Outline the process for the development of nursing standards of practice for your state, including discussion of the entities involved in developing the standards of practice and how the standards of practice influence the nursing process for your areas of specialty
Developing nursing standards of practice for a state involves a collaborative effort among various entities to ensure that the standards are evidence-based, reflect current best practices, and promote high-quality care delivery. While the specific process may vary by state, the following is a general outline of the steps involved:
- Identification of the Need: The need for updating or developing nursing standards of practice may arise from changes in healthcare policies, advancements in research and technology, or emerging healthcare challenges. This need is typically identified by regulatory bodies, professional nursing organizations, or other stakeholders.
- Formation of a Task Force or Committee: A task force or committee is formed to oversee the development of nursing standards of practice. This group usually includes representatives from regulatory boards, nursing associations, academic institutions, healthcare facilities, and other relevant stakeholders. The committee may also include subject matter experts in various nursing specialties.
- Review of Existing Standards: The task force reviews existing nursing standards of practice, both at the state and national levels, to assess their relevance and applicability to the current healthcare landscape. This review helps identify gaps or areas requiring updates.
- Gathering Input: To ensure that the new standards of practice reflect the needs and perspectives of the nursing community, the task force seeks input from a wide range of stakeholders. This may involve conducting surveys, holding focus groups or town hall meetings, and inviting public comments. Input is sought from practicing nurses, nursing educators, researchers, healthcare administrators, and other professionals involved in the nursing profession.
- Literature Review: The task force conducts a comprehensive review of current nursing research, evidence-based practice guidelines, and relevant literature to identify best practices, emerging trends, and advancements in nursing care. This step ensures that the new standards are grounded in the latest evidence.
- Drafting the Standards: Based on the information gathered and reviewed, the task force begins drafting the nursing standards of practice. The standards should be clear, concise, measurable, and aligned with regulatory requirements and professional nursing guidelines. The committee may organize the standards by domains of practice or nursing specialties, as needed.
- Expert Review and Revision: The draft standards are shared with a panel of nursing experts, including clinicians, educators, researchers, and leaders in various nursing specialties. These experts provide feedback, suggestions, and critique to improve the clarity, validity, and applicability of the standards. The task force incorporates this feedback and revises the draft accordingly.
- Public Review and Comment: The revised draft of the nursing standards is made available for public review and comment. This allows nurses and other stakeholders to provide feedback, raise concerns, or offer suggestions. The task force considers this input while making further revisions to ensure the standards reflect the needs and expectations of the nursing community.
- Approval and Implementation: Once the task force has made the necessary revisions based on public input, the final draft of the nursing standards of practice is submitted to the relevant regulatory bodies or nursing boards for approval. Once approved, the standards are disseminated to healthcare facilities, nursing schools, and other relevant entities.
Influence on Nursing Process in Specialties:
The nursing standards of practice influence the nursing process in various specialties by providing a framework for consistent, safe, and high-quality care. These standards guide nurses in their decision-making and help them maintain competency in their respective specialties. For example:
- In Medical-Surgical Nursing: Standards of practice outline the assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation processes specific to medical-surgical nursing. They address areas such as medication administration, wound care, pain management, and patient education, ensuring that nurses provide comprehensive care based on evidence-based guidelines.
- In Pediatric Nursing: Standards of practice for pediatric nursing focus on the unique needs of children and their families. They provide guidance on developmental assessments, immunizations, growth monitoring, and family-centered care. These standards ensure that pediatric nurses provide age-appropriate and culturally sensitive care.
- In Mental Health Nursing: Standards of practice in mental health nursing cover areas such as psychiatric assessment, therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, and care planning for individuals with mental health disorders. These standards guide mental health nurses in promoting recovery, managing psychiatric emergencies, and facilitating patient-centered care.
In each specialty, the standards of practice act as a reference point for nursing interventions, documentation, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and adherence to ethical and legal responsibilities. They also contribute to maintaining professional accountability and improving patient outcomes.