Professional Identity of the Nurse-Scope of Nursing Practice Title of Assignment Professional Identity of the Nurse: Scope of Nursing Practice Purpose of Assignment: According to Larson, Brady, Engelmann, Perkins, and Shultz (2013), “the development of professional
Professional Identity of the Nurse-Scope of Nursing Practice
The scope of nursing practice describes the healthcare services that nurses are competent and allowed to undertake according to their professional license (American Nurses Association, n.d.). Nurses are the largest members of the healthcare profession. They must thus be guided by principles to enable them to provide care to their patients. These guidelines also help them to serve as patient advocates. This paper will discuss the importance of the Nurses’ Code of Ethics. In addition to this, it will discuss the ANA standards of practice for registered nurses.
Nurses’ Code of Ethics
Ethics is a critical part of the nursing foundation. For time immemorial, the nursing profession has cared for the vulnerable, sick, and injured and promoted social justice. This is due to nurses providing care to individuals and society at large. The nursing practice aims to prevent ailments and relieve patient suffering. In addition to these, they collaborate with other healthcare professionals to implement health promotion and wellness programs for the communities they serve. People who become nurses must adhere to the moral values of the nursing practice. They must also embrace these values as an integral part of the nursing process.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) developed the Code of Ethics for Nurses, which outlines the nursing profession’s primary objectives, values, and roles (ANA, 2015). There are nine codes that nurses must follow during their professional nursing practice. The Code of Ethics defines the ethical responsibilities and duties of all individuals who become nurses, sets the profession’s ethical standards, and enables nurses to commit to their roles in serving society. The Code of Ethics guides nurses on their professional duties. The code needs nurses to continue professional and educational development and to implement evidence-based practice. The Code of Ethics can help nurses solve ethical problems they may encounter during their day-to-day practice. In addition to this, the code ensures high levels of attention and care and helps nurses navigate difficult situations.
Standards of Practice
The ANA formulated the standards of nursing practice that guide nursing performance. They define the roles and duties of nurses. The registered nurse conducts patient assessment and determines diagnosis (ANA, 2015). In addition to this, they identify expected outcomes for an individualized healthcare plan and develop a care plan for the patient. RNs also implement care plans, evaluate patient progress and practices ethically (ANA, 2015). RNs must also acquire knowledge and competence reflecting the current nursing practice.
Furthermore, they must integrate evidence-based practice into patient care (ANA, 2015). RNs should communicate effectively, demonstrate leadership and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. In addition, they must appropriately use healthcare resources and practice environmental health.
Conclusion
The Code of Ethics for Nurses guides nurses on their values, roles, and objectives. They help nurses navigate through difficult times and to solve ethical issues that they encounter. The paper further discussed the Standards of Practice which determines the competence that nurses must have to provide patient care. These standards include assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementing, evaluation, evidence-based practice, communication, interprofessional collaboration, and appropriate use of healthcare resources. Nursing has been a profession which is known for compassionate care for time immemorial. By following these guidelines, nurses will be able to provide patient-centered care. It also enables them to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and serve as patient advocates.
References
America Nurses Association. (n.d.). Scope of practice. ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/scope-of-practice/