The American Nurses Association's Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice discusses integrating the art and science of nursing. Describe how science and art are synthesized in the practice of nursing?

Why do nurses need a license? Locate your state board of nursing's website and discuss what a new nurse must do to become licensed in your state.

Last, describe the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). How many states are currently participating? Use this link to learn more information about the NLC: https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm

Ways science and art are synthesized in the practice of nursing

Science and art are closely synthesized in the practice of nursing. According to ANA (2015a, p. 11), besides nursing being a science, it's an art that is based on caring and giving ultimate respect for human dignity. Thus, the art encompassed in nursing is expressed through showing care and dignified respect to patients. Also, it's a science-based practice because it encompasses evidence-based practices researched in a lab and optimized to help in improving patient wellness. Besides, nurses use research and critical thinking in their daily work (Nursing: Scope and standards of practice, 2015). Thus, nursing as science requires the application of principles and techniques in analyzing patient care with regard to body structures, while as art requires the use of emotional intelligence and interpretation to deliver holistic and compassionate healthcare. Using Potter et al. (2017), no two patients are the same even if they are suffering from a similar conditions. The nurses must use both science and art to ensure each patient gets customized care, dignity, and compassion.

Why do nurses need a license?

From the course readings, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) (2011) indicates that licensure is mandatory for nurses to protect the public from harm. The licensing shows that the nurse has met the minimum qualifications and competencies for entry-level nurses. Also, it means that the nurse has been entrusted to deliver quality healthcare within the standards and ethics set. To get a nursing license in Texas, one must attend and complete the course leading to graduation as a registered nurse and have satisfied all program's needs, have the academic background checked, and pass the licensure exam. However, they should also not have committed any major felony or criminal offense (Texas Board of Nursing, 2013).

Last, describe the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). How many states are currently participating?

The NLC helps US nurses to practice nursing outside their state without acquiring other additional licenses. This is like a treaty that allows nurses to work in other states freely or when needed. Currently, only 39 states are participants in the LNC program. Other states, such as New York, are yet to join the NLC program, but the moving nurses can obtain a single license from the state. The NLC was particularly important during the Covid-19 pandemic, evidenced by nurses shortage in most states and these free movement and licensure helped bring quick aid.