Nursing Ethic: Workforce Integrity By Richard Hader Article Review Examples

When it comes to ‘necessary to report’ activities, I feel that it is appropriate always to do what is required by law and ethics. Having to report about such activities should not be taken at the personal level but, should be regarded as a necessity for the good of the society and the facility one works in. As such, managing to report on such activities will be directed by the principles of morality and the code of ethics that guides my duties as a Registered Nurse. For any other employee, with the same regards, it would be positive to consider reporting ‘necessary to report’ activities as an act of saving the larger society than an individual. In this kind of reporting, detailing the whole situation will be a great challenge. Considering the ‘necessary to report’ instances provide such as suspected drug diversion, theft, narcotic incidences, patient neglect etc., it is hard to provide details especially when one knows little about what transpired and/or has little knowledge, say, in narcotics. However, the suggestions and warning provide a limelight into what one should and should not do. They act like directives that shape the conduct of my actions as a Registered Nurse.

Malpractice

Negligence is a breach of duty. Clinicians and health professionals owe a duty of care to their patients. Breach of this duty of care under any circumstances is considered negligence and hence, can be sued in a court of law. In case, am in charge of a patient who is chronically ill and cannot move about, I owe him a duty of care of providing them with the required prescription medicine, food, and cleaning. If it happens that the doctor has prescribed medicinal treatment for the patient and am in charge of ensuring that the patient has taken the medicine, then it should be my duty always to ensure that. However, if it happens that one day in the morning I fail to give the patient the prescribed medicine and later on the patient dies or develops severe medical conditions due to the missed dose, then I am liable for neglecting my duty to them. Failing to give the patient the prescribed dose is negligence and thus, I am deemed guilty.
In such a situation normally, I would feel hurt and having betrayed the very core of my responsibilities. This feeling is generated from the consequences of my actions. However, the mistake is a learning platform especially considering the negative consequences of negligence. From the occurrence of the situation, one would understand the significance of conducting duties and responsibilities as required. To prevent such situations, it would be imperative that I develop a work schedule that includes all the duties that I am responsible for. A work schedule ensures that duties are conducted on time and as expected. Reducing the liability risk would include aspects such as duty of care was breached when I was conducting other significant organizational tasks.

Nursing Practice Breakdowns

The principle of morality that guides the humankind detests lying. Lying in all instances is unjustifiable. More significantly, coercion or the use of force in medical care is also not good for health practice. Despite the fact that psychic patients may refuse to take medicine, forcing it down their throats or through injections is not the way it is supposed to done. There are more humanly ways of handling such situations rather than the use of force. From a morality point of view, it is better to tell patients to deal with the truth as it is, rather than lie, and face the negative consequences which question the honesty and integrity of the health profession.
Bad nursing care is one way of letting patients and the societies know ‘we are incapable’. Unintentional practice breakdowns including lying or the use of force depict the fact that honesty and integrity and compassion lack from the healthcare setting. On the other hand, these three aspects make up the backbone of medical care. Clinicians and other health care professionals are advised to handle patient situations in a human manner by considering the significance of medical care provided in a compassionate and honest manner.

Documentation

Indeed, electronic records may impact/modify the way nurses assess and critically think. Electronic records have a great influence on how a nurse will make various decisions and go about different tasks. This is especially because, electronic records provide a database of how things were done previously and the course they took. They present decisions that were made previously and their corresponding consequences. Thus, for a nurse, such records are bound to change their mindset and way of thinking. They may decide to make their decisions based on what was previously done or make decisions differently from what was done previously.
In case electronic used to record information fail in the department, one will be forced to record on paper through writing. A significant aspect that I would include that is not commonly included in the electronic ‘check-off’ system is the specific and minute aspects including figures. Such aspects include little yet relevant pieces of information that is significant for improving care.

What is the Most Important Documentation Advice?

Documentation is a significant function in a healthcare setting. It is fundamental for keeping records, effectively retrieving records and using records o guide healthcare conduct. I have discovered that electronic recording of information is one of the best ways of improving medical care. It quickens the process of retrieving information, stores record safely away from interference and saves time and space.
One of the major challenges facing RT documentation in the healthcare setting is accuracy and the need to guarantee a safe storage for the records. This is because, in most healthcare settings, records are merely based on the care provider’s notion and view. Thus, storing patient records might be compromised due to inaccurate recording or unsafe storage that is vulnerable to interference and hence, unnecessary modifications. To change this, recording and documentation should be a standardized procedure defined by a specific set of guidelines and rules. Such guidelines include accessibility (who can and who cannot access) and clearance to modify or document the records.

References

Morrison , E. E. & Monagle, J., (2009). Health Care Ethics; Critical Issues for the 21st Century. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Barlett Publishers.