Chapter 2
Beginning Your Nursing Career
Healthcare: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Types of Nursing Programs
(Certified) Nurses Aide (CNA)
Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Advanced Practice Nurse or Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Basic Education
Registered Nurses (RNs):
2-year program leading to associate’s degree (AD-RN)/Technical Nurse
3-year program affiliated with community and state colleges that grant college credits
4-year program in a college or university that leads to a baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree in nursing
Practical Nurses (LPNs/LVNs):
12 to 18 months of full-time study
Responsibilities
Registered Nurses:
care for the acutely ill and assist in surgery
teach professional and practical nursing students
manage personnel and take charge in various healthcare settings
Practical Nurses:
provide nursing care
work under the supervision of an RN or MD
Question
A nurse who receives additional training in a specialized field such as pediatrics or maternity is referred
to as ________.
a. Licensed Practical Nurse
b. Registered Nurse
c. Licensed Vocational Nurse
d. Advance Practice Nurse
e. Certified Nurses Aide
Answer
d. Advance Practice Nurse
An Advance Practice Nurse or a Nurse Practitioner is a Registered Nurse (RN) who receives additional
training in a specialized field such as pediatrics or maternity.
A Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse works under the supervision of an RN.
A Certified Nurses Aide provides basic nursing care in a long-term care facility.
Licensure of Nurses
Licensing laws or Nurse Practice Acts:
Protect the public from unqualified workers
Establish standards for the profession
Differentiate between a qualified and an unqualified worker
Nurses must know and understand the licensing laws and the state’s Nurse Practice Act specific to their
level of licensing.
Licensure of Nurses (cont’d)
NCLEX
National Council’s Licensure Examination for graduates from an approved nursing program
Mandatory Licensure
Designates the functions, duties, and responsibilities of the nurse and use of the title “nurse” in the
particular state.
Permissive Licensure
Practicing nursing without a license
Licensure of Nurses (cont’d)
Endorsement
It is a form of agreement between states, particularly state licensing agencies.
Reciprocity
It is a type of recognition of previous education and experience.
Nurse's Pledge
The pledge serves as a guide for nursing practice.
RNs recite the Florence Nightingale Pledge.
LPNs recite the Practical Nurse’s Pledge.
Nurses are expected to
practice ethically and conduct themselves appropriately
accept responsibilities within the role delineated by licensure
Theories of Nursing
A theoretical framework provides a reason and a purpose for nursing actions.
Natural-Healing theory by Florence Nightingale
Independent-Functioning theory by Virginia Henderson
Self-Care theory by Dorothea Orem
Adaptation theory by Sister Callista Roy
Systems theory by Betty Neuman
Contemporary Nursing Roles
Question
A nurse obtaining informed consent from the client is performing the duties of a nurse as a ________.
a. teacher
b. leader
c. communicator
d. team member
e. client advocate
Answer
e. client advocate
As a client advocate the nurse helps clients understand their rights and responsibilities. They explain
details about procedures, so clients are able to give informed consent.
As a team member the nurse works in cooperation with other members of the healthcare team. The
nurse teaches the client and family about illness and healthcare. The nurse communicates with other
healthcare team members by documenting client care and maintaining reports. As a leader, the nurse
motivates clients to achieve important goals.
The Nurse’s Image
Nurses need to
project a professional image
show respect for all
follow general practices of good grooming
wear washable uniforms with their nametag
maintain maximum levels of safety, hygiene, and protection for clients and self
maintain optimal health
Role of Nursing Organizations
To provide professional forums
To offer continuing education opportunities
To enable network with peers
To influence healthcare, nursing, and public policy legislation
Nursing Organizations
National nursing organizations usually have state affiliates. Some of the national nursing organizations
are:
NAPNES
NFLPN
NLN
HOSA
ANA
International Council of Nursing
Question
Is the following statement true or false?
The American Nurses Association is an organization whose membership is composed of LPNs.
Answer
False
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is an organization whose membership is composed of RNs. It
considers itself the voice of professional nursing in the United States.
The National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES) focus on the professional
practice, licensure, and education of LPNs/LVNs.
End of Presentation