Questions and Answers
What is health?
A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
What does licensure mean in nursing?
To be given a license to practice nursing in a state or province after successfully meeting requirements.
What is the Nursing Practice Act?
The law that defines and regulates the practice of nursing in the United States.
What is nursing?
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What is the science of nursing?
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What is the art of nursing?
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What are the five steps of the nursing process?
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What is reciprocity in nursing?
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What are standards in nursing?
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Who is Florence Nightingale?
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What contributions did Clara Barton make to nursing?
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What are the aims of nursing?
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What are the four essential competencies for nurses?
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What is meant by evidence-based practice in nursing?
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What is independent nursing practice?
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What does the acronym LPN stand for?
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What does RN stand for?
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What is the role of professional nursing organizations?
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Study Notes
Health and Nursing Definitions
- Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
- Licensure: a legal requirement to practice nursing after meeting specific criteria in a state or province.
- Nursing Practice Act: legislation that regulates nursing practice across the U.S.
Nursing Practice Concepts
- Nursing encompasses the holistic care of individuals and emphasizes prevention of illness and maintenance of health.
- The science of nursing refers to the knowledge base guiding care delivery.
- The art of nursing involves applying that knowledge skillfully to enhance patient quality of life.
Nursing Process
- A systematic problem-solving method tailored to individual client care consists of five steps: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Historical Context of Nursing
- Early beliefs attributed illness to supernatural causes, with roles divided between physicians and maternal caregivers.
- Nursing roles evolved, with deaconesses in early Christianity providing organized care.
- The 16th century saw women with criminal backgrounds becoming nurses, impacting the profession's reputation.
Influential Figures in Nursing
- Florence Nightingale revolutionized nursing in the 19th century, emphasizing patient needs, establishing training schools, and writing about healthcare.
- Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross and served as a Union Army nurse during the Civil War.
- Lillian Wald is recognized as the founder of public health nursing.
- Dorothea Dix advocated for mentally ill patients, leading to the creation of asylums.
- Isabel Hampton Robb advanced nursing education and established important policies for nursing schools.
- Mary Elizabeth Mahoney was the first African American nurse to graduate from nursing school.
- Lavina Dock was active in women's suffrage in addition to her nursing leadership.
Nursing Aims and Competencies
- Key aims include promoting health, preventing illness, restoring health, and facilitating coping with disability or death.
- Essential competencies for nurses include cognitive, technical, interpersonal, and ethical/legal skills.
Trends in Nursing
- Community-based nursing focuses on individual or family healthcare in diverse environments.
- The nursing shortage is a significant concern, with projections estimating a need for an additional 800,000 nurses by 2020.
- There is a rising prevalence of chronic health conditions affecting care delivery and patient education.
- Cultural competence is crucial in ensuring supportive care for diverse populations.
Professional Nursing Organizations
- The American Nurses Association (ANA) advocates for nurses and sets standards for practice.
- National League for Nursing (NLN) focuses on developing nursing services and education.
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) establishes educational standards and oversees nursing program accreditation.
Standards of Nursing Practice
- Standards define responsibilities of nurses, protect their role, and ensure quality and ethical care in nursing.
- Nursing interventions should be evidence-based, rooted in solid scientific rationale.
Nursing Education and Licensure
- LPNs provide care under supervision, while RNs require an associate's, diploma, or baccalaureate program background and must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Continuing education is necessary for professional development and maintaining licensure.
- In-service training helps RNs improve skills and learn new technologies.
Ethical and Legal Aspects
- Nurses are accountable for ethical conduct, demonstrating accountability and advocacy for patients’ rights.
- The Nursing Practice Act outlines the scope and requirements for professional nursing practice in each state.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards from Nursing Fundamentals Chapter 1. This set covers essential terms and definitions that are fundamental to nursing practice, including concepts of health, licensure, and nursing regulations. Perfect for nursing students looking to enhance their understanding.