Which standards help define nursing as a professional practice?

The ANA Standards of Nursing Practice and Professional Performance serve as the foundational guidelines that define nursing as a professional practice. These standards establish a framework for delivering safe and effective nursing care. They encompass competencies related to nursing assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Additionally, the standards address the professional responsibilities of nurses, including collaboration, communication, and advocating for patients.

These standards are crucial because they ensure that nurses maintain a high level of professionalism, adhere to ethical principles, and are accountable for their practice. By following these guidelines, nurses can provide quality care that meets the diverse needs of patients and populations, thereby reinforcing the integrity and credibility of the nursing profession.

In contrast, while the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility is important for guiding ethical practices, it does not encompass the full scope of nursing practice. The ANA Standards of Clinical Practice and Patient Care focus more specifically on the application of clinical skills and patient management rather than the broader framework of nursing standards. International Health Guidelines and Community Health Standards, while relevant to public health, do not specifically address the professional standards necessary to define nursing practice as a whole. Therefore, C is the comprehensive choice that accurately reflects the holistic standards required for nursing as a professional practice.