Chapter 2 Beginning Your Nursing Career

1. Chapter 2Beginning Your Nursing Career

2. Healthcare: A Multidisciplinary Approach

3. Types of Nursing Programs • (Certified) Nurses Aide (CNA) • Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) • Registered Nurse (RN) • Advanced Practice Nurse or Nurse Practitioner (NP)

4. Basic Education • Registered Nurses (RNs): • 2-year program leading to associate’s degree (AD-RN)/Technical Nurse • 3-year program affiliated with community and state colleges that grant college credits • 4-year program in a college or university that leads to a baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree in nursing • Practical Nurses (LPNs/LVNs): • 12 to 18 months of full-time study

5. Responsibilities • Registered Nurses: • care for the acutely ill and assist in surgery • teach professional and practical nursing students • manage personnel and take charge in various healthcare settings • Practical Nurses: • provide nursing care • work under the supervision of an RN or MD

6. Question A nurse who receives additional training in a specialized field such as pediatrics or maternity is referred to as ________. a. Licensed Practical Nurse b. Registered Nurse c. Licensed Vocational Nurse d. Advance Practice Nurse e. Certified Nurses Aide

7. Answer d. Advance Practice Nurse An Advance Practice Nurse or a Nurse Practitioner is a Registered Nurse (RN) who receives additional training in a specialized field such as pediatrics or maternity. A Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse works under the supervision of an RN. A Certified Nurses Aide provides basic nursing care in a long-term care facility.

8. Licensure of Nurses • Licensing laws or Nurse Practice Acts: • Protect the public from unqualified workers • Establish standards for the profession • Differentiate between a qualified and an unqualified worker • Nurses must know and understand the licensing laws and the state’s Nurse Practice Act specific to their level of licensing.

9. Licensure of Nurses (cont’d) • NCLEX • National Council’s Licensure Examination for graduates from an approved nursing program • Mandatory Licensure • Designates the functions, duties, and responsibilities of the nurse and use of the title “nurse” in the particular state. • Permissive Licensure • Practicing nursing without a license

10. Licensure of Nurses (cont’d) • Endorsement • It is a form of agreement between states, particularly state licensing agencies. • Reciprocity • It is a type of recognition of previous education and experience.

11. Nurse's Pledge • The pledge serves as a guide for nursing practice. • RNs recite the Florence Nightingale Pledge. • LPNs recite the Practical Nurse’s Pledge. • Nurses are expected to • practice ethically and conduct themselves appropriately • accept responsibilities within the role delineated by licensure

12. Theories of Nursing • A theoretical framework provides a reason and a purpose for nursing actions. • Natural-Healing theory by Florence Nightingale • Independent-Functioning theory by Virginia Henderson • Self-Care theory by Dorothea Orem • Adaptation theory by Sister Callista Roy • Systems theory by Betty Neuman

13. Contemporary Nursing Roles

14. Question A nurse obtaining informed consent from the client is performing the duties of a nurse as a ________. a. teacher b. leader c. communicator d. team member e. client advocate

15. Answer e. client advocate As a client advocate the nurse helps clients understand their rights and responsibilities. They explain details about procedures, so clients are able to give informed consent. As a team member the nurse works in cooperation with other members of the healthcare team. The nurse teaches the client and family about illness and healthcare. The nurse communicates with other healthcare team members by documenting client care and maintaining reports. As a leader, the nurse motivates clients to achieve important goals.

16. The Nurse’s Image • Nurses need to • project a professional image • show respect for all • follow general practices of good grooming • wear washable uniforms with their nametag • maintain maximum levels of safety, hygiene, and protection for clients and self • maintain optimal health

17. Role of Nursing Organizations • To provide professional forums • To offer continuing education opportunities • To enable network with peers • To influence healthcare, nursing, and public policy legislation

18. Nursing Organizations • National nursing organizations usually have state affiliates. Some of the national nursing organizations are: • NAPNES • NFLPN • NLN • HOSA • ANA • International Council of Nursing

19. Question Is the following statement true or false? The American Nurses Association is an organization whose membership is composed of LPNs.

20. Answer False The American Nurses Association (ANA) is an organization whose membership is composed of RNs. It considers itself the voice of professional nursing in the United States. The National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES) focus on the professional practice, licensure, and education of LPNs/LVNs.

21. End of Presentation