Running head: SCOPE AND STANDARDS

American Nurses Association Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice

Jason Conk
Ferris State University

SCOPE AND STANDARDS

American Nurses Association Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is a professional organization that is
responsible for developing the scope and standards of practice that all professional nurses must
follow. The Standards of Professional Nursing Practice are authoritative statements of the
duties that all registered nurses, regardless of role, population, or specialty, are expected to
perform competently (ANA, 2010, p. 31). These standards are the guidelines of the Nursing
Process, which consists of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, identification of
outcomes, and evaluation. The Scope and Standards of Practice also provide a structural
framework for the Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why of all nursing care
(ANA, 2010). The ANA are also responsible for the provisions of The Code of Ethics for
Nursing (2001) which are standards that guide the ethical, moral, and quality expectations of all
nurses.
ANA Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice
Standards of Practice
Standard 1: Assessment. The assessment is at the core of all nursing duties and
provides a basis for which all care will be structured around thereafter. The assessment consists
of the Registered Nurse (RN) collecting all comprehensive data that is pertinent to the patients
health and or situation (ANA, 2010). Comprehensive data includes nearly all information that
may or will affect a patients health or well-being. This includes but is not limited to cognitive,
psychosocial, functional, physical, cognitive, cultural, spiritual, and economic assessments.
Assessments also includes the patients and their families personal thoughts, preferences, values,
beliefs, and needs all of which can change throughout the nursing process and must be
reevaluated on a continuing basis (ANA, 2010).

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I have met this standard by performing numerous assessments throughout my clinical and
collegiate career thus-far. Being assessments are at the core of the entire nursing process, it is
the first thing that is learned in nursing school. Assessment skills have been utilized numerous
times on a daily basis while at clinical. Through a wide range of patients, assessment skills
continue to be honed and developed every day at clinical. Every patient is unique and different
or more in-depth assessments must be performed on a case-by-case basis. The assessment is a
fundamental and integral part of nursing, it is a skill that will continue to be developed and
refined as I progress as a nurse. It is something that must be constantly evaluated and adjusted as
need be in order to provide the highest quality of care to all patients.
Standard 2: Diagnosis. This standard involves the RN analyzing all of the assessment
data in order to determine the diagnosis pertinent to the client (ANA, 2010). Diagnoses involve
identifying actual or potential health and safety risks of the client. The use of standardized
classification systems and tools are utilized to make appropriate diagnoses for all clients the RN
attends to. Documenting the diagnoses is an important step in order to ensure expected outcomes
are being met and so other staff have a plan of action to follow (ANA, 2010).
I am meeting this expectation by developing and reviewing the nursing diagnoses on my
assigned patients every week while at clinical. I am meeting this goal my creating nursing
diagnoses and nursing interventions while doing Critical Thinking Scenarios (CST) based off of
real patients while in the clinical setting. This is a skill I will continue to work on while in
school and will be doing for all my patients as soon as I become employed as a nurse. Since
these will need to be done for all patients, I should be able to become proficient at this skill
quickly.

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Standard 3: Outcomes Identification. The third standard dictates that the RN must be
able to identify appropriate outcomes that are unique and individualized for each healthcare
consumer (ANA, 2010). The standard also includes the use of the patients family and other
healthcare providers in order to formulate an expected outcome. The outcomes must also take
into consideration the patients values, beliefs, risks, benefits, clinical expertise, and anticipated
course of the condition. The RN must also be able to modify the outcomes as changes in patient
statues or condition emerge (ANA, 2010).
I am currently meeting this standard on a weekly basis in the clinical setting. For every
patient I take care of, outcomes are identified. Two weeks ago I was taking care of a patient
which was in a motor vehicle accident the previous week. The patient had not had a bowel
movement (BM) in in six days at that point. The patients abdomen was distended and was
experiencing a fair amount of pain due to the pressure, especially since several ribs were broken.
The outcome I identified was for them to have a bowel movement. MiraLax and docusate were
ordered and given. The patient never had a BM that day. The next day the patient still had not
had a BM, so I advocated that a suppository be ordered. The suppository was approved and the
patient was finally able to have a BM about two hours after administration.
Standard 4: Planning. The fourth standard involves the ability of the RN to be able to
effectively develop a plan of care that recommends tactics and alternatives in order to reach the
expected outcome (ANA, 2010). The RN must not only include the patient but also their family
or other persons depending on the particular circumstance, along with other health professionals
that may need to be involved. The RN must address every diagnoses or issues in order to create
an effective plan. The plan may include such strategies as: mitigation of pain; prevention of
disease, injury, or illness, or restoration of health (ANA, 2010).

