Nursing as a

Profession

Criteria of a profession• Profession defined as an

occupation that requires extensive education or calling that requires special knowledge, skill, and preparation.

• A profession is generally distinguished from other kinds of occupations by:

• University education• Distinct service or practice and discipline• Research-based body of knowledge• Autonomy (self-governance) and

accountability• Code of ethics• Association membership

Two terms related to profession need to be

differentiated

Professionalism

Refers to professional character, spirit, or methods. It is a set of attributes, a way of life that implies responsibility and commitment.

Professionalization

Is the process of becoming professional, that is, of acquiring characteristics considered to be professional.

*** Breaking confidentiality can be if there is a well-defined reason to share information.

(Benefit outweigh harm).

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Nursing Ethics

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Ethics

-Ethics are a systematic philosophical method of inquiry that assists people in understanding the morality of human behavior and social policies

- The study of philosophical ideals of right and wrong behavior.

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Professional Ethics

- Involve principles and values with universal application and standards of conduct in all situations.

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Personal values and morality

- Are what each person hold as true for himself or herself.

Ethical Core Concept

Four principles and values that are integral to the professional nurse’s practice:

1- Respect the patient’s autonomy. (Independence)

2- Act with beneficence. (Be a benefit self and others)

3- Act with non malfeasances. (Not harmful)

4- Act with justice. (Fairness)

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Professional Ethics iIn Nursing Practice

Code of Ethics:Is a set of ethical principles that are accepted by all members of a profession.

The core principles of nursing ethics are:

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Accountability

The ability to answer for one’s own actions.

-The nurse balances accountability to the client, profession, employer, and society.

-Accountability is best ensured and measured when quality of care has been defined.

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Responsibility

Refers to the characteristics of reliability and dependability. (An ability to distinguish between right and wrong).

-In professional nursing responsibility includes a duty to perform action well and thoughtfully.

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e.g When administering a medication the nurse is

responsible for assessing the client’s need for it &

making sure that it is given in a right and a correct

manner and evaluating the response to it.

-The nurse gains trust from clients, colleagues a& society when act responsibly.

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Confidentiality

Information about a client must be kept private.

-Client’s record is accessible only to those providing

care to that client.

-Discussing clients outside the clinical setting, telling

friends or family about clients must be avoided.

-Medical records may not be copied or forwarded

without a client’s consent.

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*** Breaking confidentiality can be if there is a well-defined reason to share information.

(Benefit outweigh harm).

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What the different between privacy and confidentiality?

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• ( e.g.. Privacy of P.T is cared for when closing the room door when performing nursing care , confidentiality is cared for by not discussing that care with some one that is not a member of that P.T health care team)

• ( e.g.. Privacy of P.T is cared for when closing the room door when performing nursing care , confidentiality is cared for by not discussing that care with some one that is not a member of that P.T health care team)

Veracity

Means telling the truth.OrAccuracy or conformity to truth.

- Truthfulness may be challenged during the delivery of health care.

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Fidelity

Means being faithful to one’s commitments

and promises.

- Nurse’s commitments to clients include

providing safe care and maintaining

competence in nursing practice.

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Nonmaleficence

Is the avoidance of harm.

-When work with client nurses must not cause

injury or suffering by maintaining competency

in clinical practice.

-Promote balance of potential risk included

harms with benefits

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Beneficence

Refers to taking positive actions to help others.

Or Means doing or promoting good.

Nurses duty to help promote the well-being of

others.

e.g Administer pain medication and dressing

and emotional support and Child’s

immunization.

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Autonomy

Means independence and the ability to be self-

directed.

** Incorporates principles of freedom of

choice, self-determination, and privacy.

e.g Consent

(How)

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Justice

Refers to fairness (treat all clients equally and

fairly).

- Relates to the distribution of services and

resources (resource allocation throughout a

society of group).

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-Nurses commonly face issues of justice when organizing care for a group of clients- how much time is spent with each client?(Based on client need).

-Fair distribution of resources.

-Dilemmas arise when resources are insufficient to meet the needs of everyone.

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Roles and Functions of the Nurse

Caregiverencompasses the physical,

psychosocial, developmental, cultural, and spiritual levels.

CommunicatorNurses communicate with the

client, support persons, other health professionals, and people in the community.

Teacher-the nurse helps clients learn about their health and the health care procedures they need to perform to restore or maintain their health.

Client advocate acts to protect the client. In this role,

the nurse may represent the client's needs and wishes to other health professionals, such as relaying the client's wishes for information to the physician. They also assist clients in exercising their rights and help them speak up for themselves.

Counselor Counseling is the process of

helping a client to recognize and cope with stressful psychological or social problems, to develop improved interpersonal relationships, and to promote personal growth. It involves providing emotional, intellectual, and psychological support.

Change agent The nurse acts as a change agent

when assisting others, that is, clients, to make modifications in their own behavior. Nurses also often act to make changes in a system, such as clinical care, if it is not helping a client return to health. Nurses are continually dealing with change in the health care system.

LeaderA leader influences others to work

together to accomplish a specific goal. The leader role can be employed at different levels: individual client, family, groups of clients, colleagues, or the community.

ManagerThe nurse manages the nursing

care of individuals, families, and communities. The nurse manager also delegates nursing activities to other nurses, and supervises and evaluates their performance.

Research consumer

Nurses often use research to improve client care.

Recipients of Nursing • Individuals• Families,• Group of people or community

Personal & Professional Characteristics of a Nurse

Communication Skills

• A great nurse has excellent communication skills that include speaking and listening. They are able to follow directions without problem and can easily communicate with patients and families to understand their needs and explain treatments.

Emotional Stability

A great nurse is very stable emotionally. Nursing is a stressful job and nurses encounter many traumatic situations, suffering, and death. A great nurse is one who is able to work without allowing the stress to cause great personal harm.

Empathy

• Great nurses have empathy for the pain and suffering of patients. They are able to feel compassion and provide comfort.

Flexible

A great nurse is flexible with regards to working hours and responsibilities. Nurses are often required to work long periods of overtime, late or overnight shifts, and weekends.

Good Attention to Detail

• A great nurse understands that every step in the medical field is one that can have far-reaching consequences. A great nurse pays excellent attention to detail and is careful not to skip steps or make errors.

Good Interpersonal Skills

• A great nurse has excellent interpersonal skills and works well in a variety of situations with different people. They work well with other nurses, doctors, and other members of a staff.

Physical Endurance

• A great nurse has strong physical endurance and is able to tolerate standing for long periods of time, lifting heavy objects (or people), and performing a number of taxing maneuvers on a daily basis.

Problem-Solving Skills

• A great nurse can think quickly and address problems as - or before - they arise.

Quick Response

• A great nurse can respond quickly to emergencies and other situations that arise. Quite often, healthcare work is simply the response to sudden incidences, and nurses must always be prepared.

Respect

• Great nurses respect people and rules. They are mindful of confidentiality requirements and different cultures and traditions. And they respect the wishes of the patient.