Outline The Process For Developing Nursing Standards

Outline The Process For The Development Of Nursing Standards Of Pr

Outline the process for the development of nursing standards of practice for your state (ILLINOIS), including discussion of the entities involved in developing the standards of practice and how the standards of practice influence the nursing process for your areas of specialty (BEHAVIORAL HEALTH). Additionally, outline the concept of professional accountability as it pertains to nursing and provide examples of how a nurse demonstrates professional accountability in clinical expertise, the nursing process, and evidence-based practice.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of nursing standards of practice is a comprehensive, collaborative process that ensures nursing care adheres to current scientific knowledge, ethical principles, and legal requirements. In Illinois, the process involves multiple entities such as the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the Illinois Board of Nursing, professional nursing organizations, and stakeholder input. These organizations work collectively to establish, review, and update standards that govern nursing practice across various healthcare settings, including behavioral health.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) serves as the primary regulatory body overseeing nursing licensure and discipline, ensuring that practicing nurses meet national and state-specific standards. The Illinois Board of Nursing, operating under the IDFPR, is responsible for establishing policies, rules, and regulations that form the foundation of nursing standards. The Illinois Nurses Association (INA) and specialty organizations, particularly those focused on behavioral health, contribute expert insights and advocate for practice standards that align with contemporary clinical demands.

The standards of practice are developed through a systematic process that includes literature review, consensus-building, stakeholder engagement, and periodic review. Initially, expert panels composed of practicing nurses, educators, and policymakers review current evidence and best practices. After drafting potential standards, these are subjected to public comment periods, which involve nurses, patients, and industry stakeholders, allowing for feedback and refinement. The finalized standards are then formally adopted by the Illinois Board of Nursing and disseminated to practicing nurses and healthcare institutions.

These standards profoundly influence the nursing process, especially in behavioral health, by defining expectations for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. For behavioral health nurses, standards validate best practices for patient safety, therapeutic communication, medication management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. They provide a framework that guides clinical decision-making, ensures consistency, and promotes quality outcomes. For instance, standards emphasizing patient-centered care and cultural competence tailor nursing interventions to meet individual behavioral health needs effectively.

The concept of professional accountability is integral to nursing practice and refers to a nurse’s responsibility to uphold ethical standards, comply with legal requirements, and maintain competence in their profession. Accountability involves owning one’s actions, decisions, and the outcomes of care, ensuring continuous improvement and adherence to standards.

A nurse demonstrates professional accountability in several ways. In terms of clinical expertise, a nurse stays updated with current evidence through ongoing education and applies this knowledge to improve patient outcomes. For example, in behavioral health, a nurse might pursue certifications in trauma-informed care to better meet patient needs. In the nursing process, accountability is reflected in thorough assessments, accurate documentation, and reflective practice to identify areas for improvement. For instance, documenting medication responses and behavioral observations precisely ensures continuity of care and legal protection.

In evidence-based practice, a nurse demonstrates accountability by integrating the latest research findings into clinical protocols. This includes critically appraising new studies and implementing interventions that have demonstrated efficacy in behavioral health, like cognitive-behavioral therapy strategies or medication management guidelines. Furthermore, accountability involves advocating for patients, ensuring their rights are respected, and participating in quality improvement initiatives to enhance care standards.

Overall, the development of nursing standards within Illinois and the concept of professional accountability are foundational to ensuring safe, competent, and ethical practice. They foster a professional environment that prioritizes patient-centered care, continuous learning, and responsibility, especially critical in complex areas such as behavioral health, where nuanced assessments and interventions significantly impact patient recovery and well-being.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA.
• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. (2020). Nursing Practice Act. IDFPR.
• Illinois Board of Nursing. (2021). Rules and regulations. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
• Lynch, M. (2017). Standards of care in psychiatric nursing: Guidelines for practice. Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 29(4), 245-251.
• Nursing Organization Alliance. (2016). Professional accountability in nursing. Nursing Outlook, 64(2), 123-125.
• Giddens, J. (2018). Conceptual foundations of professional nursing (7th ed.). Pearson.
• Benner, P. (2018). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Prentice Hall.
• Hoffman, L. (2016). Evidence-based practice in psychiatric nursing. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 23(3), 152-159.
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (2019). Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice. APNA.
• Fitzpatrick, J. J. (2014). Ethical and legal issues in nursing practice. Springer Publishing Company.