Standards for Nursing Practice
The American Nurses Association, or ANA, defines standards for nursing practice as "authoritative statements by which the nursing profession describes the responsibilities for which its practitioners are accountable."-
Significance of Nursing Standards
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Standards for nursing practice serve as a baseline for the provision of safe and competent patient care. They spell out what the nursing profession expects of its members, and provides the profession with a basis for self-evaluation. Nurses are legally bound to comply with all standards of practice outlined in their state's practice act.
Applicability of Nursing Standards
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Standards for nursing practice are applicable to all licensed professional nurses, regardless of their level of expertise, or their area of practice. State licensure serves as proof that the nurse has met the minimum expectations established by the profession.
Who Writes Nursing Standards for Practice
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Nursing standards are derived from a variety of sources, including state and federal laws. Each state has a nursing practice act which details the legal rules and regulations that govern the practice of nursing in that state. These rules and regulations typically fall under the jurisdiction of the the state's Board of Nursing. Standards for practice also come from national nursing organizations such as the ANA, and specialty organizations such as Association of Operating Room Nurses, or AORN.
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