Discuss How Professional Nursing Organizations Support
Discuss How Professional Nursing Organizations Support The Field Of Nu
Discuss how professional nursing organizations support the field of nursing and how they advocate for nursing practice. Explain the value professional nursing organizations have in advocacy and activism related to patient care. References: Review the Nurse Practice Act of your home state. A copy of the Nurse Practice Act should be available on the website of your state's board of nursing or nursing regulatory body. URL: ( Florida is my state)
Paper For Above instruction
Professional nursing organizations play a crucial role in supporting the field of nursing by providing a collective voice for nurses, promoting professional development, and advocating for optimal patient care standards. These organizations serve as a platform for nurses to collaborate, share knowledge, and influence healthcare policies, thereby strengthening the nursing profession (Shapiro & Cousté, 2019).
One of the primary functions of professional nursing organizations is advocacy. They advocate for policy changes that improve working conditions, influence legislation affecting healthcare delivery, and promote the nursing profession's interests at local, state, and national levels (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2020). For example, organizations like the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) actively engage in legislative efforts to support safe staffing ratios and ensure nurses' rights are protected under laws such as the Nurse Practice Act. The Nurse Practice Act, specific to each state—Florida in this case—outlines the legal scope of nursing practice, ensuring nurses provide safe, competent care within their authorized parameters (Florida Board of Nursing, 2021).
Furthermore, these organizations contribute to the ongoing professional development of nurses through continuing education programs, certification opportunities, and leadership training. This not only enhances individual nurse competence but also elevates the overall quality of patient care (Benner, 2018). For instance, organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) facilitate certification that recognizes specialized expertise, which benefits both the nurse and the patient by fostering high standards in practice.
The value of professional nursing organizations extends significantly into advocacy and activism related to patient care. They serve as watchdogs ensuring that healthcare policies prioritize patient safety, quality outcomes, and equitable access to care (Fitzgerald & Marek, 2020). These organizations also mobilize grassroots efforts during public health crises, such as pandemics, by providing nurses with resources and a unified platform to influence healthcare responses and resource allocation (Kaplan, 2021).
In addition, professional nursing organizations foster a culture of activism among nurses, empowering them to participate in policymaking, community health initiatives, and public education campaigns. By doing so, they amplify the voices of nurses, who are often the frontline providers and the most directly engaged with patients (ANA, 2020). This activism supports the movement toward patient-centered care and ensures that nursing perspectives remain central in healthcare reform discussions.
In conclusion, professional nursing organizations are vital to the advancement of the nursing profession and patient care. They provide essential advocacy for regulatory and legislative protections, promote continuous professional growth, and amplify the nursing voice in healthcare policy. Their work enhances the capacity of nurses to deliver safe, competent care and promotes health outcomes for communities nationwide.
References
- American Nurses Association. (2020). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice. ANA Publications.
- Benner, P. (2018). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Prentice Hall.
- Florida Board of Nursing. (2021). Nurse Practice Act. https://floridasnursing.gov/about/nurse-practice-act/
- Fitzgerald, M., & Marek, K. (2020). Advocacy and policy development in nursing. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 11(4), 14-21.
- Kaplan, D. (2021). Nursing leadership during a pandemic: Mobilizing for health crises. Public Health Nursing, 38(3), 345-350.
- Shapiro, S., & Cousté, D. (2019). The role of professional organizations in nursing development. Nursing Outlook, 67(2), 160-165.