Nursing: Art and Science

• Nursing is an accountable discipline guided by science, theory, a code of ethics, and the art of care and comfort in response to health and illness.
• Nursing is both an art and a science.

Nursing as an Art

• Defined as a skill acquired through study and practice.
• It involves practical knowledge on how to achieve specific results.
• It encompasses compassion, caring, and effective communication, as cited by Palos in 2014.
• It is about caring for both sick and well individuals, utilizing dynamic skills and methods to aid in recovery, health promotion, and maintenance.
• Involves creatively applying knowledge to serve others.

Nursing as a Science

• It is a structured body of knowledge based on carefully collected and classified facts to establish principles and laws.
• Requires a strong educational foundation and a deep understanding of human behavior.
• Is degree qualified
• Demands skill and knowledge
• Is professional
• Requires competency

Roles and Responsibilities of Enrolled Nurses (ENs) and Registered Nurses (RNs)

Education and Licensing

• ENs complete a 1-2 year diploma or certificate program and must pass a licensing exam.
• RNs require a bachelor’s degree in nursing, completed in 3-4 years, and must pass a national licensure exam.

Scope of Practice

• ENs provide basic care under the supervision of an RN, including monitoring vital signs and assisting with daily activities.
• RNs perform broader duties, which include conducting physical exams, developing care plans, and supervising ENs.

Clinical Responsibilities

• ENs handle routine care and less complex procedures.
• RNs perform complex tasks such as administering IV medications and conducting advanced assessments.

Leadership and Management

• ENs have limited leadership roles, potentially overseeing junior staff.
• RNs often take on leadership roles, such as charge nurse and unit manager, and are involved in policy and administration.

Health Ethics

• Autonomy: Respecting patients' rights to make their own health choices.
• Justice: Treating all individuals fairly and ensuring equitable access to healthcare.
• Beneficence: Doing good and acting in the best interest of patients.
• Veracity: Being honest and truthful with patients.
• Fidelity: Maintaining promises and loyalty to patients.
• Non-maleficence: Avoiding harm to patients.

Legal Limits of Nursing

• The legal limits of nursing are boundaries set by laws and regulations that dictate the scope of professional nursing practice, ensuring patient safety, maintaining professional standards, and protecting the public.
• Scope of Practice: Defined by state or national laws, outlining the duties and procedures nurses can legally perform based on their education and licensure.
• Licensure: Nurses must hold a valid and current license; practicing without one is against the law.
• Delegation: Nurses can delegate tasks to other healthcare personnel if the tasks are within the delegatee's scope of practice and competence.
• Documentation: Nurses must maintain accurate and thorough patient care records; incomplete or falsified documentation can lead to legal consequences.
• Confidentiality: Nurses must protect patient privacy and confidentiality under the law.
• Informed Consent: Nurses must ensure patients understand and agree to treatments/procedures. Performing procedures without informed consent can lead to legal action.