RGP Task 1: Professional Accountability ✓ Solved

A. Identify a nursing theory that has influenced your values and goals.

1. Explain how nurses apply the identified theory from part A to implement excellent nursing practices.

2. Discuss how the identified theory from part A fits your professional practice.

B. Identify the contributions of two historical nursing figures in the nineteenth or twentieth century.

1. Compare the differences in contributions of the two historical figures identified in part B.

2. Describe how the contributions of the two historical figures influence your professional nursing practice.

C. Explain the functional differences between the State Board of Nursing and the American Nurses Association (ANA).

1. Define the roles of these two organizations.

2. Explain how these two organizations influence your nursing practice.

3. Explain the requirements for professional license renewal in your state (NEW JERSEY).

a. Discuss the consequences of failure to maintain license requirements in your state.

4. Compare the differences between registered nursing license requirements in a compact state versus a non-compact state.

D. Discuss the functional differences between the Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

1. Discuss how the two regulatory agencies influence your professional nursing practice.

a. Describe your role as a patient advocate in promoting safety when a patient has requested to use an alternative therapy.

E. Discuss the purposes of the Nurse Practice Act in your state and its impact on your professional practice.

1. Discuss the scope of practice for a RN in your state.

2. Discuss how your state defines delegation for the RN.

F. Apply each of the following roles to your professional practice:

• a scientist
• a detective
• a manager of the healing environment

G. Identify two provisions from the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics.

1. Analyze how the two provisions identified in part G influence your professional nursing practice.

2. Describe a nursing error that may occur in a clinical practice.

a. Explain how the ANA provisions identified in part G can be applied to the error discussed in part G2.

H. Identify four leadership qualities or traits that represent excellence in nursing.

1. Discuss the significance of the four leadership qualities identified in part H in the nurse’s role as each of the following:

• a leader at the bedside
• within a nursing team or interdisciplinary team

2. Identify how your work environment impacts the following:

• nursing leadership
• decision making
• professional development

Paper For Above Instructions

Professional accountability in nursing is an essential aspect of providing high-quality care and advancing the profession. This paper will address several critical components of accountability, including a nursing theory that influences personal values, historical figures who contributed to nursing, regulatory agency functions, and leadership qualities that promote excellence in nursing practice. Each section will provide insights into how these elements inform and enhance professional nursing practice.

A. Nursing Theory

The nursing theory that has significantly influenced my values and goals is Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring. This theory emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and the holistic approach to patient care, which aligns with my nursing philosophy. Nurses apply Watson's theory by fostering a caring relationship with patients. This involves being attentive to their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs, thereby promoting overall well-being (Watson, 2008).

This theory fits perfectly into my professional practice as it encourages me to view each patient as a whole person rather than just a clinical diagnosis. Understanding that patients come with unique life experiences enables me to deliver personalized care that acknowledges their individuality, enhancing patient satisfaction and healing outcomes (Watson, 2008).

B. Historical Nursing Figures

Two historical nursing figures whose contributions have significantly impacted the nursing profession are Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole. Nightingale is often regarded as the founder of modern nursing due to her pioneering efforts in establishing sanitary conditions in hospitals. Her work during the Crimean War laid the groundwork for professional nursing standards and practices (Nightingale, 1859). In contrast, Mary Seacole's contributions came from her role as a caregiver during the same war, where she provided care to soldiers on the battlefield and demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to serve others (Seacole, 1857).

The differences in their contributions are notable; Nightingale is celebrated for her focus on environmental health, while Seacole is recognized for her direct engagement in caring for patients in challenging conditions. Both figures influence my professional nursing practice by highlighting the importance of compassionate care and the need for nurses to take initiative and advocate for patients' needs.

C. Regulatory Agencies

The State Board of Nursing (SBON) and the American Nurses Association (ANA) serve distinct functions in the nursing profession. The SBON regulates nursing practice and licensure at the state level, ensuring that nurses meet the necessary standards to provide safe care. In contrast, the ANA focuses on advancing the nursing profession and advocating for the interests of nurses nationally (ANA, 2015).

