Research Paper on Nursing Theory, Roles and Values

Introduction

Professional clinical practice is enhanced through an effective collaboration of scientifically validated theory, scientific-based research, and nursing practice (Clark, 2010). The nursing history has been characterized by the emergence of numerous nursing figures which led to the evolution of professional nursing ethics and ethos. This research paper discusses the influence of nursing theory, nursing ethics, and professional accountability on the professional nursing practice.

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The Science of Unitary Human Beings Theory

Nursing theory avails a basis from which the roles and functions of the nursing profession operate. As such, the theory defines the relationship between the nurses, the client and the external environment (Cherry & Jacob, 2016). There are many nursing theories, but the Science of Unitary Human Beings nursing theory has greatly impacted on my nursing practice. Researcher Martha E. Rogers developed the theory in 1970, and it emphasizes the totality of human beings in manifesting qualities distinct from the whole system. Rogers nursing theory stipulates that nursing focuses on scientific research as the basic identity of the nurses (Poles & Bousso, 2011). The individuals interrelate reciprocally and continuously with the external environment which plays a significant role in nursing. As unique beings, humans are constantly changing the external environment in varied ways. According to the theory, the main objective of the nursing sector is to promote health and the well-being of all the people.

The Science of Unitary Human Beings theory is relevant to clinical practice in various ways (Cherry & Jacob, 2016). The theory focuses on the patients` wholeness. According to Rogers, patients cannot be reduced to various parts but must be considered wholly. The patient and the environment are integral components. The Rogers theory describes, explains, and further prescribes measures pertaining to nursing care practice supported by elaborate scientific research. Rogers viewed health as a lifelong process and that diseases and health encompasses the patients` life. Rogers formulates that the nurses should mainly focus on two pillars namely; patients pain management, supportive psychotherapy for rehabilitation purposes. According to the Science of Unitary Human Beings nursing theory, the interrelationship between the surroundings enhances nurses` integrity and creativity thereby promoting effective nursing professionalism.

Historical Nursing Figures

Nurses change the lives of ordinary persons and health sectors of different countries. During the 19th and 20th century, various nurses changed the United States health sector and the world at large. The nurses include Florence Nightingale and Margaret Sanger (Kahan, 2014). Nurse Florence Nightingale played significant roles in the improvement of sanitation programs during the Crimean War. The improvements in sanitation led to increased medical personnel training during the war era. Her noble activities contributed to the establishment of the Army Medical College, Nightingale School, and Home for Nurses. Florence Nightingale initiated evidence-based nursing and statistical nursing analysis.

Nurse Margaret Sanger was initially a nurse who worked for the vulnerable groups in southern regions of New York City (Kahan, 2014). While on duty, she noted that unplanned pregnancies were common among the underprivileged groups. The unplanned pregnancies led to several negative health and social issues. As a result, she left the active nursing practice to promote family planning education. Margaret Sanger started promoting birth control methods particularly the use of birth control measures. Her contributions in population control endeavors led to the formation of an international organization, the World Population Conference in 1927. The success of her activities led to the formation of the Planned Parenthood Federation which was established in 1942.

Nursing Regulatory Bodies

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is an organization that was formed in 1911 to develop effective service delivery and protect the discipline of the nursing profession in the U.S (Clark, 2010). The Organization was founded by Isabel Hampton Rob to enhance nursing professionalism in the U.S. The ANA code of ethics has several provisions such as sole commitment to the patient and responsibility, and accountability for individual nursing practice. In case of nursing errors such as clinical setting, the nurse should strive to preserve integrity to enhance personal and career growth.

The State Board of Nursing is a nursing sector licensing body in each of the American states (Kahan, 2014). The institution certifies and regulates the nursing care of all professional nurses and dietetics in the specific state. The Board performs various roles such as issuing licenses and certificates to qualified medical personnel, approves nursing educational curricula. The state board of nursing is mandated to set the standards of professional nursing practice. Disciplinary functions are also carried out by the institution. The State Board of Nursing disciplines the unlicensed medical practitioners and the violators of the Medical Acts and regulations.

