http://www.enotes.com/code-ethics-nurses-reference/code-ethics-nurses Definition A code of ethics is a guide for an individual or group to follow in making decisions regarding ethical issues. Description In the broadest sense, ethics are the principles that guide an individual, group, or profession in conduct. Although nurses do make independent decisions regarding patient care, they are still responsible to the profession as a whole in how those decisions are made. From the earliest concept of nursing, the proper behavior and conduct of a nurse was closely scrutinized. Florence Nightingale wrote of specific issues of conduct and moral behavior.
Communication and interviewing are both skills needed to develop interpersonal relationships within the nursing environment. Communication skills are the first skills noticed in a person. Effective communication skills are crucial for nurses. When first greeting a patient or person the individual level of communication is most evident. Communication has two main elements, verbal and non-verbal.
School of Nursing and Midwifery www.snm.utas.edu.au Nuritinga ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF NURSING ISSUE 7, NOVEMBER 2006 Midwifery-led models of care Midwifery-led models of care Kate Wilde, Graduate Diploma of Midwifery, First year School of Nursing and Midwifery Abstract Pregnant women are faced with an overwhelming array of options for their pregnancy, birth and postnatal care. However, while there may be many options, how can a woman choose which one is appropriate for her? This essay presents an overview of the different models of care available to women and then focuses on two specific ones, caseload midwifery and homebirth. First, the models of care are briefly outlined and the midwifery-led models of care are highlighted. Then, caseload midwifery and homebirthing are critically analysed, including definitions of each, the effects of these models of care on women and the advantages and disadvantages of each for women and midwives according to midwifery research.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report provides detailed information on careers as a registered nurse. It explains what a registered nurse is and provides a brief history of the occupation. A discussion of the duties and responsibilities of a registered nurse is included, as well as a description of the working conditions and possible work-related health hazards. The skills and educational requirements necessary for a successful career in registered nursing are also presented. Since the costs of becoming a qualified registered nurse are substantial in terms of both time and money, employment opportunities, career advancement, salary, and how to get started in the profession are also examined in the following pages.
Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing The nurse has a unique ability to follow a specific and a general code of ethical decision-making while caring for the most vulnerable of patients. The nurse must navigate public health law, educational law, and his or her institutional policies while keeping his or her own personal beliefs from controlling what is best for the patient. Ethics are “the principles of conduct governing one’s relationships with others-basic beliefs of right and wrong…. Law is the minimum ethic, written down and enforced.” (Ellis& Hartley, 2008, p. 288) The registered professional nurse must use resources to assist her, including the ANA Code of Ethics and the state’s nurse practice act. A final influence in the case of both of these cases, as with case one, Marianne could not make her decisions, as a patient advocate, the code ethics states in provision 1.3, “The nurse respects the dignity and rights of all human beings irrespective of the nature of the health problem.
Healthcare often reflects global changes, as these changes occur, the roles and responsibilities of the nurse also changes. It is imperative for nurses to know laws that standardize and affect practice to guarantee that their actions are consistent with up to date legal principles and to protect themselves from liability. Also, nurses are required to consistently polish clinical skills and knowledge through CEUs to meet standards of care. There are set rules from each state Nurse Practice Act and facilities employed in that give nurses guideline for of standards of care. The ANA’s Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice is another crucial manuscript for professional nurses.
Following nursing theory and nursing research side by side is a must for patient care and nursing practice. Nurse Practice Act ascertains the protection of the public from harm. What is the Scope of Practice for Nursing? The Nursing Practice Act (NPA) sets out the scope of practice and responsibilities for RNs and formulates the rules and regulations which specify the implementation of the law. Certain formal training is required for licensure which is checked by the Nursing practice act.
The Role of Nurses When Using Nursing Process to Deliver Care The nursing process is now an integral part of nursing practice worldwide. It is defined as a systematic technique of planning, providing, and assessing care for patients (Carpenito-Moyet, 2007). It is a problem-solving method developed to help nurses to logically approach situations. It is by nature cyclic, theoretically based, dynamic, flexible, and goal-oriented. The nursing process is beneficial to the patient, the nurse, and the nursing profession.
I will first provide an overview of the issue in relation to both these fields of nursing and discuss why it is important and the impact it has on nursing care. I will then highlight any similarities and/or differences that may rise between the two fields. Adult nurses provide a high standard of essential personal care with dignity and compassion, while also being able to undertake complex interventions and use specialist skills, such as communication-the basic skill needed to survive as a nurse. Philippa Sully (2003) stated that “development of effective working relationships underpins all aspects of nursing practice. Whether we are exploring the best way to arrange shift cover or discuss with patients and their families the most appropriate community care, how we communicate depends on our professional relationships with all those involved.” In other words, communication is a key aspect in nursing as a whole.
The definition of nursing is practice in Illinois is declared to protect public health, safety, and welfare and to be subject to regulation and control in public interest. The nursing profession is focused on the care of families, individuals, and communities so they may maintain or recover optimal health and quality of life. Nursing is the protection, promotion, and the prevention of illness and injuries, and suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response. It is declared to be a matter of public interest and concern that the practice of nursing merit and receive the confidence of the public and that only qualified persons be authorized to so practice in the State of Illinois. This Act shall be liberally explained to best carry out these subjects and purposes.