{"id":21,"date":"2021-09-28T17:59:04","date_gmt":"2021-09-28T17:59:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accnursing2030\/chapter\/1-1-overview\/"},"modified":"2025-02-18T18:43:01","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T18:43:01","slug":"1-1-overview","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ccconline.org\/accnursing2030\/chapter\/1-1-overview\/","title":{"raw":"1.1 Overview","rendered":"1.1 Overview"},"content":{"raw":"This textbook discusses professional and management concepts related to the role of a registered nurse (RN) as defined by the American Nurses Association (ANA). The ANA publishes two resources that set standards and guide professional nursing practice in the United States: The Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements<\/em> and Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice<\/em>. The Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements<\/em> establishes an ethical framework for nursing practice across all roles, levels, and settings and is discussed in greater detail in the \u201cEthical Practice<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book. The Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice<\/em> resource defines the \u201cwho, what, where, when, why, and how of nursing\u201d and sets the standards for practice that all registered nurses are expected to perform competently.[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n\nThe ANA defines the \u201cwho\u201d of nursing practice as the nurses who have been educated, titled, and maintain active licensure to practice nursing. The \u201cwhat\u201d of nursing is the recently revised ANA definition of nursing: \u201c[pb_glossary id=\"470\"]Nursing[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> 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.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup> Simply put, nurses treat human responses to health problems and life processes and advocate for the care of others.\n\nNursing practice occurs \u201cwhen'' there is a need for nursing knowledge, wisdom, caring, leadership, practice, or education, anytime, anywhere. Nursing practice occurs in any environment \u201cwhere'' there is a health care consumer in need of care, information, or advocacy. The \u201cwhy\u201d of nursing practice is described as nursing\u2019s response to the changing needs of society to achieve positive health care consumer outcomes in keeping with nursing\u2019s social contract and obligation to society. The \u201chow\u201d of nursing practice is defined as the ways, means, methods, and manners that nurses use to practice professionally.[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup> The \u201chow\u201d of nursing, also referred to as a nurse\u2019s \u201cscope and standards of practice,\u201d is further defined by each state\u2019s Nurse Practice Act; agency policies, procedures, and protocols; and federal regulations and ANA\u2019s Standards of Practice.\n

State Boards of Nursing and Nurse Practice Acts<\/h1>\nRNs must legally follow regulations set by the Nurse Practice Act by the state in which they are caring for clients with their nursing license. The [pb_glossary id=\"471\"]Board of Nursing[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> is the state-specific licensing and regulatory body that sets standards for safe nursing care and issues nursing licenses to qualified candidates based on the Nurse Practice Act. The [pb_glossary id=\"472\"]Nurse Practice Act[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> is enacted by that state\u2019s legislature and defines the scope of nursing practice and establishes regulations for nursing practice within that state. If nurses do not follow the standards and scope of practice set forth by the Nurse Practice Act, they may be disciplined by the Board of Nursing in the form of reprimand, probation, suspension, or revocation of their nursing license. Investigations and discipline actions are reportable among states participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (that allows nurses to practice across state lines) or when a nurse applies for licensure in a different state. The scope and standards of practice set forth in the Nurse Practice Act can also be used as evidence if a nurse is sued for malpractice.\n
\n

Find your state's Nurse Practice Act on the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCSBN) website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read more about malpractice and protecting your nursing license in the \u201cLegal Implications<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read Wisconsin\u2019s Nurse Practice Act<\/a>, Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses (Chapter N6) PDF,<\/a>\u00a0and Rules of Conduct (Chapter N7) PDF<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

