Professional socialization

Occupation

• On-the-job training (varies in length)

• Mostly hands-on/manual work

• Guided decision-making

• Values/ethics not part of prep

• Commitment may vary

• Usually supervised

• Can change jobs often

• Motivated by money

• Employer is accountable

Profession

• Needs special education/training

• Self-disciplined group helping others

• Guided by service and ethics

• Has legal status and standards

• Requires a license to practice

• Focused on serving society

Licensure

• Legal permission to work in a profession

• Granted by each state (based on the 10th Amendment)

• Most restrictive type of regulation

• Ensures safe, qualified practice

Certification

• Voluntary test/credential from a private agency

• Shows extra skill or specialty

Nursing Regulation

• Sets minimum standards for safe practice

• Protects the public from unsafe or unfit nurses

History

• 1903: First Nursing Boards (NC, NY, NJ, VA)

• 1938: NY made nursing license mandatory

State Board of Nursing

• Protects public health and safety

• Licenses nurses

• Writes rules

• Approves nursing schools

• Disciplines unsafe nurses

who serves on state boards of nursing 

• staff hired by board

• board directors appointed by governor depending on state

• board meets to oversee activities and to take disciplinary action on nurse licenses as necessary 

advantages for regulation of nursing practice

• increased status 

• economic benefits 

• improved standards of practice 

• codes of ethical behavior 

• barring of incompetent nurses

Nurse Practice Act

• State law that defines nursing rules

• Sets license requirements and scope of practice

• Protects RN title

• Each state’s act is different

A NYS Nurse Can

• Diagnose and treat health problems

• Do health assessments

• Teach about prevention and health

• Follow medical orders from licensed providers

• Work as part of a health care team

Licensure Requirements

1. Application: Submit to the state board

2. Education: Nursing diploma or degree

3. Exam: Pass NCLEX-RN

4. Age: At least 18

5. Character: Good moral standing

6. Fees: Pay required costs

7. Renewals: Continuing education needed

Nursing’s Social Policy Statement

• Defines nursing’s role and purpose in society

• Social Context: Mind-body-spirit unity; cultural values matter

  • nursing Definition: Protect, promote, and restore health

  • Knowledge Base: Science, ethics, psychology, sociology, etc.

  • Scope: What nurses are allowed to do

  • Standards: Rules and values guiding professional practice

Nursing Process

1. Assess

2. Diagnose

3. Plan

4. Implement

5. Evaluate