A nurse working on a medical-surgical unit wants to ensure care is provided within the standard of nursing care. Which actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply

Question

A) Analyze the position description.
B) Review and become familiar with the policy and procedure manual.
C) Question the value of collaborating with other disciplines.
D) Ensure the nursing process steps are practiced.
E) Adhere to national standards of practice and care.

Answer 1

Answer: A, B, D, E

The nurse's specific job description will contribute to defining the standard of care. Employers can limit but not expand the scope of practice and the nurse will be held to functioning within the scope of employment. Agency policies and procedures serve in defining the standard of care. A primary source for defining the standard of care is the prevailing national nursing standards. Nurses who follow national standards of practice and standards of care will provide their clients with the best care possible and be far less likely to commit any unintentional act that may rise to the level of malpractice. A competent nurse will adhere to the steps of the nursing process. In addition to the steps of the nursing process, nurses are expected to demonstrate competence within multiple areas of their professional role, including collaboration with the entire care team.