Standard 3: Maintains the capability for practice

RNs, as regulated health professionals, are responsible and accountable for ensuring they are safe, and have the capability for practice. This includes ongoing self-management and responding when there is concern about other health professionals’ capability for practice. RNs are responsible for their professional development and contribute to the development of others. They are also responsible for providing information and education to enable people to make decisions and take action in relation to their health.

The registered nurse:

3.1 considers and responds in a timely manner to the health and wellbeing of self and others in relation to the capability for practice

• Nurses need to maintain their practical ability through an ongoing care process to ensure patient safety and well-being.

3.2 provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health

• One of the important roles of nurses is the educator of the patient. Health education is the interaction of nurses with any disease or prevention. However, a lack of sufficient knowledge can lead nurses to make mistakes, which may bring bad effect of patient's health, such as worsening conditions and extended recovery time (Beta, 2015).

3.3 uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others

• After finishing my nursing course study, I will continue to learn from my work to keep up with new knowledge and expand the breadth of my nursing knowledge.

3.4 accepts accountability for decisions, actions, behaviours and responsibilities inherent in their role, and for the actions of others to whom they have delegated responsibilities

3.5 seeks and responds to practice review and feedback

• At the end of each nursing practice and when I have completed procedures that I feel challenged for myself, I actively seek feedback from the seniors who practice with me. For example, after a complex wound dressing, I asked my nursing educator where I can improve. She said that sometimes we should not wash some wounds too gently, so that the carrion in the wound will not be washed away. She said she understands my feelings, because washing the wounds forcefully will make the patient feel painful, but we have to do it because it will help the wound recover.

3.6 actively engages with the profession, and

3.7 identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people.

• I actively participate in activities that I can participate in at work and study, because it allows me to keep up with the existing information without falling behind, and it also helps me to understand well of the current working environment.