Comparison of ANA and ICN Code of Ethics - Assignment Example

Comparison of ANA and ICN Code of Ethics Introduction 1. Normally, nurses have got 4 fundamental roles; promotion of health, prevention of illness, restoration of health as well as alleviation of suffering. This means that the need for nursing is global and intrinsic in nursing is respect for human rights, comprising of right to choice and life, cultural rights, right to treat with respect and dignity. Thus, nursing care is respectful of in addition to being unrestricted by considerations of colour, age, culture, creed, illness, sexual orientation, race, politics or even social status of an individual(Wheeler,2013). Comparison of ANA and ICN Code of Ethics ANA code of ethics According to ANA, the nurse is supposed to practice, in all professional relationships with respect and compassion for the natural dignity, uniqueness and worth of each person, unhindered by considerations of economic or social status, nature of health problems or personal attributes. Secondly, the primary commitment of the nurse is to the patient whether a community, group, family or an individual. Thirdly it is the responsibility of the nurse to promote, advocate for as well as strive to protect the safety, rights and health of the patient. Fourthly, the nurse is accountable and responsible for individual nursing practice and usually determines the suitable allocation of roles consistent with the obligation of the nurse to offer most favorable patient care (Fowler, 2010). The nurse also according to ANA owes similar duties to others as self, comprising the responsibility of preserving safety and integrity so as to not only maintain competence but also carry on with professional as well as personal growth. In addition, the nurse takes part in establishment, maintenance and improvement of healthcare environments as well as conditions of employment suitable for the offering of quality healthcare that is in tandem with the values of the nursing profession through collective as well as individual action. The ANA code of Conduct also stipulates that the nurse ought to participate in the advancement of the profession via involvements in education, practice, knowledge development and administration. The ANA code of conduct also stipulates that the nurse should team up with other health professionals as well as the public in promotion of national, international and community endeavors to fulfill health requirements (Fowler, 2010). Finally the ANA stipulates in its code of ethics that the nursing profession especially as represented by various associations and their members are accountable for articulation of nursing values, maintenance of integrity of the nursing profession as well as its practice in addition to shaping social policy(Fowler,2010). On the other hand, the ICN code of ethics has got 4 major components that stipulate the standards of nursing ethical conduct. These are the elements of the ICN Code; first and foremost pertains the nurses and the people. According to this code, the professional primary role of the nurse is to the people in need of nursing care. Thus, through provision of care, nurses promote an atmosphere whereby human values, rights, spiritual beliefs and customs of the person, community and family are respected and upheld. The nurse makes sure that the patient gets adequate information on which to have a basis for care as well as related treatment. It is the responsibility of the nurse to hold in confidence personal information and make use of judgment in distributing this information. Thus this code requires the nurse to share with the community the duty of initiating together with supporting action to accomplish the social and health requirements of the public, specifically those of helpless populations. In addition, the nurse also shares the task of sustaining and protecting the natural environment from degradation, pollution, destruction and depletion. The second code regards nurses and practice. This code requires the nurse to carry personal accountability and responsibility for nursing practice, in addition to maintaining competence via continuous learning. The nurse is required to uphold a standard of individual health such that his/her ability to offer care is not in any way compromised. Thus in such a case, the nurse is supposed to use judgment concerning personal proficiency whenever s/he is accepting or delegating task. The nurse is also required to maintain, at all times, standards of individual conduct which impacts positively on the nursing profession in addition to enhancing public confidence. In provision of care, the nurse makes sure that using technologies as well as scientific developments are compatible with the dignity, safety as well as human rights (Butts & Rich, 2013). The third code pertains to nurses and their profession-Thus the nurse assumes the key responsibility in determining together with implementing satisfactory standards of clinical management, education, research and practice. This code stipulates that the nurse should be actively involved in development of a hub of research-based professional information. Thus, the nurse, working through the professional organization, should take part in creation and maintenance of equitable, safe, economic and social working environment in nursing(Butts & Rich,2013). The fourth code in ICN involves nurses and co-workers. In this case, nurses maintain a co-operative correlation with fellow co-workers in not only nursing but also other disciplines. In this code, the nurse assumes a suitable action in safeguarding