Definition of Nursing in the Code - Essay Example

After reading the case and the code of ethics, I think that the perception of the existence of negligence and malpractice, as well as the perception of breach of moral obligations, subject to the code of ethics, by the involved nurses in the case, prompted the plaintiffs to sue the named defendants. Legal provisions on negligence, the general scope of negligence, and medical negligence could have convinced the plaintiff that a solid case exists against the defendants. Negligence defines the existence of a breach of care by a party that leads to harm to the other party. Elements of negligence, that the plaintiffs most likely assumed to exit are the existence of a duty of care because of the patient-nurse relationship, breach of duty of care because of lack of care that led to damage to the victim’s heart, and damage as identified by the victim’s death. The absence of a reasonable degree of care and skills, subject to the medical definition of negligence could also have prompted the plaintiffs’ action because of damage to the victim’s heart when the nurse had been warned of an enlarged heart and confessed to the knowledge of the condition, suggests lack of the reasonable degree of care and poor skills. The ability to win a case against the individuals than against their employer could have also motivated the plaintiff’s decision (Bardale, 2011).

Provisions for collaboration among nurses also identify responsibility among all involved nurses in the care of a patient, despite a mistake by a single nurse, and this could have prompted naming the nurses in the case. Provisions for acceptance of accountability and accountability of nursing decisions also suggest liability among the nurses who have informed the plaintiffs. Further, the code establishes the liability of a delegating nurse over delegated activities. These could have persuaded the plaintiffs of the existence of a valid case against the individuals (American Nursing Association, 2011).

I believe that the attorney omitted the last name to protect the nurses’ identities from negative reactions from the public. The United States supreme court has nine judges the Supreme Court of New Jersey has seven judges.

Part 2

Difference between a provision and an interpretive statement

The difference between a provision and an interpretive statement is their topic scopes and objectives. A provision covers a major topic while an interpretive statement covers and explains elements of a provision. 

Meaning of interpretive statement 1.2 to a practicing nurse

The statement means that a practicing nurse should be open to people’s different orientations. The nurse should however not compromise to the differences to undermine practice but to incorporate them in planning for care.

Appropriate action for a nurse if he/she thinks a colleague is practicing in a questionable manner

Appropriate action when a nurse thinks a colleague’s practice is questionable is to express concern to the colleague and report possible effects of the questionable practice.  

Examples of an impaired practice and suitable action, if a nurse is a nurse, believes that a colleague is impaired

One example of the impaired practice is the administration of a wrong dose to a patient while prescriptions are clear. Mental strain or incapacitation could cause this and the two most important things that a nurse should do when he or she suspects impaired practice in a colleague are confronting the impaired individual and reporting the matter to the supervisory authority.

An interpretative statement that pertains to the delegation

The interpretive statement under provision 4 that pertains to delegation is statement 4.4, ‘delegation of nurse activities.’ The statement provides that under delegation, a nurse is responsible for activities that he or she delegates. The responsibility includes an assessment to ensure that delegation is made to competent personnel.  

A provision that requires the protection of patient privacy

Provision three of the code requires the protection of a patient’s privacy, subject to its first clause. The clause protects patients from unreasonable intrusion into their private information and life.

The provision that supports nurses’ continuing education before renewing a license to practice

Provision seven best supports state licensing requirements for nurses' continued education. This is because of its requirements that nurses advance their practice through education, among other initiatives such as administration and knowledge development.

The right of a patient to know if an error occurred in his or her treatment and rationale

A patient has the right to know if an error has occurred in his or her treatment. This emanates from nurses’ duty of care.

Meaning of the provision that the ethical standard established by the code is non-negotiable

The provision that the standard is non-negotiable means that the code’s standards are absolute and cannot be varied to favor a condition.