PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION:  AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION (ANA)

Part I General Information (No more than 500 words): 

• Briefly describe the historical development of the ANA (www.nursingworld.org/), including its current goals and purposes, important nurse leaders, current organizational structure, and the membership process, dues, and benefits.

• Evaluate the ANA web site (www.nursingworld.org/) and the FNA web site (www.floridanurse.org/) using the Website Evaluation Guidelines.

Part II Trends and Issues (At least 500 words): 

• The American Journal of Nursing (www.nursingworld.org/ajn/) and The American Nurse (www.nursingworld.org/tan/) are the official ANA-publications.  These publications can be found in the FIU library; excerpts from the publications can be found online.

• Describe current trends and issues confronting the ANA.  What have been the headlines and feature articles related to the nursing profession within the last 5-10 years?  Explore the web site, and do searches in CINAHL and through your browser. 

• What have been the controversies?  (For example, the California Nurses Association seceded from the ANA in 1995.  Go to www.califnurses.org/cna/, link to “Guide to CNA,” read the history of the CNA, and describe the reasons for the secession.  Subsequently, a new ANA constituent member association was formed in California www.anacalifornia.org/. Compare the web site information provided by these two organizations.  What are the similarities and the differences?

• Do you see a place for the ANA in nursing the future?  Why or why not?

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION:  NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR NURSING (NLN)

Part I General Information (No more than 500 words):

• Briefly describe the historical development of the NLN (www.nln.org/), including its current goals and purposes, important nurse leaders, current organizational structure, and the membership process, dues, and benefits.

• Describe the goals and purposes of the National League for Nursing Accrediting Council (NLNAC): www.nlnac.org/.

• Evaluate the NLN web site (www.nln.org/) using the Website Evaluation Guidelines. 

Part II Trends and Issues (At least 500 words):

• Nursing Education Perspectives (www.nln.org/nlnjournal/) is the official NLN publication (unfortunately, the journal is not in the FIU library).  Using the web site information, describe the purpose and content in the journal. 

• Describe current trends and issues confronting the NLN.  What have been the headlines and feature articles related to the nursing profession within the last 5-10 years?  Explore the web site, and do searches in CINAHL and through your browser.

• What have been the controversies? (For example, in 1995 the NLN was “almost” decertified by the Department of Education (DOE) as an accreditation agency for nursing schools www.nlnac.org/. Why? During the same time period, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing established a second accrediting agency (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education [CCNE]) for accrediting nursing schools www.aacn.nche.edu/Accreditation/.  There has been much controversy about the establishment of two accrediting agencies.  A nice summary is found at www.nursingworld.org/ojin/tpc4/tpc4_2.htm). Also try searching CINAHL and the keywords DOE and NLN in your browser.  Summarize the controversy, then discuss how you would resolve the conflict between these organizations.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION:  AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING (AACN)

Part I General Information (No more than 500 words):

• Briefly describe the historical development of the AACN (www.aacn.nche.edu/) including its current goals and purposes, important nurse leaders, current organizational structure, and the membership process, dues, and benefits.

• Describe the goals and purposes of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): www.aacn.nche.edu/Accreditation/

• Evaluate the AACN web site (www.aacn.nche.edu/) using the Website Evaluation Guidelines. 

Part II Trends and Issues (At least 500 words): 
 

• The Journal of Professional Nursing is the official AACN publication. This publication can be found in the FIU library. 

• Describe current trends and issues confronting the AACN.  What have been the headlines and feature articles related to the nursing profession within the last 5-10 years?  Explore the web site, and do searches in CINAHL and through your browser.

• What have been the controversies? (For example, in 2000, the AACN has established its own accrediting agency (CCNE) for accrediting BSN/MSN nursing schools (www.aacn.nche.edu/Accreditation/) which put the AACN in direct competition with the NLN (the long-standing accrediting agency). A nice summary is found at http://www.nursingworld.org/ojin/tpc4/tpc4_2.htm. Also, some authors have perceived the AACN as an “enemy” of the ADN programs, since the AACN represents only baccalaureate programs and higher.  See www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/Backgrounders/ADNFacts.htm for AACN’s response. Summarize the controversies, then discuss how you would resolve the conflict between these organizations.

• Do you see a place for the AACN in the future?  Why or why not?

NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAMS (ASN, “BASIC” BSN, and RN-BSN)

Part I General Information (No more than 500 words):

• Briefly describe the historical development of the ADN, “basic” BSN, and RN-BSN degree nursing programs.  Include how are the programs are similar and how they differ.  Do searches in CINAHL and through your browser.

• Compare an ADN curriculum, a “basic” BSN curriculum, and an RN-BSN curriculum from a local South Florida school or schools. (Nursing schools are found at Barry University, University of Miami, Broward Community College, Miami-Dade Community College, and Florida Atlantic University—go to their web sites for the information).  How are these programs similar and how do they differ?

