The Importance Of Professional Practice In Nursing

In the past nursing practice was identified as an art or a calling, by Florence Nightingale, “where patient had to be put at the best condition possible in order for the nature to take place upon them” (LaSala, 2009), however at present one does not merely become a registered nurse (RN) or keep the registration as a Registered nurse, after undergoing 3 years of higher education at degree level (Jacob, Sellick, & McKenna, 2012), present registered nurses must demonstrate competence to provide necessary care, as specified in relevant Legislations and National board standards of the said country or state, in accordance with educational preparation received, whilst maintaining competence to provide continual care by maintaining standards through

This frame work assists nurses to deliver competent and safe care. National competency Standards can also be utilized as a framework to assess nurses that maybe involved in matters of professional conduct. Professional practice is the first domain of National Competency Standards of Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council, this includes and relates to legal, ethical and professional responsibilities registered nurses are bound to. Professional practice is demonstrated through a sound knowledge base, practicing accordance with legislation and being accountable for his/her own practice (Pardey,

At present a nurse is considered as a member of a profession, therefore they are held legally accountable and could be struck off the professional register for any unprofessional conduct (Tilley & Watson, 2008). Accountability in nursing practice come from within the practice itself. Nurses are expected to accept accountability and responsibility, during patient care, delegating tasks to staff, teaching, research and for own learning and development. Adaptability, problem solving skills and confidence lead to a sense of accountability in nurses which in turn will instigate, better patient outcomes (Ruhs, 2013). Literature review of Krautscheid states 19 of the cited articles looked at 4 main areas in accountability, these were nurses being accountable for their lifelong learning, upholding standards of the profession through good nursing practice, quality patient care and their omissions. Nursing Midwifery council of the United Kingdom describes good nursing practice as putting service users first and providing safe and effective care whilst promoting trust through professionalism (Nursing Midwifery Council, 2015) . If a nurse, state is unsure of their practice or is unable to control the results or outcome of his/her nursing practice or cannot fully commit to be accountable they demonstrate lack of accountability in their practice