Introduction
In the ever-changing healthcare industry, healthcare professionals are expected to maintain high professionalism and stay up-to-date with the latest developments. Joining a professional organization such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) is crucial for those pursuing a career in nursing. The ANA advocates for registered nurses throughout the country and offers a variety of resources and benefits, including opportunities for professional development and continuing education. To deliver high-quality patient care, nurses must follow a Code of Ethics that guides their decision-making. This essay will explore the significance of following the nursing profession’s Code of Ethics, the ANA’s role, and the laws and regulations that healthcare professionals should be familiar with to safeguard themselves and their patients.
Main body
However, as a healthcare professional who recently graduated from college with a health-related degree, it is crucial to obtain membership in a professional organization related to my chosen career before starting my job search. The group overseeing the nursing profession is the American Nurses Association (ANA). The ANA is the premier organization that represents the interests of the nation’s 4.2 million registered nurses (Stanford & Connor, 2019). The ANA provides numerous resources and benefits to nurses, such as opportunities for professional growth, networking, and continuing education programs. The Code of Ethics plays a critical role in helping nurses make ethical decisions and maintain high standards of patient care in their practice, research, and education (Stanford & Connor, 2019). It serves as a guide for ethical conduct, ensuring that nurses provide quality care to their patients. The Code of Ethics consists of nine guidelines nurses must follow to maintain ethical behavior.
To become a registered nurse, nurses must take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), a credentialing exam offered by the ANA. When a nurse passes the NCLEX exam, it signifies that they have the essential skills and knowledge required to practice nursing at a minimum level of competency (Stanford & Connor, 2019). State boards of nursing determine the scope of practice for the nursing profession. The scope of practice for nurses is defined by a distinct set of regulations and guidelines that vary from state to state. The size, of course, determines what nurses can and cannot do. This encompasses the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities nurses must possess to carry out their responsibilities competently and safely.
The nursing profession’s Code of Ethics includes various standards of professionalism that nurses must uphold. Nurses must respect every individual’s worth and uniqueness. Furthermore, nurses need to display respect for the unique individuality and inherent worth of every person. Moreover, nurses must uphold integrity by being truthful and providing patients with precise information. Furthermore, they are expected to engage in continuous learning and professional development to deliver the best possible patient care.
If nurses violate their Code of Ethics, they may face disciplinary action, possibly leading to the revocation of their nursing license. Breaching the code can adversely affect patients and diminish the public’s confidence in the nursing profession. Furthermore, apart from federal laws, state-specific regulations may offer extra safeguards for healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals must know federal and state laws relevant to their employment. When interviewing job applicants, employers are permitted by law to ask about their qualifications, work experience, and ability to perform the duties required by the job. Employers must avoid asking questions relating to protected characteristics, including age, race, gender, religion, pregnancy, and disability. Healthcare professionals should be aware of their rights under these laws and advocate for themselves if they believe their rights have been violated.
Conclusion
To summarize, nurses must become members of the American Nurses Association and abide by the Code of Ethics to promote professionalism and ensure they provide patients with quality care. Nurses must also stay informed of federal and state laws related to their employment and speak up for themselves if their rights have been violated. Upholding ethical and legal standards is crucial in nursing to maintain public trust and prioritize patients’ well-being.
Reference
Stanford, C. C., & Connor, V. J. (2019). Applied Law & Ethics for Health Professionals. Jones & Bartlett Learning.