Part II Trends and Issues (At least 500 words):

• The Journal of Nursing Education and Nurse Educator are two publications that relate to nursing education.  These publications can be found in the FIU library.

• Describe current trends and issues confronting nursing education. What have been the headlines and feature articles within the last 5-10 years?  Do searches on nursing education in CINAHL and through your browser. 

• What have been the controversies? (For example, how did the “entry into practice” controversy begin and what is it all about?). 

• What do you think the future holds for nursing education?  What are current educators saying about the latest nursing shortage? 

• Interview a nursing administrator at FIU on the School of Nursing’s response to the current nursing shortage.

RN CREDENTIALING: LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION

Part I General Information (No more than 500 words):

• Briefly describe the historical development of RN licensure at the national level.  What role does the National Council of State Boards (www.ncsbn.org/) play in nurse licensure?  A nice summary on licensure is found at www.nursingworld.org/ojin/tpc4/tpc4_2.htm).

• Briefly describe the historical development of RN certification at the national level.  What role do national nursing organizations, such as American Association Credentialing Center (ANCC)(www.nursingworld.org/ancc/), play in certification? A nice summary on certification is found at www.nursingworld.org/ojin/tpc4/tpc4_2.htm).

• Include how licensure and certification are similar and how they differ.

• What role does the Florida State Board of Nursing (www.doh.state.fl.us/Mqa/nursing/nur_home.html) play in nurse licensure and nurse certification in the State of Florida?  See the Florida Nurse Practice Act (NPA): http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0464/titl0464.htm  See also the Florida Board of Nursing’s Rules found in the Florida Administrative Code.  The Rules (http://fac.dos.state.fl.us/) provide specific policies/procedures related to carrying out the Nurse Practice Act.  Go to the Department of Health, Chapter 64B9 1-16 (this is a PDF file).

Part II Trends and Issues (At least 500 words):

• Describe current trends and issues in RN licensure and certification at the national level.  What have been the headlines and feature articles within the last 5-10 years?  Do searches on nurse licensure and certification in CINAHL and through your browser. 

• What have been the controversies?  (For example, some authors advocate for differing testing and licensure for “technical” vs. “professional” nurses.  There is another controversy related to requiring CEUs—some authors state that the research does not support increased knowledge of RNs due to the CEU requirement).  What are the arguments for and against these proposals?

• At the State of Florida level, describe recent trends in increasing the number of mandatory continuing education topics for RN re-licensure. Florida is one of the few states which has a program that deals with impaired nurses.  Describe the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN).  Also, describe recent trends in ARNP certification, such as mandatory national certification and background checks.

THE NURSING PROFESSION: UNIONS AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

Part I General Information (No more than 500 words):

• Briefly describe the historical development of nursing unions and collective bargaining.  What are the advantages and disadvantages to unions and collective bargaining?  Do searches in CINAHL and through your browser.

• What court decisions have assisted or hindered nurses in establishing unions or using collective bargaining?

• What is the process for establishing a nurse bargaining unit?  Where have the nurses been most successful and why?  What is the process for collective bargaining?  What bargaining issues are most common in nursing?

Part II Trends and Issues (At least 500 words):

• See The American Nurse (www.nursingworld.org/tan/) for articles on unions and collective bargaining.  The publication can be found in the FIU library.  For more radical views by nurses and about nursing, see Revolution: The Journal for RNs and Patient Advocacy (www.revolutionmag.com/).

• United American Nurses (UAN) (www.nursingworld.org/uan/) is ANA’s official arm for union/collective bargaining activities.  ANA has another site www.nursingworld.org/wpa/) to advocate for nurses not represented by a union.  Besides UAN, what other unions represent nurses in this country? 

• Describe current trends and issues related to nursing unions and collective bargaining at the national level. What have been the headlines and feature articles within the last 5-10 years?  Do searches in CINAHL and through your browser.

• What have been the controversies? (For example, some nurses feel that joining a union or going on strike is “unprofessional”).

• What organizations represent nurses in the State of Florida?  Describe successful and unsuccessful efforts in establishing unions and using collective bargaining in Florida.  See The Florida Nurse (www.aldpub.com/Nursing/Florida/).  The publication can be found in the FIU library.  Also do searches in CINAHL and through your browser.

THE NURSING PROFESSION: SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

Part I General Information (No more than 500 words):

• Briefly describe the historical development of awareness and establishment of laws related to sexual harassment in the workplace.  Do searches in CINAHL and through your browser.

• Describe court decisions that have influenced current policies and procedures on sexual harassment.

• What are the current definitions and characteristics of sexual harassment?  Which agencies are empowered to deal with sexual harassment? 

