A nurse requires certain qualities, and this growth is during learning. The most significant qualities are empathy, understanding and assessment for each patient irrespective of their age, gender, race or social class. In performing this, a nurse commits to “faithfully practice” her profession and to practice proper ethical values (Domrose, 2001). The nursing code of conduct permits the nurse to perform their duties as needed. The nightingale oath is an adoption of the Hippocratic Oath taken by doctors.
The nightingale oath taken by the nurses ‘I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous,’ Nurses are to be part of the process in helping the patients heal. ‘Will not obtain or knowingly manage any harmful drug’ we need to be honest. The nurse cannot harm the patient by use of medicine.
‘I will do all in my power to preserve and raise the criterion of my profession’ the upholding of the standard of the nursing profession by providing care and the range of nursing practices. Nurses need improving their skills by constantly undergoing education.
‘Will hold in confidence all individual issues committed to my care and all family dealings imminent to my knowledge’ the nurses have an obligation in human life and keeping the patients personal information private.
‘In the practice of my calling’ this is the core of the pledge. Nursing requires to take a duty as a calling not a duty. ‘With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work’ team work is important. The nurses have to work together to create a good health facility. ‘And devoting to the welfare of those committed to my care.’ The nurse requires dedication to work by providing the best care for the sick both physically and emotionally.
References
Domrose, C. (2001). A fresh tradition: Students, schools usher Nightingale pledge into a new era of nursing. Nurse Week, 123, 15-16.
