Midterm study guide (prof.issue) (1).docx

**MIDTERM (PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN NURSING)** 1. **Nursing Standards and Regulations:** These are the rules and guidelines that govern nursing practice, ensuring that nurses provide safe and effective care. They include state laws, professional standards, and ethical codes. 2. **Evid...

**MIDTERM (PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN NURSING)** 1. **Nursing Standards and Regulations:** These are the rules and guidelines that govern nursing practice, ensuring that nurses provide safe and effective care. They include state laws, professional standards, and ethical codes. 2. **Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare:** This involves using current research and data to make informed clinical decisions. It ensures that patient care is based on the best available evidence. 3. **Professionalism in Nursing:** This encompasses the behaviors and attitudes expected of nurses, including ethical practice, accountability, integrity, and commitment to continuous learning. 4. **Nursing Education and Training:** This covers the educational pathways and ongoing training required for nurses to maintain competency and stay updated with advancements in healthcare. 5. **Nursing Perception and Challenges:** This refers to how the public views the nursing profession and the various challenges nurses face, such as workload, stress, and workplace conditions. 6. **Nursing Leadership and Advocacy:** 7. **Nursing Recognition and Excellence:** Acknowledging and rewarding outstanding contributions and achievements in the nursing field. 8. **Research Literacy in Nursing:** The ability of nurses to understand, interpret, and apply research findings to improve patient care 9. **Quality Improvement in Healthcare:** Initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of patient care through systematic efforts to improve processes and outcomes. 10. **Nursing Roles (Midwifery, Practitioner, Anesthetist, Clinical Nurse Specialist):** Specialized roles within nursing that require advanced education and training, each with specific responsibilities and expertise areas. 11. **Nursing Shortage Impact:** The effects of a shortage of nurses on healthcare delivery, including increased workloads, burnout, and potential declines in patient care quality. 12. **Medical Technology Knowledge in Nursing:** Proficiency in using healthcare technologies, such as electronic health records, medical devices, and telehealth systems 13. **Nursing Job Satisfaction and Burnout:** Factors that influence job satisfaction among nurses and strategies to prevent burnout, which can affect both personal well-being and patient care 14. **Vulnerable Populations in Healthcare:** Addressing the unique needs of at-risk groups, such as the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with chronic illnesses 15. **Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Role and Shortage:** The roles of non-licensed support staff, such as nursing assistants, and the challenges posed by shortages in these positions. 16. **Cultural Competence and Awareness in Healthcare:** Providing care that respects and is responsive to the cultural and linguistic needs of patients 17. **Health Disparities in Healthcare:** Efforts to address and reduce inequalities in health outcomes among different population groups. 18. **RN Staffing Impact on Patient Care:** How the number of registered nurses affects patient outcomes, including safety and quality of care. 19. **Nursing Overtime Pay Regulations:** Laws and regulations governing overtime compensation for nurses, aimed at ensuring fair pay and preventing excessive work hours. 20. **Staffing Ratios Impact on Nursing Quality:** The effect of nurse-to-patient ratios on the quality of care provided, with lower ratios generally leading to better outcomes. 21. **Healthy Workplace Initiatives:** Programs and policies designed to promote a healthy and supportive work environment for nurses. 22. **Negative Work Behaviors in Healthcare:** Addressing unprofessional conduct, such as bullying or harassment, to maintain a positive work culture. 23. **Social Media Risks and Responsible Use in Nursing:** Navigating the use of social media professionally, avoiding risks such as breaches of patient confidentiality. 24. **Quality and Safety Education in Nursing:** Training programs focused on improving the quality and safety of patient care. **25.Medical Errors and Medication Error Prevention:** Strategies to reduce errors in healthcare, particularly those related to medication administration. 25. **CMS Role in Patient Safety:** The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services\' involvement in promoting patient safety through regulations and initiatives. 26. **IOM National Goal for Medical Errors:** The Institute of Medicine\'s objectives for reducing medical errors and improving patient safety. 27. **Joint Commission\'s Role in Patient Safety:** The accreditation body\'s role in setting standards and evaluating healthcare organizations to ensure patient safety. 28. **Adverse Events in Healthcare:** Managing and preventing negative incidents that harm patients, such as infections or surgical complications. **30. Current Nursing Shortage Characteristics** - Aging Workforce: A significant portion of the nursing workforce is nearing retirement age, leading to a large number of nurses leaving the profession. - Increased Demand: The aging population requires more healthcare services, increasing the demand for nurses. - Burnout and Job Dissatisfaction: High levels of stress, burnout, and job dissatisfaction contribute to nurses leaving the profession. - Educational Bottlenecks: Limited capacity in nursing schools, due to faculty shortages and insufficient clinical placement opportunities, restricts the number of new nurses entering the field. - Geographic Disparities: Rural and underserved areas often face more severe shortages compared to urban centers. **31. Nurse Retention Strategies** - Competitive Compensation: Offering attractive salaries and benefits packages to make nursing positions more appealing. - Professional Development: Providing opportunities for continuing education, certifications, and career advancement to keep nurses engaged and motivated. - Supportive Work Environment: Creating a positive work culture that includes strong leadership, effective communication, and recognition of nurses\' contributions. - Adequate Staffing Levels: Ensuring sufficient staffing to reduce workload stress and prevent burnout. - Mentorship Program: Pairing less experienced nurses with seasoned mentors to provide guidance and support. - Work-Life Balance: Implementing flexible scheduling options and promoting policies that help nurses balance their professional and personal lives. - Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledging and rewarding excellence in nursing practice through awards, bonuses, and public recognition. **32. Scope of Practice for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)** - Basic Patient Care: Tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and assisting with mobility. - Vital Signs Monitoring: Taking and recording vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration rates. - Patient Comfort: Ensuring patients are comfortable, which may involve repositioning them, changing bed linens, and providing emotional support. - Hygiene and Sanitation: Maintaining cleanliness in patient areas and ensuring proper hygiene practices. - Documentation: Recording basic patient information and reporting any changes or concerns to licensed nursing staff.