Professional Practice, Leadership, and Research
What to know
This domain covers professional standards, leadership, quality, and evidence-based practice. Know the AHNA Standards of Holistic Nursing Practice and the ANA Code of Ethics as the professional backbone, plus scope-and-standards documents. Leadership includes advocacy, change management, delegation, and interprofessional collaboration. Quality and safety frameworks (e.g., QSEN competencies, IOM/NAM aims) appear in scenario form.
Research literacy is essential: distinguish quantitative from qualitative designs, levels of evidence (systematic reviews/meta-analyses at the top, then RCTs, cohort, case-control, case series, expert opinion), and the steps of evidence-based practice (ask, acquire, appraise, apply, assess). Know the difference between research and quality improvement, and the role of IRB and informed consent in protecting human subjects.
Traps
- Ranking a single RCT above a systematic review.
- Confusing quality improvement (local, process-focused) with research (generalizable, IRB-governed).
- Choosing an advocacy action that bypasses the chain of command or the client's autonomy.
- Delegating assessment or teaching to unlicensed personnel.
Rule of thumb
For evidence questions, the hierarchy wins: systematic review > RCT > cohort > case-control > expert opinion. For leadership questions, the best answer usually protects the client, uses the team appropriately, and follows policy.