Nursing Today / Nursing Roles and Practice Flashcards
Compare and contrast historical and contemporary influences in the development of professional nursing roles
Nursing in the 19th century, influenced by pioneers like Florence Nightingale, focused on sanitation, basic care, and reducing mortality rates. In the 21st century, the role has expanded to include evidence-based practice, advanced technologies, and specialized care. Similarities include the emphasis on compassion and patient-centered care
Describe the various levels of educational preparation in nursing
Associate Degree: Entry-level program for RN practice.
Diploma Program: Hospital-based education (declined since the mid-20th century).
Baccalaureate Degree: Comprehensive education integrating leadership and research.
Master’s Entry: For individuals entering nursing from other professions.
Doctoral Degrees (PhD, DNP): Focus on research or clinical expertise
Outline the role of the Arizona State Board of Nursing
The board ensures public safety by regulating nursing practice, issuing licenses, enforcing standards, and providing advisory opinions on the scope of practice
Define nursing as a professional discipline
Defined as promoting health, preventing illness, alleviating suffering, and advocating for individuals and communities. Florence Nightingale emphasized creating optimal conditions for nature to act in healing
Identify the major elements (prioritization, delegation, assignment) addressed by the nursing practice acts
Prioritization
Delegation
Assignment
Prioritization
Focus on immediate needs (e.g., airway, breathing, circulation).
Delegation
Assign tasks while retaining accountability (e.g., following the Five Rights of Delegation).
Assignment
Designating tasks based on skill levels and patient complexity
Differentiate between licensure by examination, licensure by endorsement, and mutual recognition of licensure
By Examination: Standardized testing (e.g., NCLEX) for new nurses.
By Endorsement: Recognition of licensure from another state.
Mutual Recognition: Multi-state practice under the Nurse Licensure Compact
Discuss the purpose of the organizational mission, vision, and values
These guide strategic decisions, unify staff goals, and reflect the institution’s commitment to patient care and community well-being
Discuss the concept of organizational structure, organizational charts, and chain of command
Hierarchical structures ensure clear lines of responsibility. Organizational charts visually represent roles and reporting relationships, supporting efficient decision-making
Discuss the various employment opportunities available to nurses today
RNs can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, public health, education, research, administration, and emerging fields like telehealth and informatics
Describe different patterns of nursing care delivery
Case Method
Functional Method
Team Nursing
Primary Nursing
Case Management
Case Method
One nurse for all aspects of care for a patient.
Functional Method
Task-oriented approach.
Team Nursing
Collaborative care by a team led by an RN
Primary Nursing
One nurse manages a patient’s care throughout the stay.
Case Management
Focuses on coordination and continuity of care
Explain the multiple uses of certification in nursing
Demonstrates expertise in specialties (e.g., critical care, oncology), supporting professional growth and enhancing patient trust
Describe the Program Learning Outcomes of the ADN graduates from Pima Community College
ADN graduates are prepared for safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care, integrating clinical reasoning, teamwork, and professional growth
Maslows Hierarchy of Needs
Self actualization
Self-esteem
Love & Belongingness
Safety & Security
Physiological Needs
What can be delegated to a CNA?
Basic pt care ( assisting with ADL, feeding pt, positioning, help w/ mobility)
vital signs & monitoring (measure and record VS, document I/O, observe & report changes
enviornmental amd pt comfort (make beds, esnure clean safe enviornment, stock supplies, transport pts w/ in facility)
Assistance w/ nutrtional needs (deliver meals, monitor dietary intake when do advances interventions are required)
support for nursing procedures (provide comfort measure)
What can NOT be delegated to a CNA
Administration of medications (including oxygen therapy, unless explicitly allowed by state regulation).
Assessment, planning, evaluation, or development of a care plan.
Performing invasive procedures, such as inserting catheters or suctioning.
Patient teaching or counseling.
What can be delegated to a LPN?
administer meds (oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and some IV medications, depending on state regulations)
provide basic wound care
assist w/ ADL and mobility
perform catheterizations
measure and record VS
monitor pt response to Tx and meds
observe and report changes to RN or physician
perform basic respiratory care
collecting specimens
assisting w/ tube feeding
blood glucose monitoring
reinforce pt education initally provides by RN
What can NOT be delegated to LPN
Initial patient assessments.
Development or modification of care plans.
Administration of certain high-risk medications (e.g., chemotherapy or IV push medications, depending on state law).
Complex wound care or procedures, such as managing central lines or arterial lines.
Initiation of blood transfusions (although they may monitor after initiation in some states).
Providing patient education that involves significant teaching or changes in care plans.
What are the 5 rights of Delegation
right task
right circumstance
right person
right direction/communication
right supervsion/evaluation