Agency Policies, Procedures, and Protocols<\/h1>\nIn addition to practicing according to the Nurse Practice Act in the state they are employed, nurses must also practice according to agency policies, procedures, and protocols.\n\nA [pb_glossary id=\"473\"]policy[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> is an expected course of action set by an agency. For example, hospitals set a policy requiring a thorough skin assessment to be completed when a client is admitted and then reassessed and documented daily.\n\nAgencies also establish their own set of procedures. A [pb_glossary id=\"474\"]procedure[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> is the method or defined steps for completing a task. For example, each agency has specific procedural steps for inserting a urinary catheter.\n\nA [pb_glossary id=\"475\"]protocol[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> is a detailed, written plan for performing a regimen of therapy. For example, agencies typically establish a hypoglycemia protocol that nurses can independently and quickly implement when a client\u2019s blood sugar falls below a specific number without first calling a provider. A hypoglycemia protocol typically includes actions such as providing orange juice and rechecking the blood sugar and then reporting the incident to the provider.\n\nAgency-specific policies, procedures, and protocols supersede the information taught in nursing school, and nurses can be held legally liable if they don\u2019t follow them. It is vital for nurses to review and follow current agency-specific procedures, policies, and protocols while also practicing according to that state's nursing scope of practice. Malpractice cases have occurred when a nurse was asked by their employer to do something outside their legal scope of practice, impacting their nursing license. It is up to you to protect your nursing license and follow the Nurse Practice Act when providing client care. If you have a concern about an agency\u2019s policy, procedure, or protocol, follow the agency\u2019s chain of command to report your concern.\n

Federal Regulations<\/h1>\nNursing practice is impacted by regulations enacted by federal agencies. Two examples of federal agencies setting standards of care are The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.\n\nThe Joint Commission accredits and certifies over 20,000 health care organizations in the United States. The Joint Commission\u2019s standards help health care organizations measure, assess, and improve performance on functions that are essential to providing safe, high-quality care. The standards are updated regularly to reflect the rapid advances in health care and address topics such as client rights and education, infection control, medication management, and prevention of medical errors. The annual National Patient Safety Goals are also set by The Joint Commission after reviewing emerging client safety issues.[footnote]The Joint Commission. https:\/\/www.jointcommission.org<\/a>[\/footnote]\u00a0<\/sup>\n\nThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is an example of another federal agency that establishes regulations affecting nursing care. CMS is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that administers the Medicare program and works in partnership with state governments to administer Medicaid. The CMS establishes and enforces regulations to protect client safety in hospitals that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. For example, one CMS regulation often referred to as \u201cchecking the rights of medication administration\u201d requires nurses to confirm specific information several times before medication is administered to a client.[footnote]Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/<\/a>[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n

Standards of Practice<\/h1>\nThe ANA defines [pb_glossary id=\"518\"]Standards of Professional Nursing Practice[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> as \u201cauthoritative statements of the actions and behaviors that all registered nurses, regardless of role, population, specialty, and setting, are expected to perform competently.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup> These standards are classified into two categories: Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance.\n\nThe [pb_glossary id=\"476\"]ANA\u2019s Standards of Practice[\/pb_glossary] <\/strong>describe a competent level of nursing practice as demonstrated by the critical thinking model known as the [pb_glossary id=\"479\"]nursing process[\/pb_glossary]<\/strong>. The nursing process includes the components of assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation and forms the foundation of the nurse\u2019s decision-making, practice, and provision of care.[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n
\n

Read more information about the nursing process in the \u201cNursing Process<\/a>\u201d chapter of Open RN Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/em>.[footnote]Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/a> by Chippewa Valley Technical College<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/a>[\/footnote]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\nThe [pb_glossary id=\"478\"]ANA\u2019s Standards of Professional Performance [\/pb_glossary]<\/strong> \u201cdescribe a competent level of behavior in the professional role, including activities related to ethics, advocacy, respectful and equitable practice, communication, collaboration, leadership, education, scholarly inquiry, quality of practice, professional practice evaluation, resource stewardship, and environmental health. All registered nurses are expected to engage in professional role activities, including leadership, reflective of their education, position, and role.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup> This book discusses content related to these professional practice standards. Each professional practice standard is defined in the following sections with information provided to related content in this book and the Open RN Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/em><\/a> textbook.[footnote]Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/a> by Chippewa Valley Technical College<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/a>[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n

Ethics<\/h1>\nThe ANA\u2019s Ethics<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse integrates ethics in all aspects of practice.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n
\n

