Final answer:
The ANA has made key contributions to nursing including defining nursing, lobbying for whistle-blower protection, providing RN competency expectations, influencing public health policy, and publishing a nursing magazine. These efforts shape the nursing profession and promote high standards of care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is an organization deeply engaged in the forward movement and enhancement of the nursing profession. Among its key contributions, the ANA has been responsible for:
- Providing a definition of nursing, which helps in setting a baseline for practice and education standards.
- Lobbying for whistle-blower protection to ensure nurses can report unsafe or unethical practices without fear of retaliation.
- Providing competency expectations for all RNs, which assists in maintaining a high standard of nursing care while ensuring patient safety.
- Another contribution, although not specified in the options given above, includes advocacy for public health and the development of policies that aim to improve societal health outcomes through objective data and research.
- The publication of the nursing magazine 'American Nurse Today', known as the 'Imprint' for nursing students, offering insight into the profession and continuing education.
By engaging in these activities, the ANA continues to shape the field of nursing, fostering a professional environment that prioritizes both the well-being of nurses and the communities they serve.