Professional Guidelines in Health Care Profession-Free-Samples

Question: Discuss about the Law, Ethics and Professional Guidelines in Health Care Profession. Answer: Introduction The nursing as a profession is often underpinned by a wide range of professional, ethical and legal issues that are important for safe nursing practice and that ensures interests, needs and requirements of all patients are fully met. Nursing profession is governed by professional and legal requirements that are meant for protect the well-being and safety of patients. The National Board works with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme) in order to maintain the safety of the public by that ensuring competent and qualified nurses attend to their needs. Based on case 2 whereby my fellow student made a derogative, disrespectful and threatening comments about my lecturer, this essay will discuss on the immediate and subsequent actions taken. The essay will also capture on some of the most applicable sections of the Australian Registered Nurse Standards for Practice, ICN Code of Ethics for Nurs es and Code of Conduct for Nurses and the possible legal and future implications of this behaviors. Immediate actions Professionalism can be categorized into three major sections. They include professional behaviors, professional parameters and values and professional responsibilities. Simply, professional parameters are related to the principles of lawful and ethical matters while professional behaviors and values pertain the area of abilities, knowledge, way an individual carries himself or herself in terms of appearance and behavior and fostering bonds with other colleagues. Professional responsibilities on the other hand include employers, personal, societal responsibilities and patients. Professional values and behaviors include acceptance, non-judgmental attitude, communication, accountability, confidentiality, self-improvement and collegiality (Curtis, Horton Smith, 2012). Based on the scenario, what the student did was unlawful and unethical based on the code of ethics of nursing provision 3 on acting on questionable conduct which violates the rights of another person. What the colleague did in the scenario was questionable and its a violation of individual rights. The first immediate action that I should take is contacting the student who was responsible for the disrespectful and derogative post and talk to him or her regarding the issue and inform him to withdraw it form Facebook. In relation to nursing code of ethics, provision 1 elaborates more on respect for human dignity and relationships with colleagues and others in institutions. Taking this action shows that as a nurse am concerned about the dignity of the lecturer who was threated and disrespected via a social media. Provision 1 of nursing code of ethics adds that the nurse is accountable for the needs, values and dignity of others. This code of ethics emphasizes on respect in all areas of n ursing interaction (Curtis, Horton Smith, 2012). The second immediate action is approaching the colleague and find out the reason as to why he or she did such as thing for the lecturer. I will take time with the colleague and find interrogate him or her to find out any underlying issues between him and the lecturer that might have led to such a behavior in a social media. This will help me gather adequate and detailed information about the incidence hence enabling me to make appropriate and effective decisions regarding the scenario. According to the regulation standards and nursing code of ethics, nurses should conduct an assessment of an issue in order to implement appropriate interventions for the case. The third immediate action I would take will be advising the colleague regarding the issue, According to the American Nurses Association code of ethics, nurses are guided by the ethical and legal issues in order to make ethical decisions. Provision 5 of the code of ethics addresses moral-self-respect whereby nurses have moral obligations to self as they do to others. Based on this case, the colleague needs to be reminded of a self-respect, respect to others, personal integrity and wholeness of character. The code plays an important role of delineating the ethical standards for the nurses in all settings, roles, levels, guidance provision and setting expectations. Based on the scenario, the decisions made were based on these codes to ensure that the issue is handled in an ethical manner which does not violate anybody. The values involved in nursing practice ensure advocacy, barrier elimination and respect for humans (Brown et al, 2017). Provision 9 of the code of ethics for nurses advocates for collaboration between nurses and other professional to protect the rights of other people , promote diplomacy and reduce any form of disparities in nursing profession. The actions of collaborating with the administration and other authorities was important. When the practice of a nurse falls below the accepted standards of competence and care, like for this scenario, exposes him or her to litigation. The basis for litigation is related to malpractice, negligence and failure to exercise at a reasonable level (Epstein Turner, 2015). Prudence and professional negligence are also associated with litigation. The omission and commission acts are obliged to subject the nurse to professional license review and litigation which can consequently lead to reprimand of his or her license or total loss of the license. Based on this scenario, this fellow can be subjected to