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I am currently meeting this goal by assisting my RNs on a weekly basis to develop plans
of care for all patients assigned. Last week a patient was admitted following a motorcycle
accident. The patient reported being a very active and outgoing person who was also the
financial provider for the family. The patient was very motivated to get back on his feet and
mobile as soon as possible. The patient was suffering from a broken femur, fibula, tibula, and
several other miscellaneous injuries. In order to get the patient back on his feet and moving
again quickly, he would need therapy. With the help of the RN, a plan was formulated to have
the patient work with Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) in order to begin
walking and moving around normally.
Standard 5: Implementation. The fifth standard is implementation of the patients
individualized plan (ANA, 2010). Implementation must consist of utilizing only the best
evidence-based practice (EBP) that is specific to the problem and diagnoses. The RN needs to
demonstrate compassionate and caring behaviors not only to the patient but also to the patients
family or friends that may be involved in the plan of care. Implementation must also occur in a
timely manner in order to ensure the best possible patient outcomes (ANA, 2010).
I have met this standard on many occasions while in the clinical setting. I was taking
care of a patient that was admitted with a small bowel obstruction (SBO). There was no
evidence of a physical obstruction, so the plan was to get the patient up and moving as much as
possible. This was not an easy task as the patient was elderly and self-reported very little daily
physical activity. I made it a priority to help the patient walk as much as possible that day. I was
able to get the patient to make ten laps around the floor throughout the day. Unfortunately, the
patient was never able to have a BM during the shift.

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Standard 6: Evaluation. Standard six maintains that the RN will evaluate the patients
progress toward attaining their outcomes (ANA, 2010). This is accomplished through
conducting a Systematic, ongoing, and criterion-based evaluation of the outcomes in relation to
the structure and processes prescribed by the plan of care and the indicated timeline (ANA, p.
45, 2010). Evaluation must be in collaboration with the patient and other individuals involved in
the plan of care. The RN must also use ongoing assessments in order to revise the diagnoses,
implementation, plan, and outcomes as needed (ANA, 2010).
I have met this standard in the clinical setting and continue to develop this skill on a
weekly basis. As mentioned in the Outcomes Identification example, I had a patient that was
unable to have a bowel movement for a week. The following day when I came in and the patient
had still not had a BM, I evaluated the plan and urged the nurse to get an order for a suppository.
After the suppository was administered, the patient was finally able to have a BM., which greatly
reduced the pain and suffering that was being experienced.
Standards of Professional Performance.
Standard 7: Ethics. The seventh standard involves the RN following the Code of Ethics
for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2001). To practice ethically the RN must
Deliver care in a manner that preserves and protects healthcare consumer autonomy, dignity,
rights, values, and beliefs (ANA, 2010, p. 47). The RN must recognize and appreciate that the
patient and their family are an important and integral part of the overall healthcare team.
Maintaining consumer confidentiality within the legal and regulatory parameters is paramount to
practicing ethically. The RN must also act as the patients advocate and speak up for them and
question any and all healthcare practices that may lead to harm or undo pain and suffering
(ANA, 2010).

