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Purpose: To provide students with the opportunity to understand the role FLORIDA’s state Board of Nursing (BON) and explore how it protects the welfare and safety of citizens and regulates the practice of nursing. For this week’s discussion read chapters 70, 72, and 74, then provide simple and short answers to the following questions: What is the structure and authority of the BON? What is the code of conduct as described in the Nurse Practice Act? How is professional misconduct defined? What are the sanctions for misconduct? How do nurses remain in good standing? Name three (3) OTHER nursing organizations (include at least one APRN organization) Mandatory: You must obtain the information from and reference it, also support the information with another source.

Paper For Above instruction

The Florida Board of Nursing (BON) serves as the regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the practice of nursing within the state, safeguarding public health, and ensuring that nurses adhere to established standards. The BON's structure comprises appointed members, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and public members, who collectively establish policies, enforce regulations, and oversee licensing processes (Florida Board of Nursing, 2023). The authority of the BON is derived from the Florida Nurse Practice Act, which grants it legal power to license nurses, set practice standards, and discipline practitioners who violate regulations. This legislative framework provides the BON with the necessary authority to regulate the nursing profession effectively and protect public welfare.

The Nurse Practice Act articulates a code of conduct that emphasizes safe, ethical, and competent nursing care. It mandates that nurses practice in accordance with recognized standards, maintain confidentiality, and provide care that prioritizes patient safety and autonomy (Florida Board of Nursing, 2023). The act also defines expected behaviors that uphold professionalism, including maintaining competence, avoiding harm, and acting with integrity. Such standards ensure nurses uphold public trust and demonstrate accountability in their practice.

Professional misconduct, as defined by the Nurse Practice Act, encompasses behaviors that violate legal or ethical standards of nursing. This includes acts such as practicing without a license, neglecting patient care responsibilities, misappropriating patient property, or engaging in fraudulent activities. Any conduct that jeopardizes patient safety or breaches ethical principles constitutes misconduct and can lead to disciplinary actions (Lachman, 2019). These definitions aim to uphold the integrity of the nursing profession and foster public confidence.

Sanctions for misconduct vary depending on the severity of the violation but generally include disciplinary measures such as license suspension or revocation, probation, fines, or mandated educational programs. The BON assesses each case based on evidence and context, ensuring appropriate repercussions that deter misconduct while promoting rehabilitation where possible (Florida Board of Nursing, 2023). These sanctions serve to protect the public and maintain the profession’s credibility.

To remain in good standing, nurses must adhere to licensing renewal requirements, complete continuing education, and comply with all legal and ethical obligations. Maintaining a record free of disciplinary actions and engaging in ongoing professional development are essential steps to preserve licensure status and uphold the trust placed in nursing practitioners (American Nurses Association, 2021). Ongoing competence and ethical practice are vital for sustaining a reputable nursing career.

Apart from the Florida BON, several other nursing organizations play crucial roles in support and advocacy within the profession. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is a prominent national organization that advocates for nurses’ rights, influences healthcare policy, and provides resources for professional development (ANA, 2020). The National Federation of LPNs (NFLPN) represents licensed practical nurses and advocates for their interests at state and national levels (NFLPN, 2019). Additionally, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) focuses on advancing APRN practice and policy to ensure expanded roles and recognition for nurse practitioners (AANP, 2022).

In conclusion, the Florida BON plays an essential role in regulating nursing practice through its structured authority derived from legislation. It enforces a code of conduct to ensure ethical and competent practice and defines misconduct with corresponding sanctions to maintain public safety. Nurses can stay in good standing by adhering to legal requirements, engaging in continuous education, and maintaining professional integrity. The collective efforts of various nursing organizations contribute to advancing the profession and protecting both practitioners and the public.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2021). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/
• American Nurses Association. (2020). About ANA. ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/about-ana/
• Florida Board of Nursing. (2023). About us. Florida Department of Health. https://www.floridasnursing.gov/about/
• Lachman, V. (2019). Ethical and legal issues in nursing (4th ed.). Elsevier.
• National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses. (2019). About NFLPN. NFLPN. https://www.nflpn.org/about
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2022). About us. AANP. https://www.aanp.org/about-us