Search The Florida Board Of Nursing Website And Save A Copy

Search The Florida Board Of Nursing Website And Save A Copy Of The Flo

Search the Florida Board of Nursing Website and save a copy of the Florida Nurse Practice Act. Search for the American Nurses Association (ANA) Guidelines for Professional Nursing Practice. 1. Discuss the difference between licensure and certification in context of registered nursing. 2. Compare and contrast the roles of the ANA and Florida Board of Nursing. Each student should compare/contrast at least 3 different roles (don't repeat roles of another student) of the ANA and the Florida Board of Nursing. (You should navigate to the ANA & FBON websites - see links below). 3. Describe the purpose of the Florida Nurse Practice Act. 4. Compare/contrast the Florida Nurse Practice Act with the ANA Guidelines for Professional Nursing Practice. IN APA format please, check spelling and grammar. COLLEGE LEVEL. In particular, you MUST use in-text citations and references for ALL your work.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The nursing profession is governed by various regulatory and professional organizations that ensure safe and competent practice. Among these, the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) and the American Nurses Association (ANA) are two prominent entities that influence nursing standards, regulation, and professionalism. This paper explores the differences between licensure and certification in nursing, compares and contrasts the roles of the FBON and the ANA, discusses the purpose of the Florida Nurse Practice Act, and contrasts this act with the ANA Guidelines for Professional Nursing Practice.

Difference Between Licensure and Certification in Registered Nursing

Licensure and certification are two distinct mechanisms that regulate safe practice and professional recognition in nursing. Licensure is a legal requirement for practicing as a registered nurse (RN), granted by a state authority—in Florida, the FBON. It validates a nurse’s qualifications based on passing the NCLEX-RN examination and meeting educational requirements, enabling them to legally practice within the state (Florida Board of Nursing, 2020). Licensure is mandatory for employment and is revocable if standards are not maintained.

Certification, on the other hand, is a voluntary process that recognizes specialization and advanced expertise within nursing. Certified nurses demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in areas such as critical care, pediatrics, or anesthesia. Certification is granted by professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and requires the nurse to meet specific education, experience, and examination criteria (ANA, 2021). While licensure permits practice, certification enhances professional credibility and often correlates with higher employment opportunities and salary potential.

Roles of the ANA and Florida Board of Nursing: A Comparison

The American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) serve pivotal but different functions in regulating and supporting nursing practice. Below are three core roles, contrasted:

Regulatory Authority

The FBON functions as a regulatory agency responsible for issuing licenses, setting standards of practice, and enforcing compliance within Florida. It has the authority to take disciplinary actions against nurses who violate legal or ethical standards (Florida Board of Nursing, 2020). Conversely, the ANA is a professional organization that advocates for nurses' interests, influences healthcare policies, and develops practice guidelines but does not have regulatory authority to license or discipline nurses (ANA, 2021).

Development of Practice Standards

While the FBON develops and enforces rules to ensure safe nursing practices, the ANA provides ethical guidelines, standards of practice, and legal frameworks to guide professional conduct (ANA, 2015). The ANA’s standards often influence regulatory policies but lack enforcement power—this remains with the FBON.

Educational and Professional Development

The ANA promotes continuing education, leadership development, and advocacy efforts that advance nursing professionalism. The organization provides resources, policy updates, and certification programs. The FBON, however, primarily oversees licensure renewals and compliance with state regulations, with less direct focus on professional development beyond continuing education requirements mandated for license renewal (Florida Board of Nursing, 2020).

Purpose of the Florida Nurse Practice Act

The Florida Nurse Practice Act (NPA) is a statutory law enacted to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by regulating nursing practice within the state. It establishes the legal scope of practice, defines the responsibilities of licensed nurses, and delineates standards for safe, competent nursing care (Florida Board of Nursing, 2020). The NPA also outlines procedures for licensure, disciplinary actions, and rules for nurse educators, students, and advanced practice nurses. Overall, its purpose is to safeguard the public while fostering the professional growth of nurses within the legal framework.

Comparison of the Florida Nurse Practice Act and the ANA Guidelines for Professional Nursing Practice

The Florida Nurse Practice Act and the ANA Guidelines serve complementary but distinct purposes. The NPA is a legal document enacted by legislation to prescribe the scope and standards of nursing practice in Florida, with specific legal implications (Florida Board of Nursing, 2020). It defines the duties, responsibilities, and legal boundaries within which nurses operate. In contrast, the ANA Guidelines, particularly the "Guidelines for Professional Nursing Practice," serve as aspirational standards that outline ethical principles, professional behaviors, and standards for quality care (ANA, 2015).

The NPA emphasizes legal compliance and statutory regulations, focusing on licensure, discipline, and legal accountability. The ANA guidelines emphasize professionalism, ethics, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in nursing practice. While the NPA is enforceable by law, the ANA standards influence practice through voluntary adherence and serve as a benchmark for ethical conduct and professional development. Both documents underscore the importance of accountability, competence, and ethical practice, but they operate within different frameworks—legal versus professional.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions and interactions between regulatory and professional organizations is vital for contemporary nursing practice. The FBON ensures legal compliance and public safety, while the ANA advocates for the profession and promotes excellence through standards and ethics. Licensure ensures nurses meet minimum qualifications, and certification recognizes advanced expertise. The Florida Nurse Practice Act provides a legal foundation for safe practice, while the ANA Guidelines serve to elevate professional standards beyond legal mandates. Both contribute to the overarching goal of protecting the public and advancing the nursing profession.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. ANA.
• American Nurses Association. (2021). Certifications. https://www.nursingworld.org/certification/
• Florida Board of Nursing. (2020). Nurse Practice Act & Rules. https://floridasnursing.gov/about/legislative-statutes-and-rules/
• Florida Board of Nursing. (2020). Florida Nurse Practice Act. https://floridasnursing.gov/about/legislative-statutes-and-rules/
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2022). Nursing Regulation & Licensure. https://www.ncsbn.org/
• Roberts, C., & Yeager, V. (2014). Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing. Pearson.
• American Nurses Credentialing Center. (2021). Certification. https://www.nursingworld.org/certification/
• National League for Nursing. (2017). Standards for Nursing Education Programs. NLN.
• Arnold, E. C., & Boggs, K. U. (2019). Interprofessional Health Care and Nursing Practice. Elsevier.
• ANA. (2018). Guidelines for Professional Nursing Practice. ANA Publishing.