Nursing’s Social Policy Statement

The Essence of the Profession

Essence of the ProfessionFramework of nursing practiceValue to societyDefinition of nursingDirection to nursing educators,

administrators and researchersScope and Standards of Practice and

Professional Performance

Social Context of NursingProperty of societyReflects changing needs of societyEnduring leadershipSocial concernsAuthority to practiceSocial contractCollaboration

Social Concerns in NursingOrganization, delivery, and financing of

quality health careProvision of public’s healthExpansion of nursing knowledge and

application of knowledgeExpansion of healthcare resources and

health policyDuties under extreme conditions

Definition of NursingNursing is the protection, promotion and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering and through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, families, communities and populations.

(ANA, 2010a, p. 10))

Knowledge Base for PracticeA Science and an Art

Nursing sciencePhilosophy and ethicsBiology and psychologyTheoretical basesSocial, physical, economic, organizational,

and technical sciences

Regulation of the ProfessionProfessional regulationLegal regulationInstitutional practices and proceduresSelf-regulation

Applications of Nursing’s Social Policy Statement for:Practicing nursesNursing studentsNursing facultyNurse administratorsThe public and

healthcare consumers