The 4th edition of the scope and standards of neuroscience nursing practice provides definitions and details regarding the unique practice of the neuroscience nurse. This edition provides new details related to the clarifies the neuroscience nurse’s application of the Code of Ethics for Nurses within the practice of neuroscience nursing and also highlights scholarship in the specialty.
This update from the 3rd edition reflects changes in the language describing neuroscience nursing competencies for RNs, graduate-level prepared RNs, and APRNs. Three standard names have been updated: Resource utilization is now referred to as resource stewardship; evidence-based practice and research is now referred to as scholarly inquiry; and culturally congruent practice is now referred to as respectful and equitable practice. One new standard has been added regarding advocacy. This important role for the neuroscience nurse is represented with competencies for the RN, graduate-level prepared RN, and APRN.