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Scope of Practice for Nurses Essay

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Scope of practice for nurses Table of contents 1. Nursing 2. Scope of practice for nurses 3. Understanding whether a task is within the scope of practice 4. Bibliography Nursing A nurse is a health care professional who cares for ill or disabled individuals, their families and communities ensuring that they attain, maintain or recover optimum health and functioning (Crosta, 2013). There are several kinds of nurses classified depending on their education and experiences. As an example, • In the UK Nurses are classified as: o first level nurse o second level nurse o specialist nurse o manager • In the United States nurses are classified as: o licensed practical nurses (LPNs) o registered nurses (RNs) o …show more content…

It is important to know that the task a nurse performs is within the scope of practice. So that a nurse can perform his/her task in a permitted way safely. According to the ICN (International Council of Nurses), “Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. Nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people. Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management, and education are also key nursing roles” (ICN 2010) This statement clearly defines the scope of practice of a nurse. But in the field of nursing there are several kinds of care givers. It includes registered nurses, midwives, licensed practitioner nurses, enrolled nurses and nurse assistants. The scopes of practice for these care givers are not so common. The scope of practice depends on their education qualification and experience which are well defined by the governing bodies. Some areas in the scope of practice of a nurse according to Queensland nursing council are, • Giving direct care, including assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care • Coordinating care and supervising others • Leading, managing • Teaching, education, health promotion and counseling • Undertaking research • Developing health, nursing and midwifery policy Above mentioned

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