The Nurses` Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements is the social contract nurses have with the American public. It is an example of our profession`s promise to ensure and advocate for safe, quality care for all patients and communities. It requires nurses to support each other so that all nurses can fulfill their ethical and professional obligations. This code reflects the proud ethical heritage of nursing; a system that will continue regardless of the challenges posed by the modern health care system. If you need help writing your nursing essay, our professional nursing essay writing service is here to help! Jurisprudence is the second branch that monitors ethical standards in nursing and the medical profession. Recently, various important medical cases have been negotiated, especially with regard to suicide-assisting nurses, the refusal of medical treatment by a competent patient, and the use of frozen embryos for IVF. xvi In England, no one can consent to the treatment of an incompetent adult, so the court must make a statement in the best interests of patients and the entire medical practice. However, before a lawsuit is underway, it is often expected that nurses will be competent to make these decisions and inform their superiors, and then the court of the patient`s consent. xvii Nurses need a thorough understanding of the ethical and legal principles associated with them to make such a judgment, and this is best understood by implementing strict teaching and education procedures before practicing in a health clinic to ensure they can apply the principles of health care and ethics. In this section of the NCLEX-RN exam, you must demonstrate your knowledge and skills in ethical practice in order to: By uniting in large numbers behind the promise, nurses and other health professionals are sending a strong message to policymakers, health associations, and the American public that future attempts to attract healthcare professionals to design, The study or use of practices that lead to serious physical or mental abuse will not be tolerated. The pledge also serves as a statement of support for medical professionals who resist orders to torture or cause harm.
The most common reaction to a perceived violation of ethical standards in health care is an act of neglect and misconduct, namely the act or omission or mission by the nurse or doctor.xx This requires four elements: duty, as this is a legal obligation to the patient – nurses must provide the level of care provided by other nurses in this area of activity. is exercised appropriately. Second, a breach of that obligation by failure to comply with the required standard. Third, causation, which is a factual link between the nurse`s act and the harm suffered by the patient. Finally, damages, a monetary payment intended to compensate the patient for the damage. xxi The patient must have suffered physical, economic or emotional injuries. The breach of duty test refers to the reasonable judgments of “responsible medical opinions”,” in which persons with particular aptitudes or competences for that profession are assessed at a higher level than the ordinary person`s test.xxii The standard of care is also higher for professionals, and although the primary task falls to the physician, nurses can be held accountable even if they act on the instructions of their employer.xxiii The nurse, even when supervised, must exercise her own skills and competencies, as can be expected of a nurse of the same level and experience.xxiv Fair and ethical nurses show the utmost respect for the worth and dignity of all patients. They provide high-quality nursing care without judgment in any environment, as explained in “Ethical Considerations of Nursing.” The same positive appreciation goes to friends and family involved in the patient`s life. Ethical nurses believe in social justice and the fair treatment of patients. Illegal and discriminatory practices will not be tolerated. They push for equitable health care systems and advocate for health programs that reach underserved populations.
Nurses provide unwavering support and comfort to at-risk patients who may experience long-term stays in nursing homes or hospitals. Patients and family are often deeply grateful to a compassionate nurse and may offer inappropriate and excessive gifts such as expensive jewelry. Patients may develop a strong bond with a favorite nurse or even romantic feelings. In these predictable emotional situations, ethical obligations in nursing require that a limit be set by a warm but professional distance. In England, a patient is considered a minor if he or she is under 18 years of age, although in Scotland the required age is less than 16 years. In England and Wales, the Family Law Reform Act 1969 states that a person aged 16 or 17 has the legal right to consent to treatment. According to article 8, a minor who is 16 years of age or older is considered an adult and has the legal rights arising from this categorization. Consent must be effective, and no parental consent is required, except for certain procedures such as organ donation and non-therapeutic research. xviii Consent is valid if the minor has “sufficient intelligence and understanding to appreciate the information and advice about treatment and what it entails”, for example, if a adolescent girl agrees to receive contraceptive advice without the knowledge or consent of her parents.xix Given that the law imposes a duty of secrecy on nurses towards adults, The law then extends the obligation to children who are able to consent to treatment.
Knowledge of these circumstances is an essential element in enabling nurses to perform their duties in accordance with ethical standards. In order to serve as the most useful assistance in difficult situations, the interpretative statements of the Code provide specific guidelines for practice. The statements respond to the contemporary context of nursing and recognize the greater scope of nursing`s concern for social health. Nurses must continue to meet in committees and organize groups in which they can share and evaluate values for the accuracy and pursuit of the profession. Within these organizations, nurses can come together to advocate for social justice. Continued political awareness is necessary to maintain the integrity of the nursing profession. The nurse`s ability to contribute to health policy should be shared among professional groups and join nurses around the world for a unified voice. Nurses practicing in today`s healthcare environment face increasingly complex ethical dilemmas. Maintaining our commitment to patients and communities requires a lot of civil courage and resilience. This implies the willingness to express oneself or collectively in order to do what is right for patients and other nurses The nurse must have a high level of respect for all individuals and allow dignity in terms of care and communication.
It is important that the patient`s families are also treated in a way that respects their relationship with the patient. Nurses need to understand professional communication guidelines and work with colleagues and patients` families. It is important to understand the right professional relationship that should be maintained with families and patients. Everyone, whether patients or staff members, has the right to decide on their participation in care and work. Paragraph 5. The nurse owes herself the same duties as others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety, preserve full character and integrity, maintain competence, and pursue personal and professional growth. Paragraph 8. The nurse works with other health professionals and the public to protect human rights, promote health diplomacy and reduce health inequalities. Confidentiality of patience is paramount in all areas of health care, including nursing.
