Posted: June 14th, 2023
Nursing practice is regulated
In Florida, nursing practice is regulated by the Florida Nurse Practice Act and the Florida Board of Nursing. The ultimate goal of these regulations is to ensure safe and professional nursing care for patients. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the Florida Nurse Practice Act, the Florida Board of Nursing, and their impact on nursing practice in Florida.
The Florida Nurse Practice Act
The Florida Nurse Practice Act is a framework that outlines the standards of practice for nurses in Florida. It serves as a guide for nursing practice and provides a legal basis for regulating the nursing profession. The act defines nursing as “the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health problems.” It also establishes the scope of practice for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses.
The act outlines the duties and responsibilities of nurses, including assessing patient needs, developing care plans, administering medications, and providing patient education. It also requires nurses to maintain a high standard of ethical conduct and to practice within the limits of their competence.
The Florida Board of Nursing
The Florida Board of Nursing is the regulatory body that oversees the practice of nursing in Florida. It is responsible for enforcing the Florida Nurse Practice Act and ensuring that nurses are qualified and maintain standards of practice. The board is composed of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses.
The board’s responsibilities include reviewing and approving nursing education programs, issuing nursing licenses, investigating complaints against nurses, and taking disciplinary action when necessary. The board also has the authority to set standards for nursing practice and to establish rules and regulations for the nursing profession.
The Impact on Nursing Practice
The Florida Nurse Practice Act and the Florida Board of Nursing have a significant impact on nursing practice in Florida. These regulations ensure that nurses are qualified and competent to provide safe and effective care to patients. They also provide a legal framework for nursing practice and establish standards of practice that must be followed.
The standards of professional nursing practice include nurse competency in the nursing process, ethics, communication, and education. These standards are reflected in the daily practice of nurses on the unit. For example, there are standardized rules for patient assessments, medication reconciliation, and physician communication regarding standardized orders. In addition, nurses are tested and checked off bi-annually or annually for competencies in skill and knowledge, and mandatory education is enforced quarterly.
The Florida Nurse Practice Act and the Florida Board of Nursing are essential for ensuring patient safety and quality of care. Without these regulations, patients may receive care from unqualified or incompetent nurses, which could result in serious harm or even death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Florida Nurse Practice Act and the Florida Board of Nursing are crucial for regulating nursing practice in Florida. These regulations ensure that nurses are qualified and maintain standards of practice that are necessary for safe and effective patient care. Nurses must abide by these regulations to maintain their licenses and practice nursing in Florida. The standards of professional nursing practice, including nurse competency in the nursing process, ethics, communication, and education, are essential for evaluating nurse performance and achieving successful patient outcomes.
References
Grand Canyon University. (2022). Standards of Professional Nursing Practice. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs430vn/standards-of-professional-nursing-practice/v1.1/
Toney-Butler, T. J., & Martin, P. (2023). The Nurse Practice Act: A Framework for Safe and Professional Nursing Care. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 13(1), 45-50.
Florida Board of Nursing. (n.d.). About the Board of Nursing. Retrieved from https://floridasnursing.gov/about-the-board-of-nursing/
Florida Board of Nursing. (n.d.). Florida Nurse Practice Act and Administrative Rules. Retrieved from https://floridasn