1. Outline the process for the development of nursing standards of practice for your state, 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. 2. Outline the concept of professional accountability as it pertains to nursing. Provide examples of how a nurse demonstrates professional accountability in clinical expertise, the nursing process, and evidence-based practice.
1. The Process for Development of Nursing Standards of Practice in a State
In order to ensure the provision of safe and effective nursing care, each state establishes its own set of nursing standards of practice. These standards serve as guidelines that define the responsibilities and competencies expected of nurses practicing within that state. The development of nursing standards of practice involves several entities and follows a specific process.
The process typically begins with the state nursing board or regulatory body, which is responsible for overseeing the nursing profession and ensuring public protection. The nursing board appoints a committee or task force composed of experts in various areas of nursing practice, education, and administration. This committee collaborates with stakeholders, such as nursing associations, academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and individual nurses, to gather input and perspectives for the development of the standards.
The committee conducts a thorough review of current evidence-based practices, professional guidelines, and relevant legislation to inform the development of the standards. This review helps ensure that the standards are current, reflect best practices, and align with local laws and regulations.
During the development process, the committee engages in extensive deliberation, consensus-building, and validation of the proposed standards. This may involve conducting meetings, forums, or surveys to obtain feedback from nurses and other stakeholders. The committee carefully considers the input received and revises the proposed standards accordingly.
Once the committee has finalized the standards, they are typically submitted for public comment. This allows other stakeholders and the public at large to provide feedback and suggestions. The committee takes this feedback into consideration and makes any necessary revisions before finalizing the standards.
After finalizing the standards, the committee presents them to the state nursing board for approval. The nursing board carefully reviews the standards to ensure they promote the delivery of high-quality care and protect the public. Once approved, the nursing board officially adopts the standards and incorporates them into the state’s nursing practice act or regulations.
The influence of nursing standards of practice on the nursing process varies depending on the area of specialty. These standards provide a framework for nurses to plan and provide patient care. They help ensure that nursing interventions are evidence-based, patient-centered, and consistent with professional guidelines.
In areas such as critical care or emergency nursing, the standards of practice often involve specific protocols and guidelines for managing complex and rapidly changing patient conditions. These standards guide nurses in making quick and informed decisions, prioritizing care, and effectively communicating with the healthcare team.
In community or public health nursing, the standards of practice focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and population-based interventions. They guide nurses in assessing community needs, developing health education programs, and advocating for policy changes to improve population health.
In specialty areas such as pediatric or geriatric nursing, the standards of practice address the unique physiological, developmental, and psychosocial needs of specific patient populations. They assist nurses in providing age-appropriate care, conducting comprehensive assessments, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to achieve desired patient outcomes.
Overall, nursing standards of practice serve as essential guidelines for ensuring safe, ethical, and competent nursing care. They provide a foundation for the nursing process, enabling nurses to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care in a consistent and evidence-based manner.
2. Professional Accountability in Nursing
Professional accountability is a fundamental concept in nursing that encompasses the ethical, legal, and clinical responsibilities of nurses. It involves being answerable for one’s actions and decisions, as well as taking ownership of professional growth and development. Professional accountability is demonstrated in several areas of nursing practice, including clinical expertise, the nursing process, and evidence-based practice.
In terms of clinical expertise, nurses demonstrate professional accountability by continuously enhancing their knowledge, skills, and competencies. This involves engaging in ongoing education and professional development activities to stay abreast of current best practices, healthcare advancements, and changes in healthcare policies and regulations. By remaining up-to-date, nurses ensure that they provide care that aligns with the highest standards of practice and is based on the latest evidence.
Furthermore, nurses exercise professional accountability through their application of the nursing process. The nursing process is a systematic, problem-solving approach that guides nurses in delivering patient-centered care. Nurses assess the patient’s needs, develop a plan of care, implement interventions, and evaluate outcomes. Demonstrating professional accountability in the nursing process entails conducting thorough assessments, accurately diagnosing patient problems, formulating evidence-based care plans, and regularly assessing the effectiveness of interventions.
Another aspect of professional accountability in nursing is the application of evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP involves integrating the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Nurses demonstrate professional accountability by critically appraising and utilizing current research findings, clinical guidelines, and quality improvement initiatives to inform their practice. They prioritize using evidence-based interventions, continuously evaluating their effectiveness, and participating in efforts to generate new evidence through research and quality improvement projects.
In summary, professional accountability is a vital aspect of nursing practice. Nurses demonstrate professional accountability through their commitment to ongoing education, the application of the nursing process, and the integration of evidence-based practice. By upholding professional accountability, nurses uphold the standards of their profession and contribute to the delivery of safe, quality care.