Disussion thread for Week 2, 3, and 4 - Assignment Example

Nursing Nursing Part A Ken, a nurse with History of Alcohol Abuse An Aspect of his Situation Hypothetically Ken has become dysfunctional in his ability to provide appropriate and safe patient care. He was neat but for the past several months, he rarely cares about his personal appearance. He drinks before reporting to work, during meals and breaks. He prefers night shift where there is less supervision, volunteers to administer narcotics to patients, often becomes moody and no longer socializes with friends.

Why I find it InterestingAddiction to alcohol is considered a progressive disease but the addicted nurses must remain responsible for actions executing their mandates (Copp, 2009). Ken is a competent nurse. Patients, hospital administration and physicians are passionate about his job. Therefore, it is recommendable to find a solution for him to prevent endangering patient’s life. Ken’s situation is of interest because his primary role is to provide patient safety. However, alcohol abuse hinders his efficiency and effectiveness in role.

Therefore, there is a need for a remedy.My Personal thought Related to the SituationKen is a victim of alcohol abuse because of various reasons. He is stressed by domestic problems which makes him report to work drunk. He does not relate well to his co-workers that makes him lonely at the workplace. Therefore, it is the obligation of the hospital management to help Ken adjust to the problem.Part BAnn a Nurse who is Suspected of Using Prescription Drugs and being impaired during her Shift in the EDAspect of her Situation in regards to an Ethical IssueLast week a patient reported that he is not getting any relief from the pain medication that Ann had administered earlier.

After contacting Ann, she was impaired in the Emergency Department and became upset by the interrogation on why the patient was complaining. She had injected herself with the drug. It is unethical for Ann to abuse a patient’s prescription. The use of prescription drugs results in either slow patient recovery or death, which is a medical negligence and malpractice hence unethical (Thomas & Siela, 2011).Why I find it of InterestPrimary care for patient safety is a significant purpose for nurse functions.

Nurses should perform their duties with the moral code of conduct in utmost proficiency. Therefore, medical malpractice is a nuisance and unethical hence Ann’s behavior is a matter of concern that requires a remedy.My Personal thought Related to this SituationAnn’s unethical behavior is caused by personal and workplace factors. Using patient’s prescription enables her relieve herself from stress and workplace conflicts. The act, however, is risky and unjustified to uphold patient safety, which is the primary function of a hospital.

Part CComparison between Nurse Practice Acts and the Standards of PracticeA scope of practice refers to the expert activities defined under state law. The scope of practice for a nurse is determined by each state’s nurse practice act. However, the scope of standard of practice entails the provision of services in a way consistent with, as another expert with same skills and experience faced with similar care scenario would provide (ANA, 2010). Standards of practice set the basic criteria for job proficiency.

They define quality of care and issue specific criterion applicable to determine if quality of service has been met. Failure to follow such standards of practice results in professional or medical negligence.Nurse Practice Act of each state is a piece of legislation that defines the legal parameters of nursing within the specific state or scope. Every state has an NPA and there are variations from state to state. However, the professional standards of practice are the suggested guidelines developed and published by the ANA and other nursing professional bodies.

Therefore, the Standards of Practice are considered in the amendment of the state NPAs.ReferencesAmerican Nurses Association (ANA). (2010). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice. Retrieved June 12, 2015 from http://www.nursesbooks.org/ebooks/download/NursingScopeStandards.pdfCopp, M. A (2009, April 01). Drug addiction among nurses: Confronting a quiet epidemic. Modern Medicine. Retrieved June 12, 2015 from http://www.modernmedicine.com/modern-medicine/news/modernmedicine/modern-medicine-feature-articles/drug-addiction-among-nurses-con?

page=fullThomas, C. M., & Siela, D. (2011). The impaired nurse: would you know what to do if you suspected substance abuse. American Nurse Today, 6(8), e1. Retrieved June 12, 2015 from http://www.americannursetoday.com/the-impaired-nurse-would-you-know-what-to-do-if-you-suspected-substance-abuse/