Introduction to Nursing

Definitions of Nursing

Florence Nightingale (1860) Notes on
Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not)

The nurse is in “charge of somebody’s health” based
upon the knowledge of “how to put the body in such
a state to be free of disease or to recover from
disease.”

Definitions of Nursing

ANA Definition(2003)-

Nursing is the protection, promotion, and

optimization of health and abilities, prevention of
illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the
diagnosis and treatment of human response, and
advocacy in the care of individuals, families,
communities, and populations. (Page 2 Potter and
Perry).

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 Definitions of Nursing

Nursing is an art and a science

Art:

Patient care is given with compassion,
respect, dignity, creativity

Science:

Patient care is based upon a body of
knowledge research

Nursing Values

Caring

Altruism

Giving of Dignity

Integrity

Social Justice

Educational Preparation

LVN/ LPN

1- 1 1/2 years, practice under supervision of RN or physician

RN

3 Types of programs

ADN, Diploma, Baccalaureate

Graduate Nursing Education

Advanced nursing theory and science expand the role of the nurse

MSN, MN

Doctoral degrees available since 1970

Masters may be required for clinical specialists, educators, researchers,
administrators, or nurse practioners

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 Further Education

Continuing Education

Formal, organized educational programs

Required by licensing board to maintain nursing license

Many organizations offer CEUs (continuing education units), the units must
be approved by the State Boards of Nursing

Inservice Education

Instruction or training provided by individual health care facilities

Examples include: use of new equipment, new policies and procedures,
updates.

Career Mobility and Clinical Ladder

Contains structure that allows for advancement and salary increases

Often includes criteria for clinical competency

Nursing Practice

Nurse Practice Acts

Laws established by states

Regulate licensure and practice in each state

Know your practice- go to California BRN website
and read about your practice: www.rn.ca.gov

Standards of Practice

Describes a competent level of nursing care

Describes a competent level of behavior in the
professional role

See Table 1-2 ANA Standards of Nursing Practice/
page 8-16.

Practice Settings

Hospitals

Health Care Institutions

Community Settings

Occupational Health Settings

Home Health Agencies

Parrish Nursing

Industrial Nursing

Audit Nursing

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 Practice Settings

Functions of the Nurse

Caregivers

Decision Makers

Protectors

Client Advocates

Managers

Rehabilitators

Comforters

Communicators

Teachers

Expanded
Roles of A Nurse

Nurse Educator

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Practitioner

Certified Nurse Midwife

Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse Administrator

Nurse Researcher

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 Nursing as a Profession

Characteristic of a Profession:

Extensive Education

Theoretical Body of Knowledge

Service Orientation

Autonomy in Decision Making

Professional Code of Ethics

Professional Organizations

ANA, CNA, NLN, ICN, CCRN, AORN

Influences on Nursing

Scientific and technological
advances

Changing demographics

Consumer movement

Other movements:

Women’s issues

Human rights

Nurse’s Influence

Political

Nursing involvement increasing

Lobbyists

Health care policies and practice