Registered nurses (RNs) play a vital role in healthcare, providing direct patient care, coordinating care with other healthcare professionals, and advocating for patients. The nursing profession has standards for practice that RNs are expected to follow. These standards ensure that patients receive safe, ethical, and competent care. In this article, we will explore some examples of these standards and how they impact the work of RNs.
Standard 1: Professional Responsibility and Accountability
This standard requires RNs to be responsible and accountable for their actions, practice within their scope of competence, and maintain their knowledge and skills. RNs must also adhere to ethical principles and professional standards, such as maintaining patient confidentiality and providing unbiased care.
For example, an RN who is caring for a patient with a history of substance abuse must ensure that the patient's confidentiality is protected. The RN must also maintain their knowledge of substance abuse treatment options and provide unbiased care to the patient, regardless of their personal feelings about substance abuse.
Standard 2: Knowledge-Based Practice
This standard requires RNs to use the best available evidence to inform their practice, and to continually seek out new knowledge and skills. RNs must also use critical thinking and clinical judgement to make decisions about patient care.
For example, an RN caring for a patient with a complex medical history must use critical thinking and clinical judgement to determine the best course of treatment. The RN must also stay up-to-date with current research and best practices to ensure that they are providing the best possible care.
Standard 3: Ethical Practice
This standard requires RNs to practice in an ethical manner, which includes respecting the autonomy and dignity of patients, advocating for patients' rights, and providing care without discrimination.
For example, an RN caring for a patient who is a member of a marginalized community must ensure that the patient's autonomy and dignity are respected. The RN must also advocate for the patient's rights, such as ensuring that they have access to appropriate healthcare and social services.
Standard 4: Service to the Public
This standard requires RNs to serve the public by promoting health and wellbeing, preventing illness and injury, and providing care in times of need.
For example, an RN working in a community health clinic must promote health and wellbeing by providing education on healthy lifestyle choices and preventive healthcare measures. The RN must also provide care to patients who may not have access to other healthcare options.
Standard 5: Collaborative Practice
This standard requires RNs to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective care to patients.
For example, an RN working in a hospital must collaborate with physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement a treatment plan for a patient. The RN must also communicate effectively with the patient and their family members to ensure that they understand the treatment plan and are able to participate in their own care.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the standards for practice that RNs are expected to follow. By adhering to these standards, RNs can ensure that they are providing safe, ethical, and competent care to their patients. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it is important for RNs to stay up-to-date with current research and best practices in order to provide the best possible care to their patients.