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I have met this standard and continue to actively abide by it on a daily basis with every
patient I work with. One example is that while working with a Jehovahs Witness, the patient
refused to have any blood products administered as this was in violation of their beliefs. The
patient had serious liver problems and receiving the recommended treatment was the only real
hope of saving their life. While I do not conform to their religion and beliefs, I treated this
patient with respect and dignity and never tried to persuade them to go against their faith.
Standard 8: Education. Education is at the forefront of all nursing care and the RN
must attain the knowledge and competencies to provide the most current EBP (ANA, 2010). The
RN must remain actively engaged in recurrent training and educational activities that are
pertinent to nursing. The RN must seek out and attain knowledge and skills that are pertinent to
the patient population, setting, role, situation, or specialty they are actively engaged in. The RN
must also be able to identify individual learning needs and seek out opportunities to address
these issues and acquire the needed knowledge and competencies to become proficient at them
(ANA, 2010).
Education is a standard I have met and am continually meeting. As a student, I am
constantly learning. Attending class, reading, studying, doing homework assignments, doing
research, and writing papers are all helping me to continuously learn. Not only is learning taking
place in the academic setting, but also at clinical. I am constantly learning while working hands
on with patients. The clinical setting always presents questions with which I do not have the
answer or knowledge about, so I am constantly doing research in order to provide the best
possible care for my patients.
Standard 9: Evidence-based practice and research. Standard nine involves the RN
utilizing the latest EBP and research in their practice (ANA, 2010). Utilization of EBP ensures

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the healthcare consumer is receiving the latest and greatest care possible to achieve the most
satisfactory results. The nurse must ensure they are using EBP whenever initiating changes in
their practice. The RN must also participate as appropriate in the formulation of new research to
booster EBP (ANA, 2010).
I have met this standard by using EBP to guide all aspects of my nursing practice. Since
the very first day of nursing school EBP has been instilled into everything that is taught. While
taking care of a patient a of couple weeks ago, the patient said their nose and sinuses were very
dry. The patient was on five liters of oxygen via nasal cannula. I recognized that this problem
could be alleviated by using a bubbler system. After receiving permission from the RN, I
hooked up the bubbler to the nasal cannula to add moisture to the air the patient was receiving.
Later in the day the patient reported that their nose and sinuses were not nearly as dry.
Standard 10: Quality of practice. Standard ten upholds that the RN must always strive
for the highest quality nursing practice (ANA, 2010). For quality to exist the RN must maintain
accurate and timely documentation so accountability, responsibility, and ethical standards can be
upheld. Collecting and analyzing data is an important process the RN must be involved with to
evaluate if quality standards are indeed being met. If quality standards are found to be subpar
then the RN must be actively engaged in quality improvement activities to increase the level of
care provided (ANA, 2010).
I am currently meeting this standard while in the clinical setting. As a nursing student I
strive to administer the highest quality care that I can. As I am new to everything, following
procedures exactly as they were taught and allowing EBP to guide my actions are at the forefront
of everything I do. To help ensure quality I am sure to document all patient care that I perform

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in a timely and accurate manner. Achieving the highest quality of practice is something that will
constantly be worked on and continuously improved upon as long as I am a nurse.
Standard 11: Communication. The 11th standard, communication, requires the RN to
Communicate effectively in a variety of formats in all areas of practice (ANA, 2010, p. 54). In
order to communicate effectively the RN must have the ability to assess the preferred
communication preferences of the patient, their families, and colleagues. Effective
communication skills require the RN to seek continuous improvement and conflict resolution
skills. The RN also must maintain effective communication with other healthcare care providers
in order to reduce risks associated with transition and transfer of care (ANA, 2010).
I have met this standard. As a student I must effectively communicate everything I do
with the RN I am working with. Communication not only with the RN but other healthcare
workers and the patients is an extremely important part of everything that is done every day.
One situation that required a lot of extra effort in order to communicate effectively was when I
was taking care of a deaf patient. I do not know sign language, so writing was an important part
in order to communicate with the patient. This was an interesting learning opportunity and
something I am sure to deal with again. While it is impossible to learn every language in the
world, I would like to learn Spanish and American Sign Language so I have the ability to
communicate effectively with a much larger and diverse population.
Standard 12: Leadership. The 12th standard requires the RN to demonstrate leadership
skills in their professional practice (ANA, 2010). Leadership skills are needed to oversee patient
care provided by other healthcare members while remaining accountable for the care provided to
the patient. Leadership is demonstrated by a commitment to continuous learning, education, and
lifelong learning. Mentoring of colleagues in order to advance the profession of nursing and

