Nursing Is A Very Highly Regulated Profession There A 174579
Nursing Is A Very Highly Regulated Profession There Are Over 100 Boar
Nursing is a very highly regulated profession. There are over 100 boards of nursing and national nursing associations throughout the United States and its territories. Their existence helps regulate, inform, and promote the nursing profession. With such numbers, it can be difficult to distinguish between BONs and nursing associations, and overwhelming to consider various benefits and options offered by each. Both boards of nursing and national nursing associations have significant impacts on the nurse practitioner profession and scope of practice.
Understanding these differences helps lend credence to your expertise as a professional. In this Assignment, you will practice the application of such expertise by communicating a comparison of boards of nursing and professional nurse associations. You will also share an analysis of your state board of nursing. To Prepare: Assume that you are leading a staff development meeting on regulation for nursing practice at your healthcare organization or agency. Review the NCSBN and ANA websites to prepare for your presentation.
Paper For Above instruction
The regulation of nursing practice in the United States is intricate and multifaceted, primarily coordinated throughBoards of Nursing (BONs) and professional nursing associations. Despite their shared goal of advancing nursing standards and protecting public health, these entities serve distinct functions and have different influence on nursing practice, scope, and healthcare delivery.
Differences Between Boards of Nursing and Professional Nurse Associations
Boards of Nursing (BONs) are state government agencies responsible for regulating the practice of nursing within their jurisdiction. They establish licensure requirements, enforce standards of practice, discipline violators, and ensure public safety. BONs are composed of members appointed by state governors or legislatures. Typically, they include healthcare professionals such as licensed nurses, physicians, and consumer representatives. To become a member of a BON, an individual must meet specific criteria—such as holding an active nursing license, demonstrating good moral character, and, in some cases, being appointed or elected by peers or government officials.
In contrast, professional nurse associations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) advocate for the interests of nurses, promote professional development, and influence health policy. Membership is voluntary and often involves payment of dues. These associations offer educational resources, certifications, and networking opportunities. While BONs focus on regulation and discipline, nursing associations advocate for the profession's growth, ethical standards, and legislative change.
The State Board of Nursing in My Region
For example, in [Your State], the Board of Nursing is managed under the state's Department of Health. The board's members include licensed registered nurses, a licensed practical nurse, a consumer member, and a director of nursing. Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate, serving staggered terms to ensure continuity. To become a member, a nurse must hold an active, unencumbered license, demonstrate professional competency, and generally show commitment to ethical practice. The board's primary responsibility is to oversee licensure processes, enforce practice standards, and protect public health.
State Regulation and Nurse Scope of Practice
One key regulation in [Your State] pertains to the nurse's scope of practice but also underscores the impact on delivery, cost, and accessibility of healthcare. For example, the state's Nurse Practice Act specifies that registered nurses (RNs) should assess, diagnose, and plan care within their competency. This regulation ensures safe, quality care but also influences how nurses work independently versus collaboratively. It shapes healthcare delivery by clarifying roles and responsibilities, which can streamline patient care pathways, potentially reducing costs by decreasing unnecessary physician visits and hospitalizations. Furthermore, such regulations can impact access, especially in rural areas where nurses often serve as primary caregivers, ensuring essential services are available even when physicians are scarce.
Impact on Diverse Populations
When caring for patients from different cultural backgrounds, these regulations influence how nurses educate and interact with patients. For example, scope-of-practice limitations may restrict a nurse's ability to perform certain procedures or make autonomous decisions, thereby affecting the educational content provided to culturally diverse patients. Conversely, regulations emphasizing holistic, patient-centered care guide nurses to adapt communication and care strategies to meet cultural needs, fostering trust and improving health outcomes.
Regulations for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
In [Your State], regulations for APRNs include requirements for national certification, collaborative agreements with physicians, and specific practice parameters. These regulations directly influence the nurse's role by delineating the extent of independent practice, prescriptive authority, and diagnostic capabilities. For instance, recent regulation updates have expanded APRN practice authority, allowing them to serve as primary care providers without physician oversight, which improves healthcare delivery, especially in underserved areas. These changes have also contributed to reducing healthcare costs by enabling more efficient use of resources and lowering hospitalization rates. Over the past five years, there has been a trend toward granting APRNs greater autonomy, aligning legislation with evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness in primary care roles.
Conclusion
In summary, distinctions between BONs and nursing associations are crucial for understanding their influence on practice and regulation. State boards of nursing, such as the one in [Your State], are central to licensure and practice regulation, shaping the scope of nurses’ roles, influencing healthcare delivery, costs, and access. Regulations around APRNs are evolving, reflecting recognition of their vital role in expanding healthcare access. Staying informed about these regulatory frameworks is essential for nursing professionals aiming to provide safe, effective, and culturally competent care.
References
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (2021). About NCSBN. https://www.ncsbn.org/about.htm
- American Nurses Association (ANA). (2020). Nursing Practice & Advocacy. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/
- State of [Your State] Department of Health. (2022). Nursing Practice Act. [Link or citation]
- Holloway, E. L., & Kozlowski, O. (2019). Regulatory frameworks for advanced practice nurses. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10(2), 15-22.
- Bruer, R. M. (2018). Nurse practitioners and state regulation: Impact on healthcare access. Nursing Economics, 36(3), 125-130.
- Fennell, M. L., & Lenz, E. R. (2017). Nursing scope of practice and healthcare delivery. Advances in Nursing Science, 40(4), 349-362.
- American Nurses Association. (2017). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. https://www.nursingworld.org/coe-view-only
- Newman, J. G. (2021). Policy implications of nurse regulation. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 46(3), 377-391.
- Guthrie, L. (2020). The evolving role of state nursing boards. Nursing Management, 51(5), 24-31.
- Walker, S., & Hays, D. (2022). Impact of Nurse Practitioners' expanded scope on healthcare systems. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 13, 21501319221077718.