5. Nursing Practices
a) Historical vs. Current Nursing Practice:
Historically, nursing was undocumented and mixed miracles with medicine, often under unhygienic conditions leading to high mortality rates (Beevi, 2008). Today, nursing practices are planned with specific interventions aimed at achieving projected clinical outcomes. Current practices consider factors like the patient’s knowledge, cultural background, resources, and coping methods.
b) Professional Bodies:
1. AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency): Manages health practitioner registrations, publishes national registers, and investigates complaints.
2. ANMC (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council): Develops and oversees standards for nursing and midwifery programs and assesses international qualifications.
3. ANF (Australian Nursing Federation):: Advocates for nurses’ rights, addressing issues like underfunding and nurse shortages.
4. Royal College of Nursing: Promotes nursing education, influences health policies, and offers professional development.