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quality healthcare are hallmarks of leadership. The RN also must participate in efforts to
advance healthcare policies that involve patients and the profession as a whole (ANA, 2010).
This is not yet a standard that I have met, but am currently working on. As a student I do
not have the authority or the skill set to be in a leadership position. I am also currently in a
nursing leadership class, this should help me attain the skills needed to become proficient at and
meet this standard in the near future. While I may not necessarily be in a leadership role, I try
and to set good examples for my patients and I teach them about various aspects of their planned
care to help them achieve their planned outcomes.
Standard 13: Collaboration. The 13th standard dictates that the RN must collaborate
with colleagues, healthcare consumers, and their families in order to provide the highest quality
of care (ANA, 2010). Through sharing of knowledge with the healthcare consumer and their
families, the most beneficial outcomes can be attained. The RN must Adhere to standards and
applicable codes of conduct that govern behavior among peers and colleagues to create a work
environment that promotes cooperation, respect, and trust (ANA, 2010, p. 57). The RN needs
to collaborate with patients, families, and others in creating a plan of care that will focus on the
best possible outcomes for any given situation (ANA, 2010).
This is a standard I have met and will continue to strive for excellence in. Nursing is
only one aspect of healthcare and in most circumstances an entire interdisciplinary team is
needed to provide adequate care for patients. As a student collaboration is a large part of
everything I do. I do not have the autonomy to care for patients on my own. Everything I do on
a daily basis at the clinical site is in direct collaboration with the RN and nursing technicians.
Standard 14: Professional practice evaluation. Standard 14 states that The RN
evaluates her or his own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards and

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guidelines, relevant statuses, rules, and regulations (ANA, 2010, p. 59). The RN must be able
to provide developmentally and age-appropriate care in an ethically and culturally sensitive
manner. The RN needs to engage in frequent self-evaluation of practices that identify areas of
strengths and weakness and other areas that will facilitate professional growth. Obtaining
feedback from colleagues, peers, healthcare consumers, and others is needed for the RN to
effectively evaluate their professional practice (ANA, 2010).
This is a standard that I am meeting on a weekly basis. For clinical practice a weekly
evaluation form must be filled out. This allows for reflection on the care and procedures
performed every day. This allows for time to think about how and why procedures were
performed and how they could be improved upon. This is a standard that I will be constantly
working on, not only on a monthly or weekly basis, but on a daily basis. I strive to do the best I
can and am continuously thinking about ways to improve and grow.
Standard 15: Resource utilization. Standard 15 states that the RN must utilize
appropriate resources in order to provide and plan nursing services that are financially
responsible, effective, and safe (ANA, 2010). To achieve desired outcomes, the RN must assess
the individual healthcare needs of each consumer and utilize the most appropriate and cost
effective resources. Resource utilization also pertains to delegating tasks to the most appropriate
healthcare worker for particular consumer needs. The RN also Assists the healthcare consumer
and family in identifying and securing appropriate services to address needs across the healthcare
continuum (ANA, 2010, p. 60).
I have met this standard by saving time. I try to plan the care I give so I waste as little
amount of time as possible and can take care of as many tasks as possible with each trip to a
patients room. For example I will take vital signs during the same visit I do my patient

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assessment. Time is money, and the more of it I can save, then ultimately it leads to fewer
staffing hours that are needed. I also do not like to sit around, so I offer assistance to other RNs
and the nursing technicians in order to save them time.
Standard 16: Environmental health. The final standard mandates that the RN practice
in a healthy and environmentally safe manner (ANA, 2010). The RN must gain knowledge and
insight into environmentally safe and healthy concepts, such as implementation of
environmental health strategies (ANA, 2010, p. 60). The RN will promote an environment that
reduces risks for the healthcare consumer and workers. The RN also needs to communicate the
environmental risks and reduction strategies to patients, families, communities, and colleagues
(ANA, 2010).
I am meeting this standard by following the health and safety standards put in place at the
clinical setting. For example, I make sure to follow contact and isolation precautions in order to
prevent the spread of organisms to other people. I also make sure to dispose of sharps and
bio-hazardous waste into their correct waste bins to ensure they dont become a safety hazard for
others and spread disease. I will be diligent throughout my nursing career to make sure and
follow all guidelines and procedures to minimize the risk of exposing others to potential harmful
bacteria and viruses.
Code of Ethics for Nurses
Ethical Standard One.
The first ethical standard states The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices
with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual,
unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of
health problems (ANA, 2001, p. 3). The first provision also includes the subcategories: Respect

