Identify a nursing theory that has influenced your values and goals

Professional Nursing Practice

A. Nursing Theory and Professional Practice

1. Nursing Theory Influence

One nursing theory that has significantly influenced my values and goals is Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. This theory emphasizes the importance of holistic care, compassion, and patient-centered approaches in nursing practice.

2. Application of Nursing Theory

Watson’s theory can be used to describe, explain, and predict excellent nursing practices by fostering strong nurse-patient relationships. It guides nurses in implementing evidence-based interventions while maintaining a caring and empathetic approach. The ten Carative Factors of the theory serve as a framework for ethical, person-centered care, which improves patient outcomes and satisfaction.

3. Relevance to Professional Practice

In my professional practice, Watson’s theory aligns with my commitment to providing compassionate, holistic, and patient-centered care. It influences my communication, ethical decision-making, and patient advocacy roles, ensuring that I uphold human dignity and promote healing environments.

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B. Historical Nursing Figures

1. Contributions of Historical Figures

Two historical nursing figures who have inspired my professional practice are Florence Nightingale and Mary Breckinridge.

• Florence Nightingale revolutionized modern nursing by emphasizing hygiene, sanitation, and evidence-based practice.
• Mary Breckinridge pioneered nurse-midwifery in the United States, expanding healthcare access to underserved rural populations.

2. Differences in Contributions

While Nightingale focused on systemic improvements in hospital care, sanitation, and public health, Breckinridge addressed maternal and child health through rural nursing and midwifery. Both figures contributed to improving patient care, but their approaches differed based on population needs.

3. Influence on Twenty-First-Century Nursing

Their legacies continue to shape nursing today. Nightingale’s emphasis on evidence-based practice is foundational to modern nursing research and infection control protocols. Breckinridge’s work in community health nursing inspires modern outreach programs for vulnerable populations.

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C. State Board of Nursing vs. ANA

1. Roles of the Organizations

• State Board of Nursing (SBON): Regulates licensure, ensures competency, enforces nursing practice laws, and handles disciplinary actions.
• American Nurses Association (ANA): Advocates for nursing standards, ethics, continuing education, and policy development.

2. Influence on Nursing Practice

The SBON ensures that nurses meet state-specific licensure and practice requirements, while the ANA provides professional guidance, continuing education, and advocacy for policy changes that benefit nurses and patients.

3. Implications of Failing to Maintain Licensure

Failure to meet licensure requirements can lead to suspension, fines, or revocation of a nursing license, preventing legal practice and affecting professional credibility.

4. Compact vs. Non-Compact State Licensure

• Compact states: Nurses can practice across multiple states with a single multistate license.
• Non-compact states: Nurses must obtain separate licenses for each state of practice.

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D. Regulatory Agencies and Nursing Practice

1. Impact of Regulatory Agencies on Alternative Therapies

• FDA (Food and Drug Administration): Regulates the safety and efficacy of medications and alternative treatments. Patients requesting alternative therapies must be informed of FDA-approved treatments versus unregulated options.
• CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services): Determines reimbursement policies for treatments, influencing patients’ access to alternative therapies.

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E. Nurse Practice Act Comparison

1. Differences and Similarities in Two States

Each state’s Nurse Practice Act defines licensure, scope of practice, and disciplinary measures, with variations in specific regulations.

2. Scope of Practice for Different Nursing Roles

• RNs: Provide assessments, create care plans, administer medications, and educate patients.
• LPNs/LVNs: Offer basic nursing care under RN supervision.
• Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs): Perform non-clinical tasks under RN direction.

3. Delegation Rules in Selected States

States vary in delegation policies, but RNs remain accountable for tasks delegated to LPNs and UAPs.

4. Safe Practice Rules in Selected States

State laws dictate safety protocols, reporting requirements, and continuing education standards.

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F. Nursing Advocacy Roles

1. Distinctions in Advocacy Roles

• Scientist: RNs engage in research-based practice, LPNs follow established protocols, and UAPs support patient care tasks.
• Detective: RNs assess and diagnose patient needs, LPNs monitor conditions, and UAPs report observations.
• Healing Environment Manager: RNs coordinate interdisciplinary care, LPNs assist with treatment, and UAPs provide supportive care.

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G. ANA Code of Ethics Provisions

1. Influence on Nursing Practice

Two ANA Code of Ethics provisions that impact my practice are:

• Provision 1: Nurses must respect patient autonomy and dignity.
• Provision 4: Nurses are accountable for their actions and responsible for delegation.

2. Nursing Error Example

A medication administration error in clinical practice highlights the need for accountability and adherence to ethical principles.

3. Application of ANA Provisions

Applying these provisions, I would take accountability for the error, report it, and implement strategies to prevent recurrence while prioritizing patient safety.

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H. Leadership Qualities in Nursing

1. Key Leadership Qualities

• Communication
• Decision-making
• Empathy
• Adaptability

2. Significance in Different Roles

• At the bedside: Effective communication ensures patient-centered care.
• Within the nursing team: Leadership fosters teamwork and mentorship.
• Within the interdisciplinary team: Strong decision-making improves patient outcomes.

3. Organizational Structure Impact

Hospital hierarchies, leadership models, and continuing education opportunities influence nursing leadership, decision-making, and professional growth.

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I. APA Citations and References

All sources will be cited in APA format to ensure academic integrity.

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J. Professional Communication

This submission follows professional, clear, and structured communication standards.