Nursing Foundations and Professional Roles

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts of nursing foundations, history, education, client care, and professional roles.

Florence Nightingale (1820-1910)

A nursing pioneer who established the first correlation between infection and unclean conditions during the Crimean war, utilized detailed data collection and charts to prompt systemic changes in infection control, and recognized the healing effects of calming fears and instilling hope.

Two-year associate degree nursing program

A two-year educational pathway in the U.S. that provides learning experiences designed to meet criteria for safe client practice.

Three-year diploma program

A three-year nursing education program option in the U.S. preparing learners for safe entry-level nursing practice.

Four-year bachelor of science degree program

A four-year baccalaureate nursing education pathway in the U.S. aimed at achieving safe client practice competencies.

NCLEX-RN

The standardized board exam taken by all registered nursing students in order to begin entry-level nursing practice.

Health Literacy

Refers to clients' knowledge and understanding about their health conditions and healthcare options, often acquired through personal research; a lack of health literacy can result in poor health outcomes.

Holistic Nursing Care

A comprehensive approach to healthcare in which nurses address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of the whole person through direct care or advocacy.

Case Managers

Nurses who act as a conduit between clients and the health care system, coordinating an interdisciplinary care plan to ensure clients navigate care safely and achieve positive outcomes.

Respect for Individual Differences

The professional duty of nurses to treat diverse clients with integrity, honesty, and compassion regardless of personal beliefs or client identity, preventing discrimination that could leave health care needs unaddressed.

Nursing Roles

The various functions assumed by nurses in practice, including leaders, care providers, researchers, educators, managers, case managers, and change agents.

Core Nursing Competencies

Essential professional attributes and skills required in nursing, including advocacy, counseling, change management, communication, collaboration, compassion, honesty, and integrity.