The roles of these organizations influence my nursing practice by establishing guidelines and standards that govern professional conduct. In New Jersey, for instance, the requirement for professional license renewal mandates that registered nurses complete continuing education credits to maintain their licensure (New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, 2020). Failure to comply with these requirements can result in suspension or revocation of a nursing license, which underscores the importance of ongoing professional development.

Comparatively, registered nursing license requirements differ in compact states, where nurses can practice in multiple states with one license, versus non-compact states, which require separate licensure for each state of practice. Understanding these differences is crucial for nurses working across state lines.

D. Federal Regulatory Agencies

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) play vital roles in the healthcare system. The FDA regulates the safety and efficacy of medical products and pharmaceuticals, ensuring that they meet strict standards before reaching patients. Conversely, the CMS oversees the administration of Medicare and Medicaid programs, shaping policy and reimbursing healthcare services (CMS, 2021).

Both agencies influence my nursing practice by guiding the standards of care and the resources available to patients. As a patient advocate, it is my duty to ensure that patients' choices—such as exploring alternative therapies—are safe and evidence-based. Patient safety must always come first, and understanding the implications of federal regulations helps nurses provide informed guidance to their patients.

E. Nurse Practice Act

The Nurse Practice Act in New Jersey serves to define the scope of nursing practice, set legal standards for nursing, and protect the public from unsafe nursing practices. The Act impacts my professional practice by delineating my responsibilities and ensuring I adhere to the ethical and legal standards of nursing care (New Jersey Board of Nursing, 2020).

Delegation, as defined in New Jersey, is the process of authorizing another individual to perform specific nursing tasks or responsibilities that are within the scope of nursing practice while retaining accountability for the outcome. Understanding my state's regulations on delegation is crucial in ensuring safe and effective care delivery, especially when working in interdisciplinary teams.

F. Nursing Roles

As a nurse, my roles as a scientist, detective, and manager of the healing environment are integral to my practice. As a scientist, I rely on evidence-based research to inform my nursing interventions. As a detective, I assess and analyze patient information, discerning underlying issues contributing to their health status. Lastly, as a manager of the healing environment, I create a therapeutic space that promotes patient comfort and supports recovery (Benner, 1984).

G. ANA Code of Ethics

Two provisions from the ANA Code of Ethics that significantly influence my practice are Provision 1, which emphasizes the importance of respecting the inherent dignity of every individual, and Provision 4, which addresses the duty to be competent and to maintain professional integrity. These provisions guide my interactions with patients, ensuring I uphold their rights while continuously striving to improve my skills (ANA, 2015).

In clinical practice, an example of a potential nursing error could involve administering the wrong dosage of medication. In such a scenario, the ANA provisions would guide the nurse to acknowledge the error, report it transparently, and implement corrective measures, thus maintaining accountability and ethical standards in nursing practice.

H. Leadership Qualities

Excellence in nursing requires specific leadership qualities, such as effective communication, empathy, adaptability, and integrity. Effective communication ensures clear information exchange, while empathy fosters strong relationships with patients and colleagues. Adaptability is essential in dynamic healthcare environments, and integrity underpins ethical practice (Dyer, 2019).

These leadership traits significantly influence my practice by enabling me to lead effectively at the bedside and within nursing teams. By creating an open atmosphere, I encourage collaborative decision-making and promote professional development among team members, thus enhancing overall care quality.

Lastly, how my work environment impacts nursing leadership, decision-making, and professional development is significant. A supportive work environment encourages team cohesion and empowers nurses to take on leadership roles, ultimately fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement in patient care.

References

• Ana, A. N. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses. American Nurses Association.
• Benner, P. (1984). From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Addison-Wesley.
• CMS. (2021). Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Retrieved from CMS website
• Dyer, J. (2019). The Future of Nursing Leadership. Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(3), 145-151.
• Nightingale, F. (1859). Notes on Nursing: What It Is, and What It Is Not. Harrison.
• New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. (2020). Nursing Licensure Renewal Requirements.
• New Jersey Board of Nursing. (2020). Nurse Practice Act.
• Seacole, M. (1857). Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands. Hurst and Blackett.
• Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring. University Press of Colorado.