DNP 840 Discuss two bills or laws that influence nursing practice, one at the federal level and one at the state level Re: Topic 4 DQ 1

DNP 840 Discuss two bills or laws that influence nursing practice, one at the federal level and one at the state level

Re: Topic 4 DQ 1

Nurses provide diverse patient care and bring expert knowledge into the healthcare arena serving in various specialties promoting health and serving humanity. Comprising the largest group in the healthcare system, Nurses take pride in delivering high standards of care while maintaining respect and dignity to all patients regardless of background and origin which earns the public trust in nurses. Considering the complexity of the healthcare system, newer technologies, and diseases encountered routinely at various job locations as was recently experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses need support to continue providing excellent services. The Nurses Bill of Rights adopted by the American Nurses Association on June 26, 2001, is a very instrumental support for nurses for promoting safe and high standards of care to patients. The bill suggests full authority for nurses to practice at the top of their license, credentials, and professional standards without barriers, and in a manner that fulfills their obligations to society, patients, and communities. Continuous access to training, education, and professional development, as well as pathways for nurses to be recognized as leaders and in roles to direct shared decision-making on nursing practice, resources, staffing concerns, and patient safety issues.  Work and practice in environments that ensure respect, inclusivity, diversity, and equity with leaders who are committed to dismantling systemic racism and addressing racist behaviors that negatively impact nurses of color. Just care settings that facilitate ethical nursing practice, standards, and care in accordance with the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Safe work environments that prioritize and protect nurses’ well-being and provide support, resources, and tools to stay psychologically and physically whole. Freedom for nurses to advocate for their patients and raise legitimate concerns about their own personal safety without the fear of retribution, retaliation, intimidation, termination, and ostracization. Competitive compensation is consistent with nurses’ clinical knowledge, experience, and professional responsibilities and recognizes the value and rigor of nursing practice. Collective and individual rights for nurses to negotiate terms, wages, and work conditions of their employment in all practice settings.

The Texas RN delegation rules Title 22 Part 11, chapter 217 Rule 217.11 (3)(B)  revised on 2/19/2015 guides the licensed Registered Nurse delegation authority over an unlicensed person. The delegation to unlicensed personnel will be in compliance with Chapter 224 of this title, relating to clients with acute conditions or in acute care environments, and Chapter 225 of this title, relating to independent living environments for clients with stable and predictable conditions. The RN assesses the health needs of the patient and makes an informed decision for the best outcomes for the patient. The RN determines the right task, the right person for the task, and the circumstance, provides supervision, and disseminates the information necessary. Combining these two laws would be influential for well-coordinated quality patient care.

Reference

American Nurses Association (n.d.) Nurses Bill of Rights. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/bill-of-rights/

Texas Board of Nursing (2018). Practice – Delegation Resource Packet. Retrieved from https://www.bon.texas.gov/practice_delegation_resource_packet.asp.html