individuals, communities and families when their health is threatened by a colleague or any other individual (Fowler, 2010). In conclusion, the ICN code of ethics for Nurses is actually a guide for action on the basis of social needs and values. It will only be meaningful simply as a living manuscript if applied to the realism of health care and nursing in an evolving society. So as to accomplish its objective the Code ought to be internalized, understood in addition to being made use of by nurses in all areas of their career. That is why it has to be made available to both nurses and students throughout their study as well as work lives (Butts & Rich, 2013). Similarities Both ANA and ICN code require the primary commitment of the nurse to be on the patient irrespective of their stature in life, race, background, sex orientation or religious inclination. Both codes therefore, advocate for provision of health care, through which the nurse promotes an atmosphere, in which the human values, rights, spiritual beliefs and customs. Both codes also emphasis on the responsibility, independence and accountability of the nurse in determining the suitable delegation of tasks with the nurse tasked with the duty of providing optimum care to the patient. In this regard, the nurse is tasked with using appropriate judgment in regard to individual competence when acknowledging as well as delegating responsibility. Thirdly both codes insist on the nurse owing the similar duties to self as to others, inclusive of the responsibility to uphold dignity, safety as well as to maintain competence in addition to continuing with professional as well as personal growth (Fowler, 2010). Differences There is no much difference in the two codes, and in fact save for the numbering everything else is just the same. 2. a) Ethical issues in the case The ethical issues involved in this case comprise of the “intimate care” to be given by a young male nurse to the young intoxicated female students. Thus, by virtue of their jobs, nurses are tasked with a professional responsibility of offering regulatory supervision that may affect patients. As such, male nurses may frequently feel intimidated and challenged to offer intimate care to female patients in the hospital setting. Male nurses particularly experience professional, social, academic as well as peer expectations in addition to experiencing high degree of stress when offering this kind of care (Wheeler, 2013). Thus, the male nurse should exhibit high degree of professionalism and ensure that the privacy and dignity of the patient is upheld and protected at all times. Nevertheless, the following are some of the ethical principles that apply in this case are respect for the intoxicated female students by the male nurse which regards self-determination and autonomy, doing good (beneficence), avoid harm (nonmaleficence), justice which involves truthfulness, equitability and fairness, veracity (telling the truth) in addition to remaining faithful to the commitment of one’s calling as a nurse. These principles will help in guiding the nurse in coming to up with ethical decisions (Wheeler, 2013). b) The legal issues in this case include misconduct and discrimination against the male nurse. Thus by the virtue of the hospital failing to define what “intimate care” is, this leaves a void in the correct interpretation of the word. It is therefore important that the hospital comes up with a correct definition of the word “intimate care” so as to be able to guide nurses on how to go about it. The second legal issue pertains misconduct and discrimination. The fact that the male nurses are supposed to be accompanied by a female chaperone. This raises questions and doubts on the credibility and professionalism of the male nurses. It is like they are suspects of a crime and therefore must be followed everywhere they go. This is a very bad way of treating employees. c) This is both an ethical/legal case. It touches on the two aspects, first ethically then legally. Ethically in the sense that the male nurse is required to care for young intoxicated female patients who may later turn against the nurse and accuse them of impropriety. The case is legal because first and foremost there is no written policy concerning gender specific care in any circumstance in the hospital. And having a female chaperone accompany a male nurse is also tantamount to viewing the male nurse as not worth of trust and an act of discrimination in modern day and age (Fowler, 2010). d) I do not think that there should be gender specific policies and standards for the nursing profession. This is because a nurse is there to assist anybody who is in need of help. All nurses receive similar education from the schools and they all practice in the same hospitals. Having gender specific roles would be tantamount to discrimination in the nursing profession. Every patient should be handled by any nurse on duty. However, I am of the opinion that all nurses should conduct themselves in a manner befitting their profession. It is generally agreed that while performing their duties as well as carrying out their affairs, nurses will uphold impeccable standards of conduct, mainly construed to mean that standards that are not mostly expected of common people on the streets(Butts & Rich,2013). Thus any nurse anywhere in the world should practice in a manner that is competent and safe; according to the standards of the nursing profession and wider health system. Secondly nurses should practice and conduct themselves according to the laws appropriate to the nursing practice and profession. Thirdly nurses should