Read about ethical nursing practice in the \u201cEthical Practice<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

Advocacy<\/h1>\nThe ANA\u2019s Advocacy<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse demonstrates advocacy in all roles and settings.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n
\n

Read about nurse advocacy in the \u201cAdvocacy<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

Respectful and Equitable Practice<\/h1>\nThe ANA\u2019s Respectful and Equitable Practice<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse practices with cultural humility and inclusiveness.\u201d\n
\n

Read about cultural humility and culturally responsive care in the \u201cDiverse Patients<\/a>\u201d chapter in Open RN Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/em>.[footnote]Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/a> by Chippewa Valley Technical College<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/a>[\/footnote]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

Communication<\/h1>\nThe ANA\u2019s Communication<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse communicates effectively in all areas of professional practice.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n
\n

Read about communicating with clients and team members in the \u201cCommunication<\/a>\u201d chapter in Open RN Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/em>.[footnote]Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/a> by Chippewa Valley Technical College<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/a>[\/footnote]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n \n

\n

Read about interprofessional communication strategies that promote client safety in the \u201cCollaboration Within the Interprofessional Team<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

Collaboration<\/h1>\nThe ANA\u2019s Collaboration<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse collaborates with the health care consumer and other key stakeholders.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n
\n

Read about strategies to enhance the performance of the interprofessional team and manage conflict in the \u201cCollaboration Within the Interprofessional Team<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

Leadership<\/h1>\nThe ANA\u2019s Leadership<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse leads within the profession and practice setting.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n
\n

Read about leadership, management, and implementing change in the \u201cLeadership and Management<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read about assigning, delegating, and supervising client care in the \u201cDelegation and Supervision<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read about tools for prioritizing client care and managing resources for the nursing team in the \u201cPrioritization<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

Education<\/h1>\nThe ANA\u2019s Education<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse seeks knowledge and competence that reflects current nursing practice and promotes futuristic thinking.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n
\n

Read about professional development and specialty certification in the \u201cPreparation for the RN Role<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

Scholarly Inquiry<\/h1>\nThe ANA\u2019s Scholarly Inquiry<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse integrates scholarship, evidence, and research findings into practice.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n
\n

Read about integrating evidence-based practice into one\u2019s nursing practice in the \u201cQuality and Evidence-Based Practice<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

Quality of Practice<\/h1>\nThe ANA\u2019s Quality of Practice<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe nurse contributes to quality nursing practice.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n
\n

Read about improving quality\u00a0care and participating in quality improvement initiatives in the \u201cQuality and Evidence-Based Practice<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

Professional Practice Evaluation<\/h1>\nThe ANA\u2019s Professional Practice Evaluation<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse evaluates one\u2019s own and others\u2019 nursing practice.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n
\n

Read about nursing practice within the legal framework of health care, negligence, malpractice, and protecting your nursing license in the \u201cLegal Implications<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read about reviewing the interprofessional team\u2019s performance, providing constructive feedback, and advocating for client safety with assertive statements in the \u201cCollaboration Within the Interprofessional Team<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

Resource Stewardship<\/h1>\nThe ANA\u2019s Resource Stewardship<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse utilizes appropriate resources to plan, provide, and sustain evidence-based nursing services that are safe, effective, financially responsible, and used judiciously.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n
\n

Read more about health care funding, reimbursement models, budgets and staffing, and resource stewardship in the \u201cHealth Care Economics<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

Environmental Health<\/h1>\nThe ANA\u2019s Environmental Health<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse practices in a manner that advances environmental safety and health.\u201d[footnote]American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association.[\/footnote]<\/sup>\n
\n

Read about promoting workplace safety for nurses in the \u201cSafety<\/a>\u201d chapter in Open RN Nursing Fundamentals, 2e.<\/em>[footnote]Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/a> by Chippewa Valley Technical College<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/a>[\/footnote]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read about fostering a professional environment that does not tolerate abusive behaviors in the \u201cCollaboration Within the Interprofessional Team<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read about addressing the impacts of social determinants of health in the \u201cAdvocacy<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>","rendered":"

