Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Chapter 2 Beginning Your Nursing Career

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Healthcare: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Multidisciplinary approach Physicians –Minimum of 4 years of undergraduate study –4 years of medical school –Specialization requires another 2-6 years

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Types of Nursing Programs (Certified) Nurses Aide (CNA) Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) Registered Nurse (RN) Advanced Practice Nurse or Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Basic Education Registered Nurses (RNs): –2-year program leading to associate’s degree (AD- RN)/Technical Nurse –3-year program affiliated with community and state colleges that grant college credits –4-year program in a college or university that leads to a baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree in nursing **Practical Nurses (LPNs/LVNs): –12 to 18 months of full-time study –Vocational center or community college

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Education Advanced nursing credentials –Clinical nurse specialist certificate available in 5 areas: Psych (adult/child) *Med/surg Gerontologic Community health

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Responsibilities Registered Nurses: –care for the acutely ill and assist in surgery (may be the first assistant in surgery) –teach professional and practical nursing students –manage personnel and take charge in various healthcare settings Practical Nurses: –provide nursing care –work under the supervision of an RN or MD

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Licensure of Nurses Licensing laws or Nurse Practice Acts: –*Protect the public from unqualified workers –*Establish standards for the profession –*Differentiate between a qualified and an unqualified worker Nurses must know and understand the licensing laws and the state’s Nurse Practice Act specific to their level of licensing.

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Licensure of Nurses (cont’d) NCLEX –National Council’s Licensure Examination for graduates from an approved nursing program *Mandatory Licensure –Designates the functions, duties, and responsibilities of the nurse and use of the title “nurse” in the particular state. *Permissive Licensure –Practicing nursing without a license –Rarely occurs today

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Licensure of Nurses (cont’d) Endorsement –It is a form of agreement between states, particularly state licensing agencies. Reciprocity –It is a type of recognition of previous education and experience.

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Nurse's Pledge The pledge serves as a guide for nursing practice. RNs recite the Florence Nightingale Pledge. LPNs recite the Practical Nurse’s Pledge. Nurses are expected to –practice ethically and conduct themselves appropriately –accept responsibilities within the role delineated by licensure

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Theories of Nursing A theoretical framework provides a reason and a purpose for nursing actions. –Natural-Healing theory by Florence Nightingale –Independent-Functioning theory by Virginia Henderson –*Self-Care theory by Dorothea Orem –*Adaptation theory by Sister Callista Roy –Systems theory by Betty Neuman

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Contemporary Nursing Roles ADVOCATE- assist them to understand their rights TEACHER: assist people in preventing illness and injury before they occur

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins **The Nurse’s Image Nurses need to –project a professional image –show respect for all –follow general practices of good grooming –wear washable uniforms with their nametag –maintain maximum levels of safety, hygiene, and protection for clients and self –maintain optimal health

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Role of Nursing Organizations To provide professional forums To offer continuing education opportunities To enable network with peers To influence healthcare, nursing, and public policy legislation

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Nursing Organizations National nursing organizations usually have state affiliates. Some of the national nursing organizations are: –NAPNES –NFLPN Provide standards of nursing care and competence through continued postlicensure education and certification Assists in the interpretation of the role and function of the LVN/LPN

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Nursing Organizations –**NLN Sets standards for the following: Nursing education Services to the nursing community Public policy related to lifelong education –HOSA –ANA International Council of Nursing –Professional global practice –Regulation of the standards of nursing –Socioeconomic welfare for nurses**