Post's Topic 4 DQ 1 In The Nursing Profession There Are Diff ✓ Solved

Postsretopic 4 Dq 1in The Nursing Profession There Are Different T

In the nursing profession, there are different types of caregivers that exist. They range from assistive personnel that are unlicensed to the licensed practical nurses as well as registered nurses (Buppert, 2012). Each of these professions has its defined boundaries in how they can legally operate as stipulated by the various nursing boards in respective countries or states. The scope of practice is a term commonly used in the nursing circles to imply the actions, procedures, and other related issues that are allowed by law to be carried out by a certain profession. It is usually an outline to the specifics that are permitted by law basing on the experiences of individuals as well as their academic qualifications (Schroeder, 1991).

It is important to not only know one’s scope of practice but also that of others that constitute the nursing team. Presented with the task of determining whether the new procedure that physicians want nurses to adopt at the hospital falls within their scope of practice, I will use the following guidelines:

  1. Defining the issue so as to clarify what the activity or task entails. I would then require additional information on the facility procedures and laws. Next, I will conduct a self-assessment to establish my suitability for the task according to my skills and abilities.
  2. The second step will be reviewing the laws, rules and standards that are stipulated by the law. This will be done to ensure that nurses do not work outside their scope of practice under the new procedures (American Nurses Association, 2009).
  3. Lastly, a decision has to be made and based on the above considerations; I will make the recommendations.

However, as a precautionary measure, the physician has to give a written order requiring the process to be undertaken. The procedure will then be communicated to all the other nursing staff and physicians for them to familiarize and implement.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The scope of nursing practice is a critical concept in ensuring safe, effective, and legal patient care. With the complex and expanding roles of nurses, understanding the boundaries of what nurses can and cannot do is essential, especially when new procedures or tasks are introduced. This paper explores how nurses can assess whether a new procedure, proposed by a physician, falls within their scope of practice, emphasizing legal, ethical, and professional considerations.

In the context of nursing, scope of practice refers to the range of roles, functions, responsibilities, and activities that a nurse is authorized to perform, as defined by legal and regulatory frameworks (Buppert, 2012). It varies based on the nurse's education, licensure, experience, and the state or country laws. For example, unlicensed assistive personnel are limited to assisting with basic patient care, whereas registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have broader responsibilities that include administering medications, performing assessments, and developing care plans (Schroeder, 1991).

When faced with the decision of whether to implement a new procedure, nurses must navigate legal standards and institutional policies carefully. The first step involves clearly defining the task to understand what it entails and what outcomes are expected. This includes gathering detailed information about the procedure, the intent behind it, and the relevant facility protocols and laws governing nursing practices (American Nurses Association, 2009). Conducting a self-assessment allows the nurse to evaluate whether they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to safely perform the procedure, avoiding scope violations that could jeopardize patient safety and violate legal boundaries (Buppert, 2012).

Secondly, reviewing applicable laws, standards, and regulations is paramount. State nursing boards and professional organizations publish standards that delineate permissible practices for nurses within specific jurisdictions. These documents serve as legal frameworks that prevent nurses from performing tasks beyond their legal scope. For instance, nurses are generally authorized to administer medications but may require additional certification to perform certain invasive procedures (Schroeder, 1999). It is crucial to ensure the new procedure aligns with these standards before proceeding.

Finally, the decision-making process involves weighing the gathered information and legal considerations to determine if the procedure is within the nurse’s scope. If it is, obtaining a written order from a physician or authorized healthcare provider solidifies the legal backing for the activity. This written authorization not only safeguards the nurse legally but also facilitates clear communication among the healthcare team. Communicating the procedure to all involved staff ensures everyone adheres to the same safety protocols and understands their roles, minimizing errors and legal liabilities (American Nurses Association, 2009).

In conclusion, nurses play a vital role in patient care, and understanding their scope of practice is essential to maintaining professional standards and legal compliance. The decision to adopt new procedures should be carefully evaluated through defining the task, reviewing legal standards, and securing appropriate authorization. This systematic approach promotes safe practice, enhances team communication, and protects both patients and healthcare professionals from potential legal issues.

References

  • Buppert, C. (2012). Nurse Practitioner's Business Practice and Legal Guide. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • American Nurses Association. (2009). Nursing Administration: Scope and Standards of Practice. American Nurses Publishing.
  • Schroeder, P. S. (1991). Approaches to Nursing Standards. Aspen Publishers.
  • Schroeder, P. S. (1999). Legal and Ethical Aspects of Nursing. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Benner, P. (1984). From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Prentice Hall.
  • Heitkemper, M. M., & McKinney, N. (2012). Nursing Practice and the Law. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 3(2), 22-29.
  • Spector, N. (2014). Understanding the Scope of Practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Nursing Outlook, 62(4), 278-283.
  • Falls, J., & Hall, E. (2016). Legal Issues in Nursing Practice. Nursing Management, 47(10), 14-19.
  • Shultz, B. (2018). Professional Regulations and Nursing Practice. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 9(1), 24-30.
  • Johnson, A. (2019). Ensuring Scope of Practice Compliance in Nursing. Nursing Law & Ethics, 8(3), 112-119.