Legal and ethical parameters of professional nursing practice essay one
Professional nurses encounter a variety of legal ethical and bioethical issues on a daily basis. For this reason, it is essential that all nurses are aware of current state and national legislation, acts and guidelines and the implications of these for nursing practices as well as legal processes, principles of open disclosure and the role of a coroner in the health sector. In this way, nurses can adhere to the overarching guidelines for practice as well as working within the code of conduct, competency standards and scope of practice. This paper will provide an overview of legal and ethical parameters of professional nursing practice.
Nurses must work within the …show more content…
Autonomy provides the patient with a chance to voice their own opinion and the power to consent to or to refuse medical treatment and it is a legal right of the patient.
Key to adhering to these guidelines outlined above and others set by industry specialist and legislation, is the requirement of all nurses to work within their scope of practice. Enrolled nurses, (ENs) are accountable for all their actions and must practice in accordance with legislation, to their level of knowledge and experience. They work in partnership with health consumers, families and health prociders. ENs must work under the direction and delegation of a registered nurse(RNs) or nurse practitioner to deliver nursing care, ENs may contribute to assessments and care plans however the RN maintains overall responsibility for the plan of care. ENs assist with the activities of daily living, observe changes in conditions and report all findings to the registered nurse. EN’s may administer medications and carryout other nursing care responsibilities appropriate to their assessed competence. Should an EN have difficulty identifying their role of practice, it is essential for ethical and legal requirements that they confidently discuss any concerns with their supervising RN or management team.
The adherence to ethical and legislative principles and guidelines is monitored and regulated by professional bodies such as the ANMAC, state registration boards and other legal experts. A