Western Governors University
Abstract
The paper talks about some of the issues faced in nursing. There are certain qualities all good nurses should have if they are to execute their duties well. These include empathy, leadership qualities, emotional stability, and good communication skills among others. These are some of the things which differentiate good nurses from bad ones.
The paper also covers different nursing theories. Some of the nursing theories covered include the self-care deficit nursing theory by Dorothea Orem. According to this theory, patients respond best to treatment if they are allowed to take care of themselves. This leads to a more holistic recovery as the patients become more independent. Another theory covered is Hildegard Peplau’s interpersonal theory. According to this theory, the relationship between the patient and the nurse plays a major role in determining the rate at which the patient would recover. The shared experience between the nurse and the patient was the basis of her work.
The paper also talks about the mission statement that should be the driving force of all nurses. Other issues to do with nursing and nursing ethics are also covered, as well as recommended standards of practice.
- Functional Differences
One of the main differences between a professional nursing organization and a board of nursing is that a professional nursing organization is in charge of looking into the welfare of the nurses while a board of nursing is in charge of controlling the conduct of the nurses while in practice. Its work is to protect the safety of the public. The board tells the nurses what they are allowed to do and what they may not do while in practice. They are responsible for making up the rules and regulations that govern the nurses while at work. They have the right to listen to cases of violations and determine the fate of the nurse in question. They may revoke his or her license if need be. Professional nursing organizations, on the other hand, take care of matters pertaining to nurses and their well being. They keep them informed on various issues or changes in the nursing profession, educate them on various matters and help them advance their careers.
My professional mission statement
My professional mission statement will help guide me in my career and act as a constant reminder of what this profession means to me and the goals I wish to achieve in life. it will be my wellspring of inspiration and energy, especially when things appear to be heading in a direction I do not approve of. My mission statement is my guide in making right decisions and will help corroborate my decision making process. It will be a point of reference even as I move through the various stages of my career journey, helping me prioritize what I want in my career and ensure that it is in line with the well being of my patients, while at the same time being able to take full advantage of opportunity that arises. It will support me in resisting what is easy and uncomplicated, in favor of what is truly important.
- Nursing Code Examples
The nursing code of ethics governs how a nurse should conduct himself or herself so as to effectively carry out their duties with the patient’s well being at interest. According to the first provision of the code of ethics, the nurse is expected to conduct themselves in all professional relationships in a manner that demonstrates their respect for human dignity, worth and unique nature of every individual, without discrimination of any kind based on their social standing, personal traits and nature of health condition. For instance, a nurse treating a patient suffering from a sexually transmitted disease should not allow this condition to affect their relationship with the patient. They should not respect them any less based on their personal beliefs or values, or treat them with a judgmental attitude.
According to the second provision, the primary commitment of the nurse is to their patient. Even in situations where there are conflicting interests, the nurse must always work hard at ensuring that the situation is resolved in a manner that is beneficial to the client. For instance, in a situation where the patient’s family and the patient disagree on the mode of treatment, the nurse should go by the wishes of the patient.
- Professional Traits
Empathy: In the nursing profession, the nurses are expected to be very empathetic and compassionate with their patients, as per the first provision. Nurses should also show respect for other people and treat them with dignity. A professional nurse should respect all their patients regardless of their age and treat them as worthy citizens at all times. They should not harass or mistreat them in any way as this would be unprofessional.
Leadership: Nurses should have the ability to influence others in the right direction. According to the sixth provision, a nurse should be able to influence their environment on moral values.
Emotionally stable: According to the forth provision, nurses are responsible for their judgment and actions in nursing. Sometimes nurses are forced by circumstances to deal with very difficult situations and it is up to them to maintain their professionalism and avoid getting too emotional as this could impair their judgment.
Communication skills: according to the eighth provision, a nurse should be able to work with other professionals in the medical field to promote community and national efforts in meeting health needs. Nurses should have very good communication skills if they are to do this.
- Recommended Resource
My professional practice has been influenced by the self-care deficit nursing theory by Dorothea Orem. According to this theory, patients respond best to treatment if they are allowed to take care of themselves. This leads to a more holistic recovery as the patients become more independent.
D1. Theory in Professional Practice
According to this theory, the nurse should encourage the patients to do what they can for themselves. This hastens the recovery process and ensures that they recover fully. The nurse provides the Universal Self-Care Requirements needed for health. These are food, water, air, activity and rest, elimination, social interaction and solitude, prevention of hazards and promotion of normalcy. They should also educate the patients on what they should or should not do to promote healing, but focus primarily on having the patients do as much for themselves as possible. For example, if the patient is able to feed himself or use the bathroom unassisted, then the nurse should encourage him to do so.
- Contributions
One of the historical nurses who have impacted on my work and nursing practice is Hildegard Peplau with her interpersonal theory. According to her theory, the relationship between the patient and the nurse played a major role in determining the rate at which the patient would recover. The shared experience between the nurse and the patient was the basis of her work. In practice, it is very important to give the patients that personalized attention as this care helps in their recovery. When the patients feel loved and cared for, they tend to respond better to treatment.
- Scenario
Nonmaleficence means doing the patient no harm. A scenario where I upheld this principle was a situation where I had a patient who was in a coma and was on life support and there were debates on whether or not to put him off life support. I believed that he still had a fighting chance and therefore did every thing in my power to convince the doctors and management to give him just a few more days. Miraculously, he came out of the coma and eventually got better. Thanks to me, the patient lived.
The principle of respect for autonomy means respecting the wishes of the patient and allowing them to have the treatment of their choice. I upheld this principle by giving my patient the freedom to choose their mode of treatment. Their chosen mode was slower in action and had negative side effects. Although I did not approve of their choice, I respected their wishes and let them have their way.
Conclusion
There are certain qualities all good nurses should have if they are to execute their duties well. These include empathy, leadership qualities, emotional stability, and good communication skills among others. These are some of the things which differentiate good nurses from bad ones. Their practice should be governed by their mission statement, and this should be the driving force of all nurses.
The above are some of the issues faced n the nursing profession. As it has always been said, nursing is a noble profession and a true calling which is very rewarding; it should therefore be respected and treated with the seriousness given to other professions.
References
Hartweg, D. (1991). Dorothea Orem: Self-Care Deficit Theory. New York: SAGE.
White, L. (2000). Foundations of Nursing. Stamford: Cengage Learning.
Wilson, C. K. (1992). Building New Nursing Organizations. MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
