Standards of Practice: Nurses are expected to follow a set of professional standards of practice, which provide guidance on how to provide safe, effective, and ethical care. These standards are developed by professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), and they are based on research and best practices.

Code of Ethics: Nurses are guided by a code of ethics that outlines the ethical principles and values that are central to the nursing profession. The ANA Code of Ethics is one example of a code of ethics that provides guidance on ethical decision-making in nursing practice.

Patient-centered care: Nurses must provide patient-centered care, which means putting the patient’s needs and preferences at the center of care. This involves effective communication with patients and their families, providing education and support, and involving patients in decision-making.

Interprofessional collaboration: Nurses must work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, and social workers, to provide coordinated and comprehensive care to patients.

Quality Improvement: Nurses must engage in continuous quality improvement to ensure that patient care is safe, effective, and efficient. This involves monitoring and evaluating patient outcomes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing changes to improve care.

In summary, the foundations of professional nursing practice include education and training, scope of practice, standards of practice, code of ethics, patient-centered care, interprofessional collaboration, and quality improvement. These foundations provide a strong framework for nurses to provide safe, effective, and ethical care to their patients.