litigation since posting a threatening and disrespectful message o n a social platform violates the legal and ethical issues and code of ethics of nurses (Epstein Turner, 2015). According to the Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses in Australia, it is outlined that: nursing practice is carried out in a competent and safe manner and according to the professional standards. Nurses should conduct themselves according to the laws relevant to nursing profession. Nurses should show respect for culture, dignity, values, and ethnic beliefs of other people including colleagues (Kalaitzidis Schmitz, 2012). Nurses should be accountable for any information they come across and professionally keep it confidential and private. Nurses should build and maintain on the communitys confidence and trust as far as nursing profession is concerned. Additionally, nursing practice should be ethical and reflective (Council, 2013). Subsequent actions One of the subsequent actions I will take is reporting the incidence to the relevant authorities so that they can address the issue on a different perspective. Nurses should ensure that standards of their practice conform to the professional standards established and agreed upon by the nursing profession to enhance the safety of other people. In case of any circumstance that seems to compromise the standards of nursing profession, observation of any questionable, unlawful and unethical practice, an appropriate authority or person should be informed in order to find better ways of dealing with the person responsible for the unethical act (Council, 2013). If the concerned issues fail to be resolved and still compromises the safety and competency of nursing profession, nurses are allowed to intervene in order to deal with the individual and once the external process is exhausted, the internal processes may inform the appropriate authorities. Based on the case scenario, the measures take n were appropriate based on nursing profession ethical and legal issues. Taking this action will help the administration find out any problem that might be existing between the lecturer and the student that could have lend to the issue (Epstein Turner, 2015). The other subsequent action is carrying out follow-up to ascertain self-improvement of the student behavior. A nurse is an advocate of therapeutic and professional relationships with families, individuals, groups and communities (Morton et al, 2017).The Australian community contains a mixture of linguistic and cultural diversity and the standards of Registered Nurses must appear in this context. As per the regulation of health professionals, RNs operate under the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Based on the standards of nursing, this action will be useful in finding best solutions for the issue (Kalaitzidis Schmitz, 2012). The Registered Nurse Standards for Practice are made up of seven key standards: They include: critical thinking and analyses for nursing practice, engaging in professional and therapeutic relationships, maintenance of capability for nursing practice, conducting assessments, establishing plans development for nursing practice and provision of responsive and safe nursing practice. Lastly, evaluation of outcomes in order to inform nursing practice. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) is also for protection of the public (Epstein Turner, 2015). The other subsequent action is approaching the lecturer to discuss on student-tutor relationship and how it can impact on nursing profession code of ethics. Based on the case scenario, the most applicable standard is thinking critically and analyzing of nursing practice. Various strategies of thinking and available evidence are used by Registered Nurses to make decisions and provide quality, safe nursing practice within the frameworks of evidence-based and person-centered. The nurse should accesses, assess, analyses, and apply the available evidence to take actions against an issue. According to this standard, the student- nurse should show compliance with regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and other requirements that are relevant to nursing practice context practice in decision-making process and taking actions (El Haddad, Moxham Broadbent, 2013). The other standard that is applicable to the case scenario is maintenance of capability for RNs. It is the responsibility of RNs to ensure professional development and contribution towards the development of individuals including colleagues. Nurses are also responsible for offering education and information which enables them to make effective decisions and take appropriate action relating to health and which are in compliance with the nurses code of ethics and legal issues. For instance, in this scenario, the act of getting concerned with the post shows responsibility. In relation to this standard, nurses are accountable for actions, decisions, responsibilities and behaviors inherent in their duties. They are also responsible for the actions of others including colleagues (El Haddad, Moxham Broadbent, 2013). Professionalism is a very vital aspect in nursing practice and it is very applicable in this case scenario. Some of the important professional parameters are duty of care, legal and ethical requirements, code of ethics and standards of practice. These parameters act as guard to the rights of each and every person. Professional behaviors compromise of contemporary knowledge and good behaviors with families, colleagues and clients. Colleagues may