The American Nurses Association (ANA) plays a crucial role in defining and upholding the nursing scope and standards of practice. Their workgroup’s production of the Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice in 2015 serves as a guide for nursing care that aligns with the values, beliefs, and practices of healthcare consumers. Nurses must possess qualities such as honesty, respect, empathy, and sympathy to effectively expand their scope of practice and prioritize patient well-being (Marion, Douglas, Marty).
I agree with the statement that a lack of knowledge and excellent education can put patients’ lives at risk. Nurses need to be equipped with the right knowledge and skills to provide proper treatments and care, thus minimizing the occurrence of adverse events. For example, medication errors can lead to serious consequences, and nurses must possess a comprehensive understanding of medications, their potential side effects, and proper administration techniques. Additionally, nurses must be knowledgeable about diseases and how microorganisms spread in order to effectively prevent and control infections. When nurses fail to address patients’ concerns regarding their medications and side effects, it can be attributed to a lack of competence on the nurse’s part. Therefore, scope of practice knowledge is essential for nurses to address and educate patients appropriately (Marion, Douglas, Marty).
While the responsibility for patient education lies with healthcare professionals, it is also important for patients to empower themselves with knowledge about their illnesses or diseases. Nurses can play a pivotal role in facilitating patient education and promoting health literacy. However, if a nurse fails to provide sufficient patient education regarding medications, side effects, or general health information, it reflects a failure to meet the expectations outlined in their scope of practice (Marion, Douglas, Marty). Thus, both nurses and patients share the responsibility of ensuring that adequate education is provided and obtained.
The level of education attained by nurses is indeed critical, given the evolving nature of the nursing field. It is paramount for nurses to continuously update their knowledge and skills in order to provide the best possible care to their patients. The advancements in medical technology, new medications, and changes in healthcare delivery require nurses to stay informed and keep up with the latest evidence-based practices. This ongoing education enables nurses to be confident and knowledgeable when addressing patients’ concerns or confusion (Marion, Douglas, Marty).
In conclusion, the American Nurses Association acts as an authoritative association that sets the standards and guidelines for nursing practice. Nurses must possess qualities such as honesty, respect, empathy, and sympathy to effectively expand their scope of practice. Lack of knowledge and excellent education can put patients’ lives at risk, highlighting the importance of nurses being well-informed in areas such as medication administration and disease prevention. Educating patients is a shared responsibility, and nurses must meet the expectations outlined in their scope of practice. The level of education attained by nurses is crucial in the ever-evolving field of nursing, allowing them to provide competent and up-to-date care to their patients.