Professional Nursing Roles and Legal Foundations Flashcards

Comprehensive practice questions covering nursing roles, professional development stages, legal licensure, delegation, and ethical principles based on course lecture materials.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Nurse Manager as a midlevel administrator?

Leadership of nursing staff, creating work schedules, evaluating staff performance, setting job goals, and managing unit operations.

How is the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role defined?

A Master's-prepared generalist nurse who provides leadership at the bedside and focuses on improving patient outcomes and care coordination.

What characterizes the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree?

It is considered a terminal practice degree that focuses on advanced clinical practice rather than research.

What is the primary function of a Nurse Scientist?

Using science to guide clinical practice, healthcare policy, and evidence-based care improvements.

What are the roles for which a PhD-Prepared Nurse Researcher is specifically trained?

To serve as principal investigators and obtain grants.

According to Benner's Stages, what are the traits of a 'Novice' nurse?

Little or no nursing experience, relies heavily on textbook knowledge, has difficulty applying knowledge to real situations, and depends on instructors and experienced nurses.

What specific challenges do nurses face during the first $3$ months of the 'Advanced Beginner' stage?

Developing organization skills, learning technical skills, fear of making mistakes, and coping with errors.

What is the 'New Beginning' phase in Benner's stages, and when does it occur?

A phase where the nurse feels more comfortable performing nursing activities, occurring after about $1$ year to $18$ months.

At what point in practice does a nurse typically reach the 'Competent' stage?

Around $1-2$ years into practice.

How does a 'Proficient' nurse view patient situations after approximately $3-5$ years of practice?

They view patient situations holistically, see the broader clinical picture, and can modify care appropriately based on experience.

What behaviors demonstrate the 'Expert Nurse' stage during unexpected changes?

They rarely panic in difficult situations, recognize unexpected changes quickly, and demonstrate technological mastery and strong interpersonal sensitivity.

Is the status of 'Expert Nurse' considered the endpoint of a nursing career?

No, nurses must continue professional development and skill refinement.

What is the primary goal of nursing advocacy?

To empower patients and help them obtain services needed for self-management.

What document identifies advocacy as an essential nursing role?

The ANA Code of Ethics.

What is the definition of 'Autonomy' in the context of patient rights?

Patients have the right to control their own decisions, such as choosing hospice instead of continuing cancer treatment.

What is the difference between Mandatory Law and Permissive Law regarding licensure?

Mandatory Law requires a license to practice the profession, while Permissive Law allows people to practice without the title.

What is the legal status of the Nursing Practice Act (NPA) in many states?

It is considered statutory law.

What are the specific functions of the Board of Nursing (BON) under its 'Judicial' capacity?

The power to deny, suspend, or revoke licenses and to discipline nurses.

Which organization creates and amends the laws that the Board of Nursing enforces?

The legislature.

What is the most common reason for disciplinary action against a nurse's license?

Practicing under the influence of alcohol or drugs or drug diversion from the workplace.

What are the minimum and maximum question limits for the NCLEX-RN?

Minimum of $75$ questions and a maximum of $265$ questions.

What is the purpose of 'Licensure by Endorsement'?

It allows nurses licensed in another state to practice without retaking the NCLEX, provided they prove existing licensure and pay a fee.

When was the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) developed and by what organization?

Developed in $2000$ by the NCSBN.

How long may a nurse who is permanently moving practice under an old license in a compact state?

$90$ days.

What defines the 'Standard of Care' (SOC) in nursing?

What a reasonable prudent nurse would do under similar circumstances.

What four elements are required to prove a case of negligence?

1. Duty of care existed; 2. Nurse breached the duty; 3. Breach caused injury; 4. Injury occurred and is proven.

What are the rules regarding delegation for RNs and LPNs/LVNs?

RNs may delegate nursing activities, but LPNs/LVNs cannot delegate.

Does the RN remain accountable for a task once it is delegated?

Yes, the RN retains accountability.

List the Five Rights of Delegation.

1. Right Task; 2. Right Circumstances; 3. Right Person; 4. Right Direction/Communication; 5. Right Supervision/Evaluation.

What are the three major conditions required for Informed Consent?

1. Voluntary (freely given); 2. Competence (patient understands info); 3. Adequate Information (enough for independent decision).

What is the nurse's role concerning the provider's explanation in Informed Consent?

The nurse is NOT responsible for determining if the physician fully explained the treatment, but must notify the provider if the patient needs more information.

How is 'Moral Distress' defined for a nurse?

It occurs when nurses know the ethically correct action but institutional barriers prevent that action.

What is the difference between the ethical principles of Fidelity and Veracity?

Fidelity is keeping promises and commitments, while Veracity is telling the truth.

What action should a nurse take if facility policies are below current standards of care?

Nurses should work through organizational processes to correct them.

What is the definition of 'Nonmaleficence'?

The ethical principle to 'do no harm.'