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for human dignity; Relationships to patients; The nature of health problems; The right to
self-determination; and Relationships with colleagues and others. The underlying dynamic for
the first provision is for the RN to have respect for their patients, families, colleagues, peers, and
community as a whole (ANA, 2001).
I have met this goal by treating each patient with integrity and dignity and respecting
their cultural and religious preferences. One example is when I was taking care of a patient that
was severely injured in a motor vehicle accident. The patient was drunk when the accident
occurred, making this most likely an avoidable situation had the patient not been drinking. I did
not judge this person for what had happened. I was very respectful to the individual and
continued to provide the very best care possible.
Ethical Standard Two.
The second ethical provision states The nurses primary commitment is to the patient,
whether an individual, family, group, or community (ANA, 2001, p. 5). The second standard
also includes the subcategories: Primacy of the patients interests; Conflict of interest for nurses;
Collaboration; and Professional boundaries. Ethical standard two centers on the RNs
commitment for their patients and that all issues that arise should always focus on what is best
for that individuals care.
I have met this standard by being attentive to my patients needs and placing their
priorities over my own. I am constantly working into my lunch breaks and almost never take any
other breaks throughout any given day. Waiting to take bathroom breaks in order to provide care
to patients is the norm. My focus is on the patients and I only worry about my needs after their
needs have been met.
Ethical Standard Three.

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Ethical standard three states The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect
the health, safety, and rights of the patient (ANA, 2001, p. 6). The third standard also includes
the subcategories: Privacy; Confidentiality; Protection of participants in research; Standards and
review mechanisms; Acting on questionable practice; and Addressing impaired practice. The
third ethical standards main focus is for the RN to be a patient advocate and to do everything
possible to protect their patients from harm and negligence.
I have met this standard by advocating for my patients. As mentioned earlier, I
advocated for my patient to receive a suppository in order to help restore bowel function. This is
an ethical standard that I will continually strive to adhere to. This ethical standard is at the
forefront of nursing care, as it is the RNs duty to always keep their patients best interest in mind
and to do no harm. Self-evaluation on a daily basis will be used to ensure I am always doing as
much as possible for the patients under my care.
Ethical Standard Four.
Ethical standard four states The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual
nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with nurses
obligation to provide optimum patient care (ANA, 2001, p. 8). Ethical standard four also
includes subcategories: Acceptance of accountability and responsibility; Accountability for
nursing judgment and action; Responsibility for nursing judgment and action; and Delegation of
nursing activities. The underlying theme of ethical standard four is that the RN is wholly
accountable for all patient care directly given or indirectly if delegated to another individual
(ANA, 2001).
As a student I have not quite achieved this standard yet. I do not have the authority to
delegate tasks to other individuals. I have partially met this standard by working in collaboration

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with the nursing technicians. As a student I am often responsible for the majority of the nurse
technician duties, however, when I have a full RN case load for the day there is not enough time
to handle those duties as well. In these instances I must delegate the tasks that I can and cannot
perform for them. This is a standard I will be able to continue to work at when I graduate and
become an actual staff member as an RN.
Ethical Standard Five.
Ethical standard five states The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including
the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue
personal and professional growth (ANA, 2001, p. 9). The fifth ethical standard also includes
subcategories: Moral self-respect; Professional growth and maintenance of competence;
Wholeness of character; and Preservation of integrity. Ethical standard fives main purpose is to
ensure that the RN continues to grow professionally and personally. The RN must strive for
excellence in all areas of life as the role of RN transcends all boundaries and is not a separate
entity of the nurses life as a whole (ANA, 2001).
I am currently meeting this standard as a student nurse. Being in college and completing
all of the assignments, studying, research, reading and writing papers allows me to grow and
increase my nursing knowledge. Every day I am learning more about the nursing profession and
am becoming more knowledgeable and competent. This is certainly a lifelong process as I will
never be able to know everything about nursing. I will continue to learn through on the job
experience, continuing education, and through my own personal interests in researching the latest
and greatest nursing advancements.
Ethical Standard Six.