In Pennsylvania, renewal of nursing license undergoes a special digitalized process. After verification of academic and professional documents, the applicant is issued with a Prescriptive Authority Approval Number in a digitalized format (Kahan, 2014). The applicant waits for 10 to 14 days to get a renewed license in the electronic mail. The Nursing Pennsylvania Licensing Board discourages the use of hard copies to ease verification process and for employers to receive recent data. The prefix NPA precedes the identification number. The new system enables verification of the license data by the relevant stakeholders such as employers and members of the public. The status of the license and its expiration date can be verified using the new system. Failure to have appropriate nursing licenses in Pennsylvania entails prosecution in the law courts, and if offenders are found guilty, they are fined or jailed for a given duration depending on the severity of the offense.

Nurses use multiple state licenses to operate in compact states (Clark, 2010). Currently, there are twenty-five compact states in the U.S. Multiple state licenses cannot be used in non-compact states. Various states in America enacted a treaty to allow licensed nurses residing in a member state to practice nursing in any other signatory member state without obtaining extra documents. The agreement that permits registered and practical nurses to work in other states is known as the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). It should be observed that permanent migration to a new compact state dictates acquisition of a new nursing license in the new residential state between the member states. Also, compact states do not recognize license obtained in a state that is not ones' area of residence.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services

The Food and drug administration is an American institution responsible for effective control and supervision of public health. FDA achieves its mission through proper control of food and allied products safety such as all tobacco products and dietary supplements (Cherry & Jacob, 2016). The Food and drug administration guarantees the protection of drugs and medical appliances. The organization enhances proper health for all the people.

Medicare is a social insurance program administered by the United States federal government and funded by taxes, and premiums paid by the beneficiaries (Poles & Bousso, 2011). Medicare was enacted in the U.S in 2003 after the passage of the Medicare Modernization Act. The legislation became effective on January 1, 2006. The policy replaced the services initially offered by bodies such as Medigap Plans, Medicare drug discount cards, and another stakeholder. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid services started covering the expenses of prescribed drugs which are self-administered.

As a patient advocate in promoting safety, the professional nurse should advise patients seeking alternative therapy the side effects of such medication and inform them that the alternative medicine is based on quackery and poor scientific research (Clark, 2010). The patient should be enlightened on the most appropriate personalized treatment program that meets the particular motives of the patients` recovery objectives. Successful therapy should lead to long-term health and quick recovery.

Purposes of the Nurse Practice Act in Pennsylvania

The nursing practice is based on the State Nurse Practice Act and the state rules and regulations (Kahan, 2014). The Act stipulates the legal aspects of nursing and the penalties for defaulters. The Act is aimed at enhancing professionalization in the nursing sector. The Purposes of the Nurse Practice Act in Pennsylvania stresses the significance of nursing professional ethics and ethos.

The Nurse as a Scientist, a Detective and as Environmental Manager

Nurses are key to health care research (Kahan, 2014). Nurses should pursue interdisciplinary courses across several healthcare fields. The nurse uses the prior nursing experience to identify anticipated scheme of the well-being to overcome or control adverse results. As a manager of the healing environment, the nurse takes care of individuals, families, and societies for them to acquire life quality.

Nursing Leadership

The nurse is a leader in the healing environment (Cherry & Jacob, 2016). Effective nursing leaders are knowledgeable, transformational, passionate and inspirational. They aim at the best for the institution, the clients, and the other nurses. The nurse is a leader at the bedside and must set clear goals well explained to the patient. Teamwork encourages positive outcomes. The nature of work environment determines the type of nursing leadership and the decision-making process. Conducive nursing environment implies effective career growth and development for the nurses.

Conclusion

The nursing theory defines the relationship between the nurses, their clients, and the external world in general. The historical figures contributed greatly to the evolution of nursing theories which led to growth and development of the nursing profession. To sum up, the nursing concepts and theories shape the form of professional clinical practice. Furthermore, nursing ethics and ethos assist in the advancement of nursing professionalization and accountability.

References

Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2016). Contemporary nursing: Issues, trends, & management. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Clark, J. (2010). Defining the concept of dignity and developing a model to promote its use in practice. Nurs Times, 106(20), 16-9.

Kahan, R., (2014), Medicare Demystified: A physician helps you time money, and frustrations, Creatspace Independent Publishing Platform.

Poles, K., & Szylit Bousso, R. (2011). Dignified death: concept development involving nurses and doctors in pediatric intensive care units. Nursing ethics, 18(5), 694-709.