This textbook discusses professional and management concepts related to the role of a registered nurse (RN) as defined by the American Nurses Association (ANA). The ANA publishes two resources that set standards and guide professional nursing practice in the United States: The Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements<\/em> and Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice<\/em>. The Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements<\/em> establishes an ethical framework for nursing practice across all roles, levels, and settings and is discussed in greater detail in the \u201cEthical Practice<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book. The Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice<\/em> resource defines the \u201cwho, what, where, when, why, and how of nursing\u201d and sets the standards for practice that all registered nurses are expected to perform competently.[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

The ANA defines the \u201cwho\u201d of nursing practice as the nurses who have been educated, titled, and maintain active licensure to practice nursing. The \u201cwhat\u201d of nursing is the recently revised ANA definition of nursing: \u201cNursing<\/a><\/strong> 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.\u201d[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup> Simply put, nurses treat human responses to health problems and life processes and advocate for the care of others.<\/p>\n

Nursing practice occurs \u201cwhen” there is a need for nursing knowledge, wisdom, caring, leadership, practice, or education, anytime, anywhere. Nursing practice occurs in any environment \u201cwhere” there is a health care consumer in need of care, information, or advocacy. The \u201cwhy\u201d of nursing practice is described as nursing\u2019s response to the changing needs of society to achieve positive health care consumer outcomes in keeping with nursing\u2019s social contract and obligation to society. The \u201chow\u201d of nursing practice is defined as the ways, means, methods, and manners that nurses use to practice professionally.[3]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup> The \u201chow\u201d of nursing, also referred to as a nurse\u2019s \u201cscope and standards of practice,\u201d is further defined by each state\u2019s Nurse Practice Act; agency policies, procedures, and protocols; and federal regulations and ANA\u2019s Standards of Practice.<\/p>\n

State Boards of Nursing and Nurse Practice Acts<\/h1>\n

RNs must legally follow regulations set by the Nurse Practice Act by the state in which they are caring for clients with their nursing license. The Board of Nursing<\/a><\/strong> is the state-specific licensing and regulatory body that sets standards for safe nursing care and issues nursing licenses to qualified candidates based on the Nurse Practice Act. The Nurse Practice Act<\/a><\/strong> is enacted by that state\u2019s legislature and defines the scope of nursing practice and establishes regulations for nursing practice within that state. If nurses do not follow the standards and scope of practice set forth by the Nurse Practice Act, they may be disciplined by the Board of Nursing in the form of reprimand, probation, suspension, or revocation of their nursing license. Investigations and discipline actions are reportable among states participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (that allows nurses to practice across state lines) or when a nurse applies for licensure in a different state. The scope and standards of practice set forth in the Nurse Practice Act can also be used as evidence if a nurse is sued for malpractice.<\/p>\n

\n

Find your state’s Nurse Practice Act on the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCSBN) website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read more about malpractice and protecting your nursing license in the \u201cLegal Implications<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read Wisconsin\u2019s Nurse Practice Act<\/a>, Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses (Chapter N6) PDF,<\/a>\u00a0and Rules of Conduct (Chapter N7) PDF<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Agency Policies, Procedures, and Protocols<\/h1>\n

In addition to practicing according to the Nurse Practice Act in the state they are employed, nurses must also practice according to agency policies, procedures, and protocols.<\/p>\n

A policy<\/a><\/strong> is an expected course of action set by an agency. For example, hospitals set a policy requiring a thorough skin assessment to be completed when a client is admitted and then reassessed and documented daily.<\/p>\n

Agencies also establish their own set of procedures. A procedure<\/a><\/strong> is the method or defined steps for completing a task. For example, each agency has specific procedural steps for inserting a urinary catheter.<\/p>\n

A protocol<\/a><\/strong> is a detailed, written plan for performing a regimen of therapy. For example, agencies typically establish a hypoglycemia protocol that nurses can independently and quickly implement when a client\u2019s blood sugar falls below a specific number without first calling a provider. A hypoglycemia protocol typically includes actions such as providing orange juice and rechecking the blood sugar and then reporting the incident to the provider.<\/p>\n