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Ethical standard six states The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and
improving health care environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of
quality health care and consistent with profession through individual and collective action
(ANA, 2001, p. 11). Ethical standard six also includes the subcategories: Influence of the
environment on moral virtues and values; Influence of the environment on ethical obligations;
and Responsibility for the health care environment. Ethical standard six exists to ensure the RN
fosters and encourages a professional atmosphere that is conducive to striving for excellence in
all areas of nursing care (ANA, 2001).
I am currently meeting this standard by using the best EBP to guide my practice. Before
performing any procedures I am sure to know the correct way to accomplish the task at hand and
follow it precisely as instructed. While in the clinical setting I am sure to act in a professional
manner and hold my peers to the same standard. I will continue to hold myself and others to a
high level of professionalism as I move forward in the field of nursing. As a future RN I will be
more active in a formal role of helping to institute or revise policies in order to maintain a sense
of professionalism and integrity at the institution with which I am employed.
Ethical Standard Seven.
Ethical standard seven states The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession
through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development
(ANA, 2001, p. 12). Subcategories for ethical standard seven include: Advancing the profession
through active involvement in nursing and in health care policy; Advancing the profession by
developing, maintaining, and implementing professional standards in clinical, administrative,
and educational practice; and Advancing the profession through knowledge development,
dissemination, and application to practice. The underlying theme of ethical standard seven is

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that the RN has an obligation and duty to actively pursue knowledge in order to advance the field
of nursing and to become leaders and implement change that will progress professional nursing
practice (ANA, 2001).
I have not quite met this standard yet. I do believe that being a student about to enter the
work force does have its merit though. I am learning the latest and greatest EBP that older
nurses may not be up to date with. So just by entering the workforce with the knowledge I have
attained in school will ultimately help to benefit the profession and quality patient care. I have
also helped to develop the advancement of nursing knowledge at Butterworth Hospital. A
couple of weeks ago I had some concern about how I was instructed to deliver a Lovenox
injection, as I was told not to inject the prefilled air-bubble. I was previously instructed to inject
the air as it acted as a seal to keep the medication from leaking out. The subject was debated
during post-conference with differing views on the subject. The clinical instructor called the
pharmacist to get a final answer on the matter, with which the reply was that the air-bubble did
not have to be expelled. The clinical instructor ended up calling the drug manufacturer and
stated that the air-bubble was indeed to be administered as it acted as a seal. The clinical
instructor was going to pass this information onto the charge nurse and make sure all RNs on the
floor received this information as there was an obvious lack of knowledge about how to
administer this medication.
Ethical Standard Eight.
Ethical standard eight states The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and
the public in promoting community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs
(ANA, 2001, p. 12). Standard eight also includes subcategories: Health needs and concerns; and
Responsibilities to the public. The purpose of ethical standard eight is to address the concerns of

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the entire population. The RN has more responsibilities than just caring for individual patients
but that they are also responsible for promoting the health, safety, and welfare of all people
(ANA, 2001).
I have met this goal through providing information and education to clients about disease
prevention. I did a clinical rotation in community health, during this time I was part of a flu
clinic and was able to administer a lot of vaccinations. During the vaccination process I was sure
to educate clients about influenza and ways to reduce catching and spreading the virus. I will
continue to work on this standard as a practicing RN. One of the greatest ways for an RN to help
the public is to help them from becoming sick or injured in the first place. Educating the
population as a whole is a fantastic way for a nurse to benefit the community and something I
will continuously work on as an RN.
Ethical Standard Nine.
Ethical standard nine states The profession of nursing, as represented by associations
and their members, is responsible for articulating nursing values, for maintaining the integrity of
the profession and its practice, and for shaping social policy (ANA, 2001, p. 13). Subcategories
of standard nine include: Assertion of values; The profession carries out its collective
responsibility through professional associations; Intra-professional integrity; and Social reform.
Standard nine dictates that all RNs are members of a large association that collaborate
collectively in order to advance the practice of nursing and to improve the health and welfare of
all members of society (ANA, 2001).
I have not met this standard yet. Upon completion of my bachelors degree in nursing I
plan on joining one or more of the many nursing organizations available. Becoming involved in
a nursing organization will allow me to help change policies to advance the field of nursing.

