Florida National University Course Reflection Guidelines Pur

Florida National Universitycourse Reflectionguidelinespurposethe Purpo

The purpose of this assignment is for students to reflect on the RN-BSN competencies acquired through the course, including legal and ethical aspects of nursing practice and the essential of nursing law and ethics. Students are expected to assess their skills, knowledge, and integration abilities related to these competencies, supported by examples from course materials and discussions. The reflection should be structured with an introduction (without a heading), a body addressing specific sub-competencies (such as moral, ethical, legal conduct, accountability, professionalism, awareness of nursing history, personal beliefs, communication about biases, vulnerable populations, confidentiality, ethical resources, practice safety, lifelong learning, and personal health), and a conclusion summarizing the benefits of these competencies. The paper must adhere to APA format, including a title page and a reference page, and be between three and six pages in length, excluding title and references. Proper organization, clarity, and evidence of original thought are essential. The assignment is worth 100 points and must be submitted by Monday 11:59 p.m. EST of Week 8.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of reflecting on one's professional development in nursing is a vital component of advancing practice and ensuring adherence to ethical and legal standards. This reflection focuses on the competencies acquired during the course that align with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2008) BSN essentials, emphasizing healthcare policy, advocacy, and professionalism. Throughout this course, I have gained insights into my capabilities related to moral conduct, accountability, professionalism, and navigating complex ethical dilemmas, which is critical for fostering safe and ethical patient care.

My understanding of professional standards of moral, ethical, and legal conduct has deepened through analyzing case studies and discussion threads that illustrated real-world ethical dilemmas. For example, I reflected on how accurately interpreting and applying laws such as informed consent and patients' rights support ethical decision-making. This has enhanced my capacity to uphold legal standards, ensuring that patient autonomy and safety remain prioritized in practice (ANA, 2015). Recognizing my accountability for personal and professional behaviors has reinforced the importance of ongoing self-assessment and adherence to nursing standards, which can prevent unethical practices and promote trust within the healthcare team.

Modeling the values of nursing and promoting the profession’s image is another area I actively engaged with during the course. Participating in simulated scenarios allowed me to demonstrate respect, compassion, and professionalism consistently. These experiences helped me internalize the importance of presenting a professional appearance, demeanor, and establishing appropriate boundaries with patients and colleagues (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2015). Such professionalism fosters a trusting environment that enhances therapeutic relationships and improves patient outcomes.

Understanding the history of nursing and the ongoing contemporary issues, such as disparities in healthcare access and ethical considerations related to emergent technologies, provides context for current practice. I have reflected on how historical challenges and social determinants impact nursing roles today. My personal beliefs and values influence my professional practice, especially regarding culturally competent care and advocating for vulnerable populations, including older adults and children (Bednar, 2018). Recognizing these biases and values enables me to approach care with a more holistic, patient-centered perspective.

Personal, professional, and environmental risks, such as burnout, workplace violence, and ethical conflicts, can significantly influence decision-making and behaviors. By identifying these risks, I am better prepared to implement strategies to mitigate their impact—for example, seeking support and resources when facing ethically challenging situations or when experiencing emotional fatigue. Effective communication about personal biases is essential for teamwork and ensures that care decisions remain patient-focused while respecting diverse perspectives (Lachman & Kippen, 2017).

Safeguarding patient confidentiality and privacy is a core component of nursing ethics. The course has emphasized the importance of complying with HIPAA regulations and maintaining the trust of patients through secure handling of records and communications. Accessing interprofessional resources, such as ethics committees and legal counsel, equips me with tools to resolve dilemmas ethically and efficiently (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). Additionally, acting proactively to prevent unsafe or unethical practices is a responsibility that I now understand as integral to professional accountability.

Lifelong learning and professional engagement are essential for sustaining competence and fostering professional growth. The course has inspired me to pursue continuous education, critical thinking, and active participation in nursing organizations. Recognizing the interconnectedness of personal health and the capacity to provide high-quality care underscores the importance of self-care and resilience. Maintaining personal well-being ensures that I can sustain my commitment to excellence in practice over the long term (Benner, 2018).

In conclusion, the competencies gained during this course have significantly enhanced my understanding of ethical, legal, and professional standards in nursing practice. This reflection affirms my commitment to acting with integrity, promoting professional values, and continuously improving my skills. These elements collectively contribute to delivering safe, equitable, and patient-centered care, aligning with the overarching goals of the BSN essentials and advancing my development as a competent, ethical nurse.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA.
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2008). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. Washington, DC: Author.
• Bednar, J. (2018). Nursing ethics and contemporary issues. Springer Publishing.
• Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The leadership challenge: How to make extraordinary things happen in organizations. Jossey-Bass.
• Lachman, V., & Kippen, S. (2017). Ethical decision-making in nursing. Springer Publishing.
• Benner, P. (2018). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Prentice Hall.