Agency-specific policies, procedures, and protocols supersede the information taught in nursing school, and nurses can be held legally liable if they don\u2019t follow them. It is vital for nurses to review and follow current agency-specific procedures, policies, and protocols while also practicing according to that state’s nursing scope of practice. Malpractice cases have occurred when a nurse was asked by their employer to do something outside their legal scope of practice, impacting their nursing license. It is up to you to protect your nursing license and follow the Nurse Practice Act when providing client care. If you have a concern about an agency\u2019s policy, procedure, or protocol, follow the agency\u2019s chain of command to report your concern.<\/p>\n

Federal Regulations<\/h1>\n

Nursing practice is impacted by regulations enacted by federal agencies. Two examples of federal agencies setting standards of care are The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.<\/p>\n

The Joint Commission accredits and certifies over 20,000 health care organizations in the United States. The Joint Commission\u2019s standards help health care organizations measure, assess, and improve performance on functions that are essential to providing safe, high-quality care. The standards are updated regularly to reflect the rapid advances in health care and address topics such as client rights and education, infection control, medication management, and prevention of medical errors. The annual National Patient Safety Goals are also set by The Joint Commission after reviewing emerging client safety issues.[4]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0<\/sup><\/p>\n

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is an example of another federal agency that establishes regulations affecting nursing care. CMS is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that administers the Medicare program and works in partnership with state governments to administer Medicaid. The CMS establishes and enforces regulations to protect client safety in hospitals that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. For example, one CMS regulation often referred to as \u201cchecking the rights of medication administration\u201d requires nurses to confirm specific information several times before medication is administered to a client.[5]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

Standards of Practice<\/h1>\n

The ANA defines Standards of Professional Nursing Practice<\/a><\/strong> as \u201cauthoritative statements of the actions and behaviors that all registered nurses, regardless of role, population, specialty, and setting, are expected to perform competently.\u201d[6]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup> These standards are classified into two categories: Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance.<\/p>\n

The ANA\u2019s Standards of Practice<\/a> <\/strong>describe a competent level of nursing practice as demonstrated by the critical thinking model known as the nursing process<\/a><\/strong>. The nursing process includes the components of assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation and forms the foundation of the nurse\u2019s decision-making, practice, and provision of care.[7]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

\n

Read more information about the nursing process in the \u201cNursing Process<\/a>\u201d chapter of Open RN Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/em>.[8]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The ANA\u2019s Standards of Professional Performance <\/a><\/strong> \u201cdescribe a competent level of behavior in the professional role, including activities related to ethics, advocacy, respectful and equitable practice, communication, collaboration, leadership, education, scholarly inquiry, quality of practice, professional practice evaluation, resource stewardship, and environmental health. All registered nurses are expected to engage in professional role activities, including leadership, reflective of their education, position, and role.\u201d[9]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup> This book discusses content related to these professional practice standards. Each professional practice standard is defined in the following sections with information provided to related content in this book and the Open RN Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/em><\/a> textbook.[10]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

Ethics<\/h1>\n

The ANA\u2019s Ethics<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse integrates ethics in all aspects of practice.\u201d[11]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

\n

Read about ethical nursing practice in the \u201cEthical Practice<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Advocacy<\/h1>\n

The ANA\u2019s Advocacy<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse demonstrates advocacy in all roles and settings.\u201d[12]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

\n

Read about nurse advocacy in the \u201cAdvocacy<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Respectful and Equitable Practice<\/h1>\n

The ANA\u2019s Respectful and Equitable Practice<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse practices with cultural humility and inclusiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Read about cultural humility and culturally responsive care in the \u201cDiverse Patients<\/a>\u201d chapter in Open RN Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/em>.[13]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Communication<\/h1>\n

The ANA\u2019s Communication<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse communicates effectively in all areas of professional practice.\u201d[14]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