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Growth and change in the field of nursing will allow for higher quality of patient care and
satisfaction.
Professional Development Plan
Goals.
My overall goal is to continue learning about the field of nursing and master the skills I
already have and learn new ones in order to become the most proficient RN I possibly can be. I
plan on abiding by the professional nursing standards and code of ethics and improving in all
areas. I also plan on furthering my education and becoming a Certified Registered Nurse
Anesthetist (CRNA), this provides opportunity to learn and become proficient in all of the
additional competencies for advanced practice nurses.
Action Plan.
My plan of action is to continue reading, studying, and learning as much as possible to
become as proficient as possible in the field of nursing. The more knowledgeable I become, the
higher quality of care I can provide to all patients. I also keep a copy of the ANA Scope and
Standards of Practice along with the Code of Ethics in the sleeve on the outside of my binder
that I bring to clinical every day. This allows me to see the policies on a daily basis and provides
a friendly reminder that I must be diligent and work to follow and improve upon these skills
every single day.
I plan on furthering my education and begin working toward my advanced degree in
anesthesia as soon as I have enough clinical experience to apply for graduate school. In order to
start grad school I need to have a minimum of one year experience in a critical care setting.
Most hospitals require at least one year of medical-surgical or emergency room (ER) experience
before transferring into a critical care area. My plan is to find a job in the ER directly out of

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school if possible and work there for one year until I have enough experience to transfer into a
critical care setting. As soon as I have a year of experience to get into graduate school I will start
applying and keep applying until I am accepted. After becoming a CRNA I would like to
become a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and become proficient
with their Scope and Standards for Nurse Anesthesia practice (2007).
Evaluation Plan.
My evaluation plan will consist of daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly reflection. I am a
very analytical person in general and scrutinize everything I do. I constantly reflect on
procedures I have just performed and think about what went well or did not go well and how I
can approve upon it. As mentioned earlier, I keep a copy of the ANA standards so I can review
them and stay conscious of them on a daily basis. I plan on furthering my education beyond the
Bachelor Degree level. I will evaluate my progress in this area by making sure I am working in
the correct department to get the experience I need in order to progress my practice.
Conclusion
The ANA Scope and Standard pf Practice along with the Code of Ethics are guidelines
set forth for all nurses to follow and abide by. These standards are set in place to ensure the RN
practices in a morally, ethically, and safe manner. By following the guidelines set by the ANA
the RN can provide safe, effective, and quality care to all patients regardless of race, religion,
ethnicity, sexual orientation, or financial status. The standards are more than just a guideline for
practice but should be considered a way of life for all nurses to follow in both their professional
and personal lives.

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References
American Nurses Association (2001). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements.
Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.
American Nurses Association. (2010). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Silver
Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.

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Appendix
CHECKLIST FOR SUBMITTING PAPERS
DATE, TIME,
& INITIAL

PROOFREAD FOR: APA ISSUES

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1. Page Numbers: Did you number your pages using the automatic functions of your Word
program? [p. 230 and example on p. 40)]
2. Running head: Does the Running head: have a small h? Is it on every page? Is it less
than 50 spaces total? Is the title of the Running head in all caps? Is it 1/2 from the top of
your title page? (Should be a few words from the title of your paper). [p. 229 and example
on p. 40]
3. Abstract: Make sure your abstract begins on a new page. Is there a label of Abstract and
it is centered at the top of the page? Is it a single paragraph? Is the paragraph flush with the
margin without an indentation? Is your abstract a summary of your entire paper?
Remember it is not an introduction to your paper. Someone should be able to read the
abstract and know what to find in your paper. [p. 25 and example on p. 41]
4. Introduction: Did you repeat the title of your paper on your first page of content? Do not
use Introduction as a heading following the title. The first paragraph clearly implies the
introduction and no heading is needed. [p. 27 and example on p. 42]
5. Margins: Did you leave 1 on all sides? [p. 229]