• Which nursing organizations have addressed sexual harassment and how?  

• Describe "protective" strategies that employers can utilize to decrease costly legal suits related to sexual harassment.

Part II Trends and Issues (At least 500 words):

• Describe current trends and issues related to sexual harassment in nursing. What have been the headlines and feature articles within the last 5-10 years?  Do searches in CINAHL and through your browser.

• What have been the controversies unique to nursing?  (For example, dealing with patients who harass and male nurse harassment from female co-workers or supervisors). 

• Describe court cases that have involved nurses and the court decisions. 

• Summarize results of research studies on sexual harassment in nursing, including the recommendations.

• Describe strategies that an employee can use in dealing with incidents of sexual harassment in the workplace. 

THE NURSING PROFESSION: SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

Part I General Information (No more than 500 words):

• Briefly describe the historical development of workplace issues (needlesticks, latex allergies, ergonomics, and violence) affecting the safety and health of nurses.  Do  searches in CINAHL and through your browser.

• Which national organizations/agencies have addressed these workplace health and safety issues?

• Which national and state nursing organizations have addressed workplace safety and health and how?  Explore the ANA web site (www.nursingworld.org/dlwa/osh/), the FNA web site site (www.floridanurse.org/), and the AACN web site (www.aacn.nche.edu/).

  Part II Trends and Issues (At least 500 words):

• Chosen ONE of the following topics related to nurse workplace safety and health:

  • Needlesticks

  • Latex allergy

  • Violence

  • Ergonomics
    

• Describe current trends and issues related to your chosen topic in nursing. What have been the headlines and feature articles within the last 5-10 years?  Do searches in CINAHL and through your browser.

• What have been the controversies unique to nursing?  (For example, employers that fire nurses, refuse to purchase safer syringe technology, or refuse to purchase non-latex gloves). 

• Describe court cases that have involved your chosen workplace safety and health topic and the court decisions. 

• Summarize results of research studies on your chosen workplace safety and health topic, including the recommendations.

• Discuss the most successful strategies in preventing and dealing with your chosen workplace safety and health topic. 

THE NURSING PROFESSION: THE DISASTER RESPONSE

Part I General Information (No more than 500 words):

• Chosen ONE of the following types of disasters for your paper:

  • Biological agents (Terrorism related)

  • Radiation agents (Terrorism related)

  • Chemical agents (Terrorism related)

  • Mass Trauma (Terrorism related or non-terrorism related)

  • Natural Disasters (hurricanes, tsumanis, earthquakes, etc.)
    

• Briefly describe the historical development issues related to nursing's response to the disaster type you chose.  Do searches in CINAHL and through your web browser.

• Which national organizations/agencies have addressed nursing's response to the disaster type you chose?

• Which national and state nursing organizations have addressed the nursing's response to the disaster and how?  Explore the ANA web site (www.nursingworld.org/news/disaster/), the FNA web site site (www.floridanurse.org/), and the AACN web site (www.aacn.nche.edu/).

Part II Trends and Issues (At least 500 words):

• Describe current trends and issues related to the nursing's response to the disaster type you chose.  What have been the headlines and feature articles within the last 5-10 years?  Do searches in CINAHL and through your web browser.

• What have been the controversies unique to nursing?  (For example, employers that fire nurses who respond to a disaster, protecting health care workers who are the "first responders?"). 

• Summarize results of research studies on nursing's response to the disaster you chose, including the recommendations.

• Discuss the most successful strategies related to nursing's response to the disaster. 

THE NURSING PROFESSION: IMPACT OF WAR

Part I General Information (No more than 500 words)

• Briefly describe the impact of past wars (WWI, WWII, Korean War) on nursing and the impact of nurses on those wars.  Do searches in CINAHL and through your browser.

• Briefly describe the impact of recent wars (Viet Nam, Gulf, Afghanistan) on nursing and the impact of nurses on recent wars.

• Discuss the current role of nurses in the US military branches and the reserves (Army, Air Force, Marines).

Part II Trends and Issues (At least 500 words):

• Describe current trends and issues related to wars and nursing.  See The American Nurse (www.nursingworld.org/tan/) for articles on nursing's involvement in recent wars.  The publication can be found in the FIU library.  What have been the headlines and feature articles within the last 5-10 years?  Do searches in CINAHL and through your browser.

• What have been the controversies unique to nursing?  (For example, leaving jobs and families when called to service). 

• Go to the Women’s Vietnam Memorial web site (www.nps.gov/vive/memorial/women.htm) and describe how nurses have contributed to the war and the memorial. 

• What has been the role of Florida nurses in war?  See The Florida Nurse (www.aldpub.com/Nursing/Florida/).  The publication can be found in the FIU library.  Also do searches in CINAHL and through your browser.