\n

Read about communicating with clients and team members in the \u201cCommunication<\/a>\u201d chapter in Open RN Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/em>.[15]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Read about interprofessional communication strategies that promote client safety in the \u201cCollaboration Within the Interprofessional Team<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Collaboration<\/h1>\n

The ANA\u2019s Collaboration<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse collaborates with the health care consumer and other key stakeholders.\u201d[16]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

\n

Read about strategies to enhance the performance of the interprofessional team and manage conflict in the \u201cCollaboration Within the Interprofessional Team<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Leadership<\/h1>\n

The ANA\u2019s Leadership<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse leads within the profession and practice setting.\u201d[17]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

\n

Read about leadership, management, and implementing change in the \u201cLeadership and Management<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read about assigning, delegating, and supervising client care in the \u201cDelegation and Supervision<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read about tools for prioritizing client care and managing resources for the nursing team in the \u201cPrioritization<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Education<\/h1>\n

The ANA\u2019s Education<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse seeks knowledge and competence that reflects current nursing practice and promotes futuristic thinking.\u201d[18]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

\n

Read about professional development and specialty certification in the \u201cPreparation for the RN Role<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Scholarly Inquiry<\/h1>\n

The ANA\u2019s Scholarly Inquiry<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse integrates scholarship, evidence, and research findings into practice.\u201d[19]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

\n

Read about integrating evidence-based practice into one\u2019s nursing practice in the \u201cQuality and Evidence-Based Practice<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Quality of Practice<\/h1>\n

The ANA\u2019s Quality of Practice<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe nurse contributes to quality nursing practice.\u201d[20]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

\n

Read about improving quality\u00a0care and participating in quality improvement initiatives in the \u201cQuality and Evidence-Based Practice<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Professional Practice Evaluation<\/h1>\n

The ANA\u2019s Professional Practice Evaluation<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse evaluates one\u2019s own and others\u2019 nursing practice.\u201d[21]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

\n

Read about nursing practice within the legal framework of health care, negligence, malpractice, and protecting your nursing license in the \u201cLegal Implications<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read about reviewing the interprofessional team\u2019s performance, providing constructive feedback, and advocating for client safety with assertive statements in the \u201cCollaboration Within the Interprofessional Team<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Resource Stewardship<\/h1>\n

The ANA\u2019s Resource Stewardship<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse utilizes appropriate resources to plan, provide, and sustain evidence-based nursing services that are safe, effective, financially responsible, and used judiciously.\u201d[22]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

\n

Read more about health care funding, reimbursement models, budgets and staffing, and resource stewardship in the \u201cHealth Care Economics<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Environmental Health<\/h1>\n

The ANA\u2019s Environmental Health<\/em> standard states, \u201cThe registered nurse practices in a manner that advances environmental safety and health.\u201d[23]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

\n

Read about promoting workplace safety for nurses in the \u201cSafety<\/a>\u201d chapter in Open RN Nursing Fundamentals, 2e.<\/em>[24]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read about fostering a professional environment that does not tolerate abusive behaviors in the \u201cCollaboration Within the Interprofessional Team<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read about addressing the impacts of social determinants of health in the \u201cAdvocacy<\/a>\u201d chapter of this book.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

  1. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  2. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  3. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  4. The Joint Commission. https:\/\/www.jointcommission.org<\/a> ↵<\/a><\/li>
  5. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/<\/a> ↵<\/a><\/li>
  6. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  7. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  8. Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/a> by Chippewa Valley Technical College<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/a> ↵<\/a><\/li>
  9. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  10. Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/a> by Chippewa Valley Technical College<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/a> ↵<\/a><\/li>
  11. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  12. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  13. Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/a> by Chippewa Valley Technical College<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/a> ↵<\/a><\/li>
  14. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  15. Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/a> by Chippewa Valley Technical College<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/a> ↵<\/a><\/li>
  16. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  17. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  18. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  19. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  20. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  21. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  22. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  23. American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice<\/em> (4th ed.). American Nurses Association. ↵<\/a><\/li>
  24. Nursing Fundamentals, 2e<\/a> by Chippewa Valley Technical College<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/a> ↵<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>
    definition<\/span>