Standards - Standards of professional nursing practice, N2012

PRACTICE STANDARDS - Standards of Professional Nursing Practice

Introduction

Standards are vital for outlining expectations for nursing professionals. They serve as a framework to promote, guide, and direct professional nursing practices. By clearly defining responsibilities and competencies, these standards ensure that nurses are held accountable for their actions. Moreover, they serve as the foundation upon which competencies can be developed safely and effectively. In New Zealand, these standards are governed by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ), which specifies the scope of practice, qualifications required for practice, and ongoing competence requirements. To effectively meet these standards, organizations must provide supportive systems that assist nurses in their professional development and adherence to these guidelines.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, recognizing it as the founding document of New Zealand. In partnership with Te Rūnanga o Aotearoa, NZNO acknowledges the rights of Māori as Tangata Whenua, and respects others as Iwi kainga. Collaborative efforts aim to create, implement, and monitor policies and practices that genuinely reflect the treaty commitments, ensuring that nursing practices align with the principles of partnership, protection, and participation.

Standard One: Responsibility and Accountability

Nurses must work within their defined scope of practice and ensure that:

  • Their knowledge and judgment align appropriately with their practice area.

  • They comply with relevant legislation, including policies that affect patient care and nursing practice.

  • They demonstrate competent clinical judgment, which is critical for providing effective care to patients.

  • Documentation of nursing care is both legal and accurate, ensuring integrity in all records.

  • They respond to and document adverse events promptly and accurately.

  • Continuous quality improvement is an essential process, with nurses taking proactive steps to ensure patient safety and ethical care is delivered.

Standard Two: Evidence-based Practice/Nursing Specific Knowledge

To ensure that care practices are effective and current, nurses implement practices based on the best available evidence. This entails:

  • Gaining knowledge on how to locate and evaluate information relevant to patient care, ensuring high-quality and informed care.

  • The ability to critique and utilize current research and credible sources to enhance clinical practice.

  • Maintaining competence through ongoing education in skills and application of knowledge pertinent to their areas of expertise.

  • Implementing culturally respectful practices specifically tailored to the needs of Māori communities.

  • Utilizing targeted, recognized frameworks for assessing client health to provide tailored interventions.

Standard Three: Relationships

Establishing and maintaining professional therapeutic relationships is paramount for effective nursing practice. This includes:

  • Adhering to professional behavior standards that foster trust and respect.

  • Partnering with Tangata Whenua and respecting Māori cultural values as integral to care processes.

  • Building rapport effectively and negotiating care delivery in collaboration with patients and their families.

  • Maintaining professional boundaries to ensure that therapeutic relationships remain effective and goal-oriented.

Standard Four: Continuing Competence

A commitment to professional development is crucial in nursing, which encompasses:

  • Ongoing education and skill enhancement to keep pace with advancements and changes in health care.

  • Participation in peer evaluations and mentorship programs to support mutual growth and development among nursing professionals.

  • Engagement with the development of education and resources concerning Māori health, ensuring it meets community needs.

Standard Five: Ethics

Professional practice is governed by a recognized code of ethics which includes:

  • Upholding core values such as autonomy, beneficence, confidentiality, and justice in all nursing actions.

  • Applying ethical frameworks to navigate and address complex clinical and ethical issues that arise in practice.

  • Advocating for clients' rights, ensuring respect and participation in their care decisions.

Standard Six: Leadership

Regardless of formal positions, nurses demonstrate leadership qualities by:

  • Role modeling professional conduct and ethical behavior to peers and patients.

  • Advocating for clients and the nursing profession to improve care quality and outcomes.

  • Collaborating and supporting peers to enhance collective service delivery.

Standard Seven: Management of Resources

Effective management of resources is crucial for meeting health needs, which involves:

  • Active participation in decision-making processes regarding health care resources to ensure the best outcomes.

  • Collaboration with clients and their communities to accurately address health needs and resource allocation.

  • Proactively seeking and acquiring necessary resources while maintaining safe practices and standards.

References

Crisp, J., & Taylor, C. (2007). Potter & Perry’s Fundamentals of Nursing. Sydney: Elsevier.New Zealand Nurses Organisation. (2010). Code of ethics. Wellington: NZNO.Nursing Council of New Zealand documents outlining conduct, ethics, and competencies.