Individual Analysis
Individual Analysis Paper There are many factors that influence and guide the registered nurse (RN) in her daily nursing practice. These factors include state laws, professional requirements and responsibilities, and personal belief systems and values. All factors work together to provide competent, safe, and quality care for society as a whole. It is vital that the RN possess both awareness and understanding of the important role these factors play in his or her daily practice.
The Scope of Nursing Practice The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines the Scope of Nursing Practice as, “the description of the who, what, where, when, why, and how of nursing practice that addresses the range of nursing practice activities common to all registered nurses (2010, p. 67).” The individual RN’s degree level, knowledge base, employment position, and patient population all determine the range to which he or she is able to work within the scope of practice (ANA, 2010). Effectively working within the full scope of practice requires the RN to be able to address all physical, social, spiritual, and emotional needs from admission to discharge; by means of patient advocacy, individualized teaching, treatment planning, and utilization of family and social support systems (Oelke, Besner, Doran, McGillis-Hall, & Giovanetti, 2008). Working on a behavioral services unit allows me to completely address the full range of patient needs on a daily basis. I collaborate with mental health professionals to address psychological needs, medical doctors to manage and treat physical conditions, social workers to deal with housing and family issues, and pastoral care to address the patient’s spiritual matters. I believe that issues of mind, body, and spirit must be equally addressed for complete patient care.
Legal Regulations The Ohio Revised Code sets the legal standards through which a nurse is permitted to practice. Nursing laws are mandatory rules of behavior, and when
The Scope of Nursing Practice The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines the Scope of Nursing Practice as, “the description of the who, what, where, when, why, and how of nursing practice that addresses the range of nursing practice activities common to all registered nurses (2010, p. 67).” The individual RN’s degree level, knowledge base, employment position, and patient population all determine the range to which he or she is able to work within the scope of practice (ANA, 2010). Effectively working within the full scope of practice requires the RN to be able to address all physical, social, spiritual, and emotional needs from admission to discharge; by means of patient advocacy, individualized teaching, treatment planning, and utilization of family and social support systems (Oelke, Besner, Doran, McGillis-Hall, & Giovanetti, 2008). Working on a behavioral services unit allows me to completely address the full range of patient needs on a daily basis. I collaborate with mental health professionals to address psychological needs, medical doctors to manage and treat physical conditions, social workers to deal with housing and family issues, and pastoral care to address the patient’s spiritual matters. I believe that issues of mind, body, and spirit must be equally addressed for complete patient care.
Legal Regulations The Ohio Revised Code sets the legal standards through which a nurse is permitted to practice. Nursing laws are mandatory rules of behavior, and when