Standards Of Nursing Practice

Standards of nursing practice are defined by the ANA as “authoritative statements of the duties of all registered nurses, regardless of role, population, or specialty, are expected to perform competently” (Masters, 2017, p. 382). It is these standards that are used to determine if there is sufficient cause to pursue a malpractice suit. Standards of care frequently used in courts are statutes, agency regulations, accreditation standards, facility documents, manufacturer’s instructions, nursing literature, and expert testimony. Statutes are legal rules that direct certain behaviors. Different states have different rules that can have an effect on standards of care. Documents such as an organizations policies and procedures, in addition

Two of these elements include duty owed to the patient and breach of the duty owed to the patient. Duty owed to the patient is the expected standard of care to be delivered. If the standard of care was not adhered to, it is considered to have been breached. Additionally, it must be proven that the patient suffered an injury or harm as a result of said breach. Other elements include foreseeability, causation, and damages. Foreseeability is the reasonable assumption that injury occurred because of the nurse’s actions or inaction. Causation is the ability to prove that the injury was the result of the conduct by the nurse. “Damages may be awarded in one or more of four categories: general damages, special damages, emotional damages, and punitive or exemplary damages” (Masters, 2017, p.

Nurse leaders can take a lesson from Steve in the importance of taking care of one’s self and role modeling that behavior to the caregivers they support. In doing so, it will increase enthusiasm, engagement, and the willingness to participate in projects and process improvements, leading to better patient outcomes and overall safety. In turn, igniting the spirit of others. Caregivers will have overall satisfaction in their work and an increased pride in what they are doing. Work satisfaction can extend to an overall sense of well-being and better ability to manage the stresses of healthcare and everyday life. Learning how to manage stressors is important in the work that caregivers do. It can improve attentiveness and help avoid rest and sleep disturbances which can have negative