Legal Responsibility and Professional Accountability - Dissertation Example

Accountability is described by Daniels (2004) as the act of assuming responsibility for one’s actions, which is an important method to demonstrate commitment to quality client care, thus being accountable for their judgments, decisions, and actions (p. 287). The accountability of a nurse goes beyond the client and includes the family, colleagues, and the public. Because of the field’s organization, a nurse’s accountability depends upon the hierarchical structure he or she belongs to and the situation itself.
Although nursing standards are not law, they possess important legal significance (Springhouse Corporation, 2004, p. 33), thus rendering nurses legal responsibilities. For instance, when a nurse fails to act according to set standards and thus harms the patient, the nurse can be involved in a lawsuit. Once proven that there is neglect or malpractice on the side of the nurse, then he or she is charged according to law.
Conclusion
The nursing profession necessitates both accountability and responsibility, wherein being accountable equates being responsible for one’s actions, and responsibility is congruent to the rightful practice of nursing standards. The two are interrelated and affect each other. A competent nurse is thus able to meet both in performing her duties. Read More