at all times respect the culture, dignity, values ,beliefs and ethnicity of the patient getting treatment and care as well as their colleagues. Nurses are also supposed to treat any personal information from the patient in a confidential, private and professional capacity. Nurses are also required to provide accurate, honest and impartial information related to nursing care as well as health products (Wheeler, 2013). I also believe that nurses should always support the wellbeing, decision making and health of patients in need or receiving care. Lastly nurses should aid in promotion and preservation of inherent privilege and trust existing in the relationship between patients and nurses. Nurses therefore must build and maintain on the society’s confidence and trust that the nursing profession is known for. Lastly a nurse must practice nursing in an ethical and reflective manner (Wheeler, 2013). e) If there is to be any policies, then they must include specific definitions such as “intimate care.”This will assist nurses with a guideline within which to operate. Intimate care can be described as any action that is needed to fulfill the personal care requirements of every patient. While drafting such policies, policy makers should bear in mind that the relatives of the sick person have a responsibility and right of advising nurses of the intimate care of their patient. In addition, nurses must be made aware that they have the responsibility of working in partnership with the relatives of the patient. Basically, in most scenarios, intimate care comprises of feeding, washing, oral care, toileting, stoma and catheter care as well as menstrual care. Supervision of the patient is also an integral part of the intimate care. While dealing with cases of intimate care, there should be policy guidelines that must be availed and explained to all nursing staff. These include the fact that every patient has the right to: Personal privacy and nurses must always cover the parts that need not be exposed. Feel secure Be valued as a human being Treated with respect and dignity Be consulted and involved as far as their own intimate care is concerned to the best of their abilities Express their views as well as opinions on the manner and way their intimate care should be conducted, which must be taken into consideration. The hospital must also as a matter of protecting the patients and making sure that they have hired the very best of staff must vet all staff/nurses involved in the intimate care including volunteers and students on work placement programs. Vetting must include 2 independent referees as well as pre-employment checks. The hospital must also ensure that it is only designated staff who should undertake intimate care of patients (Butts & Rich, 2013). Managers, supervisors and Chaperones must also ensure that all nurses undertaking intimate care understand and are familiar with the Intimate Care Policy and Guidelines in addition to the associated Policy and Procedures such as those of ICN. In addition all nurses must undergo training in the particular kinds of intimate care that they execute and fully comprehend the intimate Care Policy and Guidelines within the framework of their careers. Any intimate care plans must also be agreed by the hospital and/or relatives of the patient where applicable. Any plans for intimate care must be all recorded in the patient’s personal file and consent forms signed accordingly by the respective relations in their lives, again where applicable. No nurse should undertake any intimate care that has not been agreed upon between the hospital and the patients. The hospital must also make provisions for emergencies by having extra trained staff available to take care of specific intimate care scenarios. The hospital must not in any way assume that someone else can carry out the task. The hospital should also carry out a comprehensive review of their intimate care policy after every 6 months. This review must include all appropriate parties, including the patient, (where applicable) ought to be looked for and considered when drafting future programs. In cases where staff members have concerns regarding a colleague’s intimate care practice, they should inform the relevant manager or supervisor. Generally therefore, intimate care must be an all inclusive process ranging from the hospital, patient and to the nurse who is an integral part of the whole process. Every patient must be treated with respect and dignity in addition to ensuring privacy suitable to the patient’s situation and age. The hospital management in conjunction with the nurse must ensure that intimate care is practiced in a consistent manner. There should be an efficient communication between the patient and the care givers to make sure that the practice is carried out consistently. The nurses must only undertake activities that they understand and are competent and confident enough to do. In case they are in any doubt they must INQUIRE from the relevant person. This is because there are processes that must only be executed by nurses who have been formally educated, trained as well as assessed (Fowler, 2010). It should also be noted that both male and female nurses can be involved in intimate care. However, a patient’s preference may be adhered to just in case they would like a choice of their own to attend them. In case a patient appears uncomfortable and distressed when personal care is being administered then it must be stopped immediately. The nurse should try to ascertain why the patient is uncomfortable and offer the necessary reassurance. References Read More