Registered Nurse - Research Paper Example

RNs are guided by documents published by respective professional associations and state legislations with regards to legal and safe scope of practice. The American Nurses Association, ANA (2014) observes that state law regulation administered by the Board of Nursing in different states ensures that specific acts are interpreted appropriately with regards to nursing administration. The Code of Ethics for RNs guide on nursing responsibilities being consistent with administration of quality nursing care and observing professional ethical obligations (ANA, 2014).

It has nine provisions which articulate succinctly the ethical obligations and duties of RN, nonnegotiable ethical standards governing the profession and expresses the profession’s understanding of commitment to society. It covers all the moral and ethical standards expected of RNs supported by relevant nursing and ethical theories. As documented by the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, BLS (2014), the career path to a registered nurse involves undertaking a diploma from an approved nursing program, associate degree in nursing, ADN or Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, BSN.

Students should undertake courses in physiology, anatomy, nutrition, chemistry, microbiology, psychology, social and behavioral sciences and liberal arts. Whereas BSN takes four years to complete, ADN and diploma courses take between 2 and 3 years. Supervised clinical experience should be undertaken in all these programs. Additionally, there are master’s programs and programs for those with bachelor’s degrees in other fields seeking to enter the nursing profession. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, CAAHP and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, CCNE are responsible for accrediting institutions offering courses in nursing in the US.

As documented by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, AACN (2014), the BSN