Functional Differences
There are two important guides for ethical, legal, and competent nursing. Regulatory agencies, such as the Oregon State Board of Nursing, and the professional nursing organizations, like the American Nurses Association. The two bodies provide outlines for nursing practice, their functionality’s differ. The Oregon State Board of Nursing is accountable for the licensing and regulating of nursing practices in the state of Oregon. The Oregon Board of Nursing is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws that govern the nursing practice in the state of Oregon. Which is outlined in the state’s Nursing Practice Act. The states practices act includes definitions of nursing practice. What actions can be performed, …show more content…
and the consequences for any violations. Furthermore, the American Nurses Association (ANA) is a national organization which create the framework for guiding principles and ethical practices for nursing nationally as well as, sponsoring nurses’ interest to state and federal legislative entities. The ANA does not have the authority to punish or endorse the practices of nurses however, they do offer a foundation for ethical nursing through its code of ethics for nurses (American Nurses Association, 2013).
Nursing Code of ethics
Observance of ethical practice is essential to nursing. The ANA has set the standard for the need of ethical guidance through its Code of Ethics for Nurses by establishing what the primary values, goals, and obligations of professional nurses. Although all the provisions have importance, there are two that stand out. Provision 2 has the strongest influence, it states that the primary commitment of the nurse is to their patient, whether it is an individual, family, group or community. This provision is important in caring of patients at the end of their life. End of life patient are generally at risk for Autonomy do to their loved ones and other healthcare professionals attempting to influence the patient decision. It is imperative for the nurse to support the patient wishes. Provision 3 states that nurses should promote, advocate, and protect the safety, health, and rights of their patients. Furthermore, the nurse needs to conserve the privacy and confidentiality of all patient information (American Nurses Association, 2013).
Professional Traits
Patient care has evolve due to higher standards and the development of new technologies and treatments, this has increased the importance for collaboration between healthcare professionals. The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses looks at many traits that help with effective collaboration and communication between health care professionals. An important part of any relationship is respect, it provides a foundation for fair and impartial treatment, furthermore, if there is a lack of respect the team will not function adequately. Integrity is a critical part of nursing, it holds a nurse to a high standard both personally and professionally. Responsibility is important in all nursing practices however, it is crucial when incorporating care with other professionals. The team needs to rely on the different specialties as the healthcare team can become very individually specific. The main framework for all nursing is compassion. Compassion is not limited to patients, it also needs to be part of the team atmosphere. Compassion allows individuals to individual perspectives as well as their skills (American Nurses Association, 2013).
Nursing theory
Nursing has many theories, as a nurse you must decide which approach best suites your individual skills and the patients you treat.
Hildegard E. Peplau, in 1952, offered her theory on interpersonal relations as it applied to nursing care and practice, providing a model to help aid patients in healing as well as, how to overcome illness through personal interaction. In Peplau’s work Interpersonal Relations in Nursing: A Conceptual Frame of Reference for Psychodynamic Nursing she offered her nursing theory on interpersonal relationships as they relate to the nursing process. She presented that anxiety over illness in the patient staying stagnant with the possibility of moving backward in their recovery. Peplau theorizes that if we help the patient set goals the nurse might help address exploration of the identified problem, identification of viable options, and implementation of available resources for resolution. It becomes working in cardiac care unit, that numerous patients require physical care as well as, psychological motivation. The use of goal setting is great tool for allowing patients to take part in their recovery. By using these theories we empower the patient to become an active member of their recovery (Theoretical Foundations of Nursing …show more content…
2011).
Contributions
Nursing has many inspiring individuals that aided in shaping a vocation in to a profession. Among those most influential is Florence Nightingale. Nightingale’s theory of practice along with detailed instructions for environmental adaptation remain pertinent in hospitals today, addressing common issues such as light, diet, noise, cleanliness, and ventilation. Many of these practices are so common in practice today we forget their origin. Nightingale’s teachings on noise levels have influenced visitations and the amount of noise coming out of the nurses’ station. She also influenced nurses in the physical and mental wellbeing of their patients. Furthermore, Nightingale was the forerunner in gathering, analyzing and applying statistical data to patient care. Nightingale’s use of statistics and graphs during the Crimean War became the beginning of evidence-based practice (The Victorian Web 2008).
Scenario
One duty of the Nurses is to safeguard their patients from unwarranted influence or infringement.
Autonomy along with respect for justice are two very important principles. Autonomy is respecting and supporting the patient’s right to make their own dictions regarding their care and treatment. Working on a general medicine floor you see a variety of patients including end of life. It is common to see the course of care slowly move away from the patients initially stated. Often because the family cannot adjust to the coming loss of a loved one, or they and at times the physicians feel they what is the best course of action for the patient and may unintentionally overstep the patient’s autonomy. In one case the patient was end of life on hospice care and the family wanted a particular procedure. The patient was tired of the pain that these interventions caused and did not feel it would prolong life. I spent a lot of time with this patient and understood his desires. After a long talk with the family I was able to communicate that he was ready for the end and help them come to terms with his decision.
Justice requires the provider or organization to provide impartial and equal access to treatment. Nurses guarantee justice for their patients by reaming impartial in their assessment of their patient treatments and needs. Working a hospital brings a nurse is in contact with people who have different life styles than the nurse. It is important that the nurse not focus on the patient’s
life style, but instead focus on the patient’s treatment and self-dignity. It is imperative t give the same level of respect and treatment to all patients (Cherry & Jacob, 2011).
References
American Nurses Association. (2001). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/Tools-You-Need/Code- of-Ethics.pdf
Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2011). Contemporary nursing: Issues, trends, & management (5th ed.). St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier/Mosby.
Oregon State Board of Nursing. (2013).Board of Registered Nursing. Retrieved July 7, 2013, from http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/
Nursing Practice Act. (2013). Board of Registered Nursing. Retrieved July 7, 2013 from http://www.rn.ca.gov/regulations/npa.shtml
The Victorian Web (2008). Florence Nightingale http://www.victorianweb.org/history/crimea/florrie.html
Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (2011). Hildegard E. Peplau Theory of Interpersonal Relations http://nursingtheories.weebly.com/hildegard-e-peplau.html