ONA Position & Nursing Practice Statements

The Ohio Nurses Association develops association position statements on topics facing the profession. Nursing Practice Statements are developed by the association’s member-led Council on Practice and approved by the ONA Board of Directors for specific nursing practice topics. Both are used as guideposts and resources for Ohio’s nurses.

Nursing Practice Statements

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Developed: 07/87 Revised: 07/94, 06/07, 02/18 The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses states that the nurse: The nurse practice with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person. The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group,… Read more

The Role of the Nurse Employed Below Licensure Level

Download the Full Statement Here The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses states that the nurse: The nurse practice with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person. The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community,… Read more

RNs and LPNs Working in Non-Traditional Settings

Download the Full Statement Here The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses states nurse: The nurse practice with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person. The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population.… Read more

Nursing Students Employed as Unlicensed Assistive Personnel

Download the Full Statement Here The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses states: The nurse practice with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person. The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population. The… Read more

Scope of Practice of the Registered Nurse in Light Based (Laser) Therapies

Download the full practice statement here. In accordance with this Code, the intent of this statement is to provide guidelines related to the registered nurse participating in the provision of light based therapies. The role of the registered nurse changes with advancing technology and newly identified needs. The registered nurse’s… Read more

The Administration of Medications by Routes (or Purposes) Not Approved by the FDA

Download the full position statement here. The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses  states that the nurse has authority, accountability, and responsibility for nursing practice; makes decisions; and takes action consistent with the obligation to promote health and to provide optimal care (Provision 4). Occasionally nurses are asked to… Read more

Role Guidelines for the Nurse Employed by an Ambulatory Care Practice

Download the Full Practice Statement Here Ambulatory care settings employ about 25% of registered nurses in the United States. Of these 25%, 33% have a Masters degree or higher (ANA). Most licensed nurses employed by an ambulatory care practice are primarily clinic-based. Some, however, may work totally or periodically in… Read more

The Role of the Registered Nurse as Charge Nurse

Download the Full Statement Here In accordance with the Code of Ethics for Nurses, the intent of this statement is to provide guidelines for registered nurses assuming the role of charge nurse. ONA recognizes that the role of the charge nurse may vary with the area of practice and facility… Read more

ONA Position Statements

ONA Position on Immunization

ONA Position on Immunization Developed: 2015 Reaffirmed by ONA BOD 6/2017, 6/2020 The Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) believes that immunization, from infancy through adulthood, is a vital component of protecting the public’s health. Wide spread immunization not only protects those that have been immunized, but also provides a measure of… Read more

ONA Position on Social Media in Health Care: Safeguarding Healthcare Staff

ONA Position on Social Media in Health Care: Safeguarding Healthcare Staff Developed: 2015 Approved by ONA BOD: 3/2015 Reaffirmed by ONA BOD: 6/2020 The ubiquitous use of smart phones and computer technology by the American consumer means that mobile technology enters a hospital, outpatient clinic, or counseling session…essentially any healthcare… Read more

ONA Position on BSN within 10 Years of Licensure

BSN Within 10 Years of Licensure Developed: 11/2016 Approved by Board: 08/2017 Reaffirmed by ONA BOD: 6/2020 OHIO NURSES ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIONS Registered nurses (RN) should complete the BSN within 10 years of initial licensure. “As adopted by the House of Delegates 2015” Toward that end, the Ohio Nurses… Read more

ONA Position on Marijuana in Ohio

ONA Position on Marijuana in Ohio Developed: 2016 Approved by ONA BOD: 3/2016 Reaffirmed by ONA BOD: 6/2020 The Ohio Nurses Association recognizes that the use of medicinal marijuana is beneficial in certain patient treatment scenarios. Our organization promotes best practices supported through ongoing research, and promotes access to evidence… Read more