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6. Double-spacing: Did you double-space throughout? No triple or extra spaces between

sections or paragraphs except in special circumstances. This includes the reference page. [p.
229 and example on p. 40-59]
7. Line Length and Alignment: Did you use the flush-left style, and leave the right margin
uneven, or ragged? [p. 229]
8. Paragraphs and Indentation: Did you indent the first line of every paragraph? See P.
229 for exceptions.
9. Spacing After Punctuation Marks: Did you space once at the end of separate parts of a
reference and initials in a persons name? Do not space after periods in abbreviations.
Space twice after punctuation marks at the end of a sentence. [p. 87-88]
10. Typeface: Did you use Times New Roman 12-point font? [p. 228]
11. Abbreviation: Did you explain each abbreviation the first time you used it? [p. 106111]. Remember, no abbreviations in the title of the paper.
12. Plagiarism: Cite all sources! If you say something that is not your original idea, it must
be cited. You may be citing many timesthis is what you are supposed to be doing! [p.
170]
13. Direct Quote: A direct quote is exact words taken from another. An example with
citation would look like this:
The variables that impact the etiology and the human response to various disease states
will be explored (Bell-Scriber, 2007, p. 1).
Please note where the quotation marks are placed, where the final period is placed, no first
name of author, and inclusion of page number, etc. Do all direct quotes look like this? [p.
170-172]
14. Quotes Over 40 Words: Did you make block quotes out of any direct quotes that are 40
words or longer? [p. 170-172]
15. Paraphrase: A paraphrase citation would look like this:
Patients respond to illnesses in various ways depending on a number of factors that will be

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explored (Bell-Scriber, 2007).

It may also look like this: Bell-Scriber (2007) found that
[p. 171 and multiple examples in text on p. 40-59]
For multiple references within the same paragraph see page 174 re: use of year.
16. Headings: Did you check your headings for proper levels? [p. 62-63].
17. General Guidelines for References:
A. Did you start the References on a new page? [p. 37]
B. Did you cut and paste references on your reference page? If so, check to make
sure they are in correct APA format. Often they are not and must be adapted. Make
sure all fonts are the same.
C. Is your reference list double spaced with hanging indents? [p. 37]
D. Formatting of different types of titles: see page 185.
E. Check formatting of all types of authors and sources before submitting your
paper.
PROOFREAD FOR GRAMMAR, SPELLING, PUNCTUATION, & STRUCTURE
18. Did you follow the assignment rubric? Did you make headings that address each major
section? (Required to point out where you addressed each section.)
19. Watch for run-on or long, cumbersome sentences. Read it out loud without pausing
unless punctuation is present. If you become breathless or it doesnt make sense, you need
to rephrase or break the sentence into 2 or more smaller sentences. Did you do this?
20. Wordiness: check for the words that, and the. If not necessary, did you omit?

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21. Conversational tone: Dont write as if you are talking to someone in a casual way. For
example, Well so I couldnt believe nurses did such things! or I was in total shock over
that. Did you stay in a formal/professional tone?
22. Avoid contractions. i.e. dont, cant, wont, etc. Did you spell these out?

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23. Did you check to make sure there are no hyphens and broken words in the right margin?

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24. Do not use etc. or "i.e." in formal writing unless in parenthesis. Did you check for
improper use of etc. & i.e.?
25. Stay in subject agreement. When referring to 1 nurse, dont refer to the nurse as they
or them. Also, in referring to a human, dont refer to the person as that, but rather
who. For example: The nurse that gave the injection. Should be The nurse who gave
the injection Did you check for subject agreement?
26. Dont refer to us, we, our, within the paperthis is not about you and me. Be
clear in identifying. For example dont say Our profession uses empirical data to support
. . Instead say The nursing profession uses empirical data..
27. Did you check your sentences to make sure you did not end them with a preposition?
For example, I witnessed activities that I was not happy with. Instead, I witnessed
activities with which I was not happy.
28. Did you run a Spellcheck? Did you proofread in addition to running the Spellcheck?

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29. Did you have other people read your paper? Did they find any areas confusing?

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30. Did you include a summary or conclusion heading and section to wrap up your paper?
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31. Does your paper have sentence fragments? Do you have complete sentences?

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32. Did you check apostrophes for correct possessive use. Dont use apostrophes unless it is
showing possession and then be sure it is in the correct location. The exception is with the
word it. Its = it is. Its is possessive.
Signing below indicates you have proofread your paper for the errors in the checklist:

EKS 6/14/14

Jason Conk

DATE: 6/14/14

A peer needs to proofread your paper checking for errors in the listed areas and sign below:
Elyse K Sincler

DATE: 6/14/14

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