NURS 3614 Fundamentals Notes Module 1

NURS 3614 Fundamentals Notes Module 1 Fundamentals – Module 1 Sherpath Sherpath 1 - Nursing as a Profession In this lesson, you will learn about the art and science of nursing and the elements that make it a profession. You will also learn about Nurse Practice Acts, different academic levels of nursing practice, nursing licensure, and nursing specialties. Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to: Discuss nursing as a profession. Overview of Criteria for Nursing Profession A profession is a vocation that requires specialized education related to a specific body of knowledge. Nursing is considered a profession. Professionals have a clear standard of educational preparation and requirements before they can enter into practice. Graduates with associate, diploma, and baccalaureate degrees in nursing are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination for state licensure. A profession is characterized by specific criteria. The sociologist Abraham Flexner first published a list of such criteria in 1915 that is often used today as a benchmark for determining the status of an occupation as a profession. Criteria for Nursing Profession The specific criteria or characteristics possessed by nursing that help to define it as a profession include: Altruism - A profession provides services needed by society. Altruism is public service over personal gain. Nurses recognize nursing as their life's work. It is an important component of their lives and clearly defines who they are. Nurses focus on service to their patients and the community. - Body of knowledge and research Accountability - Nursing accountability is essential for developing trusting relationships with patients and coworkers. Accountability involves accepting responsibility for actions and omissions, as well as legal, ethical, and professional implications. Higher Education - A profession has clearly defined educational requirements for entry into practice. Nurses must have a diploma, associate degree, or a bachelor's degree in nursing to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. Higher education offers nurses greater professional opportunities and the training necessary to extend nursing science through advanced practice and research. Autonomy - Professionals have autonomy in their decision making and practice. Professions tend to be self-regulating. Policies are developed by members of the profession. As with other professionals, nurses make independent decisions within their scope of practice and are responsible for the results and consequences of those decisions. Code of Ethics - Practice and conduct within a profession is guided by a code of ethics. Ethics is the standards of right and wrong behavior. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the ANA each developed a code of ethics for nurses. Public opinion polls consistently show that the nursing profession is viewed as the most honest and ethical of all professions. Review the ANA Nursing Code of Ethics. Professional organization - Numerous professional organizations support and encourage high standards in nursing. Each nursing organization determines responsibilities and standards of conduct and regulates its members’ adherence to its own professional standards. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is an example of a professional organization that provides standards for nursing practice. Cultural diversity - Nurses provide care to patients with many different cultures and backgrounds. According to the ICN, nursing care is respectful of and unrestricted by considerations of age, color, creed, culture, disability or illness, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, politics, race or social status. To respect the diversity of their patients,