Scope of Practice NLN: A Comprehensive Guide for Nurses

The National League for Nursing (NLN) is a professional organization for nurses that sets standards for nursing practice. The NLN's Scope of Practice document defines the roles and responsibilities of nurses in all settings. This document is essential reading for all nurses, as it provides a clear understanding of the legal and ethical boundaries of our practice.

This article will provide an overview of the NLN Scope of Practice document, including its history, purpose, and key components. We will also discuss the implications of the NLN Scope of Practice for nurses in various settings.

Scope of Practice (NLN)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	2623 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	35 pages

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History of the NLN Scope of Practice

The NLN first published its Scope of Practice document in 1955. The document has been revised several times since then, most recently in 2018. The current version of the document is based on the most up-to-date evidence and research on nursing practice.

The NLN Scope of Practice document is widely recognized as the authoritative source on nursing scope of practice. It is used by state boards of nursing, healthcare organizations, and educators to define the roles and responsibilities of nurses.

Purpose of the NLN Scope of Practice

The NLN Scope of Practice document has several purposes:

• To define the roles and responsibilities of nurses in all settings
• To provide a framework for nursing education and practice
• To protect the public by ensuring that nurses are practicing within their legal and ethical boundaries

The NLN Scope of Practice document is a valuable resource for nurses at all levels of their career. It can help nurses to understand their roles and responsibilities, to make ethical decisions, and to provide safe and effective care to their patients.

Key Components of the NLN Scope of Practice

The NLN Scope of Practice document is organized into four main sections:

• Definition of Nursing: This section defines nursing as "the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations." This definition emphasizes the holistic nature of nursing and its focus on health promotion and disease prevention.
• Nursing Roles and Responsibilities: This section outlines the roles and responsibilities of nurses in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and schools. It also describes the different levels of nursing practice, from licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
• Ethical and Legal Considerations: This section discusses the ethical and legal principles that guide nursing practice. It includes information on informed consent, patient confidentiality, and end-of-life care.
• Educational Preparation and Continuing Education: This section describes the educational preparation and continuing education requirements for nurses. It also provides information on nursing licensure and certification.

The NLN Scope of Practice document is a comprehensive resource that provides a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of nurses. It is essential reading for all nurses, as it can help us to provide safe and effective care to our patients.

Implications of the NLN Scope of Practice for Nurses

The NLN Scope of Practice document has several implications for nurses in various settings. It can help nurses to:

• Understand their roles and responsibilities
• Make ethical decisions
• Provide safe and effective care to their patients
• Advance their careers

Nurses who are familiar with the NLN Scope of Practice document are more likely to be successful in their careers. They will be able to provide high-quality care to their patients, and they will be able to navigate the complex ethical and legal issues that arise in nursing practice.

The NLN Scope of Practice document is an essential resource for all nurses. It provides a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of nurses in all settings. It is also a valuable tool for nurses who are looking to make ethical decisions, provide safe and effective care to their patients, and advance their careers.

I encourage all nurses to read the NLN Scope of Practice document and to use it as a guide for their practice. By ng so, we can all help to ensure that nurses are providing the highest quality of care to our patients.

References

• National League for Nursing. (2018). Scope of Practice. https://www.nln.org/docs/default-source/nln-membership-documents/membership-positions/scope-of-practice-document.pdf
• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/code-of-ethics-for-nurses/