Foundation of Professional Nursing: Quiz

Foundation of Professional Nursing

History of Nursing

The origin of nursing is difficult to trace precisely. Nevertheless, nursing's historical basis lies in the moral actions of early healers who dedicated themselves to serving humanity. As the field evolved, universal principles such as respect for life, dignity, and human rights became inherent in nursing practice. Nursing is unrestricted by factors like nationality, race, religion, age, gender, class, or political affiliation, and it exists to promote health, prevent illness, restore health, and alleviate suffering.

Role of a Nurse

The role of a nurse is multifaceted, primarily revolving around promoting health, preventing illness, restoring health, and relieving suffering. They act in accordance with their professional responsibilities and standards, advocate for a practice environment that supports safe, competent, and ethical care, and uphold the values, customs, and spiritual beliefs of individuals. Additionally, nurses are expected to maintain competence through ongoing learning and maintain the highest standards of nursing care. They share responsibility with society for initiating and supporting measures to address societal health concerns.

Nursing Theories

Nursing theories offer a rationale for nursing interventions and provide the knowledge necessary for nursing practice. They generate further knowledge and suggest directions for nursing development. Theories help create a sense of identity for nurses, guiding their interactions with patients, managers, and other healthcare professionals. They aid researchers in framing and conducting their studies, and help inform evidence-based practice. Nursing theories also serve as a basis for nursing education and training programs.

Ethical Principles in Nursing

Nurses follow codes of ethics that go beyond legal standards to guide their professional actions. The ICN Code of Ethics emphasizes respect for human life, dignity, rights, and integrity while addressing societal responsibilities in care provision. Adherence to the code is crucial for maintaining trust between nurses and their clients, ensuring public protection, and fostering self-regulation within the profession.

Nursing Education

The foundation of professional nursing education has evolved over time, integrating scientific knowledge from various disciplines to inform nursing practice. Historically, Florence Nightingale believed nursing to be both a science and an art, focusing on the whole individual (mind, body, and spirit). Today's nursing education includes liberal arts components to develop intellectual abilities and foster understanding of oneself and others. It provides students with the foundational skills necessary to become independent, intellectually curious, socially responsible practitioners who can make ethical decisions and translate evidence into practice.