not be exactly fellow nurses but also other team members involved in health care system (Dignam et al, 2012). The art of effective communication is seen perfectly permeate the aspects of appropriate attitudes, professional behavior such as appearance. Professional responsibilities encompasses of responsibility to self, profession, clients, community and employers or tutors. A sense of responsibility is seen whereby an individual has strong, collaborative and ethical working relationship with the colleagues, community and employers (Brennan Mo nson, 2014). Professionalism entails development of positive and professional behaviors in health care system. Some of the values of professionalism in health care include accountability, integrity and responsibility. Professional behavior is an indication of professional conduct which is based on legislation and standards as outlined by the regulatory bodies (Giordano-Mulligan, 2017). In this scenario, professionalism was used whereby every person is responsible and accountable for any action that is against the code of ethics of nurses. According to professional behavior, competent, ethical and safe nursing practice is advocated. Professional conduct is manner of an individuals behavior while demonstrating professional capacity in his or her actions. Generally, it is acceptable that all professionals should uphold the standards of conduct when performing duties or affairs (Melnyk et al, 2014). Accountability is one of the values that is related to patient-professional relationship. A helping relationship is formed based on this fundamental relationship. An individual in health care profession should demonstrate accountability for the actions of another person such as a colleague. Basically, there should exists a helping relationship whereby a professionals advice each other and find solutions in case a problem arises. Essentially, professionalism should show familiarity with the values and faith of the patient as well as to decide what is best for the patient. Apart from that, a professional should be in a position to motivate and empower patient regarding an ongoing treatment process which requires one to be psychologically skilled and knowledgeable (Lachman, 2012) As far as professionalism is concerned, self-improvement is very key substance in health care practice. A professional should be able to rationally evaluate himself or herself every time based on their efficiency, attitudes and interest in their particular fields of practice without making any presumptions (Maister, Galford Green, 2012). With regards to this, all professionals are expected to continue educating other people in order update their level of skills and knowledge. In addition to this, professionals should be involved in health discussions with colleagues, consultations and professional training. This will help them improve on their level of knowledge and skills in order to practice based on code of ethics and standards (Evetts, 2013). Another important component applied in professionalism is collegiality which refers to a relationship which exists between colleagues who seek to have requirements such as mutual respect, acknowledgement of individual knowledge and cooperation among themselves. It is the role of the health care professionals to maintain a healthy relationship to avoid adverse effects on the wellbeing of patients. In case of a conflict, team mates should be in a position to discuss the issues without influence of personal prejudice to come up with a suitable and effective solution. With this in professionalism, patients are guaranteed of getting a holistic and standard care (Evetts, 2013). Lastly, confidentiality is another important cornerstone in professionalism. Confidentiality entails responsibility of keeping patient's data and information private and confidential to avoid access to colleagues or other unauthorized society members. These information is very sensitive since it comprises of the discussions, feelings and feedbacks from medical records and professionals (Lachman, 2012). The chief elements involved in confidentiality are truthfulness, trust and fidelity which should be fully rooted in both patients and professionals. In a client-professional relationship, clients disclose shameful, embarrassing and agonizing data and information to the professional with great expectations and trust that the professional will safeguard it. If a problem emerges, like in the case scenario, it is the responsibility of the professional to take appropriate actions based on ethics and legal regulations (Cherry Jacob, 2016). Some of the legal and future implications of this behavior would be failure to adhere to ethical standards and regulations of practice due to malpractice, negligence and violation of other peoples rights in health care system. This may lead to litigation by the omissions and commissions act. These acts may professionally review his or her license which may possibly lead to loss of it and denial of practice in health care (Lachman, 2012) Conclusion Nursing practice as a profession is governed by various bodies and associations which outline various regulations and standards. The standards are used to guide nursing practice. The code of ethics for nurses are used in nursing profession to protect that rights of other people especially clients. Professionalism has very important values and characteristics such as responsibility, confidentiality, self-improvement, collegiality and accountability. 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