NRS 415 Topic 2 DQ 1

Sample Answer for NRS 415 Topic 2 DQ 1 Included After Question

The scope and standards of practice guide the nursing profession in competence and performance expectations. The scope of practice for nursing defines the activities that a person licensed as a nurse is permitted to perform while the standards of practice delineate performance expectations for all registered nurses. Review Chapter 3, “The Nursing Workforce,” of The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity, located in the Topic 2 Resources, and compare the scope of practice and differentiated practice competencies of licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Review “Scope of Nursing Practice” from Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, located in the Topic 2 Resources. Standard 12 of the standards of practice describes the nurse’s role related to education. Explain the role of professional development (life-long learning) in the context of this standard.

Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.

A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NRS 415 Topic 2 DQ 1

Title: NRS 415 Topic 2 DQ 1

The scopes of practice for registered nurses (RN), licensed practical nurses (LPN), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) vary based on their education, training, and licensure, and can vary by state, country or governing board. Diploma or certificate trained LPNs provide basic nursing care, such as taking vital signs, administering medications (under the supervision of an RN or physician), and assisting with patient hygiene. LPNs may implement aspects of care within their own scope of practice (Benbow et al., 2014). While LPNs can participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care, only RN’s can make nursing diagnoses and formulate individualized plans of care for patients. The scope of practice of a degree holding RN are enhanced by more in depth critical thinking which is defined by the nursing process. RNs develop care plans for each patient and continually assess and evaluate patient progression in meeting these plans of care. APRNs complete graduate-levels of education which prepare them with “a greater depth and breadth of knowledge, a greater synthesis of data, increased complexity of skills and interventions, and greater role autonomy,” (ANA, 2015). In addition to assessing and diagnosing patient problems, APRNs may prescribe and implement pharmalogical and non-pharmalogical interventions.

To be able to continue to provide quality patient care and optimal patient outcomes, the nursing standards of practice requires nurses “to employ evidence-based practice as a means to incorporate the best available evidence, healthcare consumer preferences, provider expertise, and contextual resources in which nursing is delivered,” (ANA, 2015). Because needs of the patient population continue to change and become more complex, the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals are evolving and it requires nurses to continually expand their knowledge, skills and expertise. Nurses who are knowledgeable about the latest research and best practices can implement evidence-based interventions and contribute to positive patient outcomes.

American Nurses Association (ANA), (2018). Nursing scope of practice. American Nurses Association.

Benbow, D. A., Abel, J. R., Benton, K., & Hooper, J. I. (2014). Beyond the Scope of Practice: Licensed Vocational (Practical) Nurses in Community Settings. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 5(3), 14–18. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(15)30055-7

Wakefield, M. K., Williams, D. R., Menestrel, S. L., & Flaubert, J. L. (2021). Chapter 3: The Nursing Workforce. In The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a path to achieve health equity (pp. 59–98). essay, The National Academies Press.

A Sample Answer 2 For the Assignment: NRS 415 Topic 2 DQ 1

Title: NRS 415 Topic 2 DQ 1

LPN/LVNs play a supportive role for the RN or APRN in a patient care setting. They relieve pressure off the RN to concentrate on caring for medically complex patients (Wakefield et al., 2021). LVNs that I have interacted with are typicvally able to administer medications, monitor patients, and assist with ADLs. However, the important thing to note is that they are under the supervision of the RN. In regards to RNs, RNs have a larger scope of practice than LVNs in the sense that they assess patients, develop care plans for the patient, administer medications, perform certain procedures ordered by the doctor, and have a more organization and coordination aspect when it comes to care as well. APRNs are nurses with a higher level of education such as a master’s degree, post-master’s certificate, or practice-focused DNP degree. (Wakefield et al., 2021). APRNs typically prescribe medications and diagnose and treat illnesses from a broader level of scientific understanding and work with physicians on a closer level rather than being bed-side with the patient.

Standard 12 is stated as “the registered nurse seeks knowledge and competence that reflects current nursing practice and promotes futuristic thinking” (AMA, 2018). We briefly touched on the history of nursing and how nursing has not always been the same since the beginning of the career path. From the dark ages of nursing all the way until now, evidence-based practice has paved a way for standards, policies, and applications of science that has revolutionized healthcare through research and empirical evidence. Science is ever-changing, and research and scientific inquiry always points to new and improved ways of implementing things that will optimize and maximize patient care in a healthcare setting, and it is the part of the role of a professional nurse to upkeep their education and knowledge on these things with an open mindset that science and ways to apply nursing practice can change and change for the better care of the patient.

References:

American Nurses Association (ANA), (2018). Nursing scope of practice. American Nurses Association.

A Sample Answer 3 For the Assignment: NRS 415 Topic 2 DQ 1

Title: NRS 415 Topic 2 DQ 1

The nursing profession, as defined by the American Nurses Association, emphasizes a comprehensive role that encompasses health promotion, illness prevention, healing facilitation, suffering alleviation, and advocacy across various levels of society (American Nurses Association, n.d., para. 1). This broad definition aligns with Smith & Parker’s view of nursing as a knowledge-based discipline, guiding its practice with a specific body of knowledge (Smith & Parker, 2015).

The scope and standards of practice are fundamental in guiding nursing competencies and performance expectations. The scope of practice varies among different nursing roles, such as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). LPNs, typically requiring a diploma or certificate, focus on basic patient care under the supervision of RNs or physicians. Their scope is more task-oriented and less autonomous. RNs, with either an associate or a bachelor’s degree, have a broader scope, including patient care, education, and some leadership roles, reflecting a deeper understanding of nursing concepts and practices. APRNs, including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, usually require a master’s degree or higher. Their scope extends to advanced clinical practice, leadership, research, and policy-making, indicating a higher level of autonomy and expertise in specialized areas (Wakefield et al., 2021).

Standard 12 in the nursing standards of practice highlights the critical role of education and professional development. This standard underscores the importance of lifelong learning for nurses to maintain competence, enhance professional practice, and keep abreast of the evolving healthcare environment. Continuous professional development allows nurses at all levels – LPNs, RNs, and APRNs – to refine their skills, update their knowledge, and adapt to new technologies and methodologies in healthcare. Embracing life-long learning is not just about personal growth; it’s a professional responsibility that ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care to patients (American Nurses Association, n.d., para. 1; Smith & Parker, 2015).

References:

American Nurses Association. (n.d.). What is nursing? Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/EspeciallyForYou/What-is-Nursing

Smith, M. C., & Parker, M. E. (2015). Nursing theories & nursing practice (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis.

Wakefield, M. K., Williams, D. R., Menestrel, S. L., & Flaubert, J. L. (2021). Chapter 3: The Nursing Workforce. In The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a path to achieve health equity (pp. 59–98). essay, The National Academies Press.