Professional Moral Compass - Essay Example

that I’ve seen as a student nurse, and being in a difficult yet challenging situation moves me to act. Having motivation or thoughts about the preferred future for ethical nursing practice encourages an aspiring individual to take action to achieve that future and be able to deliver quality patient care (Fry & Johnstone, 2002, 61). In addition, this motivation will guide the future nurse in responding to actions beyond the ethics of care. For instance, I always remember my purpose of entering nursing whenever there are unbearable times. I also act as patient advocate when I see that patients’ rights and needs are neglected by an individual. Meanwhile, instead of being discouraged by heavy workloads, I find it very productive and contributory of professional competence. Despite strong motivations to act, institutional policies and culture may at times hinder the delivery of a motivated care. INSPIRATION: What keeps me in motion? The pediatric and geriatric patients serve as my inspiration and keep me in motion. When it comes to these patients, I have strong emotional attachments towards them. I believe that these patients are often the most neglected among all groups as most of them find it hard to communicate their needs. Majority of the reasons why I participated in social work was to care for children and elderly and help them cope and understand their feelings. Through nursing, I wanted to ease the heartaches of many elderly and be able to mold a child into a productive member of the society. LOYALTY: Whom do I serve? My loyalty goes to the health care institution, members of the profession, and patients as well. The Nightingale Pledge states that “With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care” (White, 2005, 72) and thus, refers clearly to whom shall nurses adhere their loyalty. Nurses’