Nursing Professionalism and Practice: Key Concepts from Lecture Notes

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering professionalism, scope and standards of practice, ethics, responsibilities, careers, historical influences, current issues, education, and regulatory aspects of nursing.

Nursing is described as an integration of two domains. Name the 'Art' and the 'Science' components as listed.

Art: compassion, caring, respect. Science: body of knowledge, evidence-based practice.

List the five stages in Benner's Novice to Expert model.

Novice, Advanced Beginner, Competent, Proficient, Expert.

What characterizes the Novice stage in Benner's model?

Just starting; no previous experience.

What characterizes the Advanced Beginner stage in Benner's model?

Minimal experience; observes.

What characterizes the Competent stage in Benner's model?

Has practiced in the same area for 2-3 years.

What characterizes the Proficient stage in Benner's model?

3 years experience; manages care.

What characterizes the Expert stage in Benner's model?

Diverse experience; intuitive practice.

Which organization defines the Scope and Standards of Practice for nursing?

American Nurses Association (ANA).

What are the six steps of the Standards of Nursing Practice according to the ANA?

Assessment, Diagnosis, Outcomes Identification, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.

What model underpins clinical decision-making in nursing?

The Nursing Process.

Name three Standards of Professional Performance.

Ethics; Culturally congruent care; Communication.

Which Standard focuses on delivering care that respects and integrates a patient’s culture?

Culturally congruent care.

Which Standards address clear communication and collaboration among healthcare providers?

Communication and Collaboration.

Which Standards address ongoing education and evidence-based practice?

Education; Evidence-based practice and research.

Name two Standards that focus on quality and evaluation of practice.

Quality of practice; Professional practice evaluation.

What is the purpose of the Code of Ethics for Nurses?

Define principles of right and wrong and guide quality patient care; articulate ethical obligations.

Which organization publishes the Code of Ethics for Nurses?

American Nurses Association (ANA).

Which author/year is associated with the Code of Ethics reference in the notes?

Fowler, 2025.

What does autonomy mean in nursing professional responsibilities?

Independent nursing interventions without medical orders.

What does accountability involve in nursing?

Accept responsibility—professionally and legally.

Who is the caregiver in professional nursing responsibilities?

Providing holistic care to promote physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and social health.

What is the role of the advocate in nursing?

Act in the patient’s best interest; defend patient autonomy and self-determination.

What is the educator responsibility in nursing?

Provide education related to diseases, care, and self-management.

What is the communicator responsibility in nursing?

Communicate with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

What is the manager responsibility in nursing?

Coordinate nursing care.

Name two Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) roles.

Clinical Nurse Specialist; Nurse Practitioner; Certified Nurse Midwife; Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Name other nursing career roles mentioned.

Nurse Educator; Nurse Administrator; Nurse Researcher; Management and business.

What are major causes of the nursing shortage as listed in the notes?

Lack of nursing faculty; competition for available seats; clinical site issues; recruitment/retention; burnout.

Who authored the book Notes on Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not?

Florence Nightingale.

Which war did Nightingale serve in and become famous for carrying a lamp?

Crimean War.

What major environmental factors did Nightingale identify as impacting soldiers’ mortality?

Sanitation, nutrition, wound management; lack of supplies.

What was the impact of Nightingale's reforms on mortality rates in six months?

Mortality reduced from 42.7% to 2.2%.

What epidemiological distinction is Nightingale credited with?

First nurse epidemiologist.

What iconic action is Nightingale known for during the Crimean War?

Carrying a lamp while walking the battlefield.

Who founded the Red Cross in nursing history?

Clara Barton.

Which nurse supervised army nurses during the Civil War and helped create mental asylums?

Dorothea Dix.

Who supervised hospitals during the Civil War?

Mary Ann Bickerdyke.

Which nurse promoted cultural diversity in nursing?

Mary Mahoney.

Who opened the Henry Street Settlement and advanced public health nursing?

Lillian Wald (with Mary Brewster).

Who contributed to nursing education in higher education settings and identified the need for a research-based body of nursing knowledge?

Mary Adelaide Nutting.

What are the Army and Navy Nurse Corps?

Nurse corps within military branches.

Name two major professional nursing organizations.

American Nurses Association (ANA); National Student Nurses Association (NSNA).

What contemporary issues are highlighted as today’s nursing challenges?

Changing societal needs; aging population; bioterrorism; disasters; emerging infectious diseases; technology; end-of-life care.

What does QSEN stand for and why is it relevant?

Quality and Safety Education for Nurses; focuses on safety and quality in nursing education.

What does EBP stand for in nursing trends?

Evidence-Based Practice.

What is the focus of Nurse Practice Acts (NPA)?

Public safety, health, welfare; regulate nursing within each state.

What must a nurse do to practice legally in a state regarding the NPA and licensing exams?

Practice according to that state's NPA and pass the NCLEX.

What is NCLEX?

National Council Licensure Examination; licensure exam for nurses.

What is continuing education (CE) in nursing?

Ongoing education to update knowledge; may be required to renew licensure.