Nursing as a Profession

AGUNG SETIYADIMIDDLE EAST UNIVERSITYNursing as a Profession

WHAT IS NURSING ???

NURSING DEFINED Nursing is the unique function of the nurse, that is to assist the individual ( sick or well ) in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery ( or to a peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge - ICN-

NURSING DEFINEDNursing is the protection, promotion and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities and population.-ANA-

HISTORY OF NURSING

CHARACTERISTICS OF A PROFESSIONEDUCATIONBODY OF KNOWLEDGESPECIFIC SERVICEAUTONOMYCODE OF ETHICS

CRITERIA OF PROFESSIONSpecialized educationBody of knowledgeService OrientationOngoing ResearchCode of EthicsAutonomyProfessional organizations

NURSING CODE OF ETHICSA code of ethics is a formal statement of a groups ideals and values.It is a set of ethical principles thatIs shared by members of the groupReflects their moral judgements over timeServes as a standard for their professional actions.

NURSING CODE OF ETHICSAn international code of ethics for nurses was first adopted by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) in 1953.NURSES AND PEOPLENURSES AND PRACTICENURSES AND THE PROFESSIONNURSES AND CO- WORKES

THE ICN CODE OF ETHICSNURSES AND PEOPLEThe nurses primary professional responsibility is to people requiring nursing care. In providing care, the nurse promotes an environment in which the human right, values, customs and spiritual beliefs of the individual, family and community are respected. The nurse ensures that the individual receives sufficient information on which to base consent for care and related treatment. The nurse hold in confidence personal information and uses judgement in sharing this information.

THE ICN CODE OF ETHICSNURSES AND PRACTICEThe nurse carries personal responsibility and accountability for nursing practice, and for maintaining competence by continual learning. The nurse maintains a standard of personal health such that the ability to provide care is not compromised. The nurse uses judgement regarding individual competence when accepting and delegating responsibility. The nurse at all times maintains standards of personal conduct which reflect well on the profession and enhance public confidence. The nurse, in providing care, ensures that use of technology and scientific advances are compatible with the safety, dignity and rights of people.

THE ICN CODE OF ETHICS3. NURSES AND THE PROFESSIONThe nurses assumes the major role in determining and implementing acceptable standards of clinical nursing practice, management, research, and education. The nurse is active in developing a core of research-based professional organization, participates in creating and maintaining safe. Equitable social and economic working conditions in nursing.

THE ICN CODE OF ETHICS4. NURSES AND CO-WORKERSThe nurse sustains a cooperative relationship with co- workers in nursing and other fields. The nurse takes appropriate action to safeguard individuals, families and communities when their health is endangered by a co-worker or any other person.

CODES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT FOR NURSES:Professional responsibility and accountabilityNursing practiceCommunication and interpersonal relationshipValuing human beingManagementProfessional advancement

AUTONOMYAutonomy means that individuals are able to act for themselves to the level of their capacity. It is the right of individuals, governing their actions according to their own purpose and reason.

Professional Nurse Autonomy is defined as belief in the centrality of the client when making responsible discretionary decisions, both independently and interdependently, that reflect advocacy for the client.

ACCOUNTABILITYAccountability is being responsible for ones actions and accepting the consequences of ones behaviour.

Accountable to whom ????Your patients, through a duty of careYour employer, as defined by your contract of employment and jod descriptionYour profession, as stated in the relevant codes of conductThe public

ACCOUNTABILITY OF NURSING PERSONNELNurses are accountable for :Providing safe and therapeutic environment for the patients.Delivering component and personalized care.Maintaining adequate supplies of materials and equipments for smooth functioning of ward.Maintaining accurate and up to date records and report.Protecting clients legal rights and privacy.Maintaining good interpersonal relationships.Working within ethical and legal boundaries.Delegating responsibility appropriatelyContributing to the development of profession.

ASSERTIVENESSAssertiveness is a style of behaviour to interact with people while standing up for your rights. It is a tool for expressing ourselves confidently and a way of saying yes and no in an appropriate way.Benefits :Helps to create healthy and meaningful relations.Less friction and conflicts.Enhances the self esteem. Increases the productivity.Improves emotional and physical health.Lessen the stress at work.

TECHNIQUES FOR BEING ASSERTIVEIdentify the personal needs, wants and rights.Identify the situation.Always be direct.Own the message promptly.Avoid assumptions about others feelings.Ask for feedbacks.Stop apologising all the time.Learn to take a compliment.Evaluate your expectation.Act confident in all situations.Feel free to say no according to situation.

VISIBILITYThe word visibility means capacity of providing a clear unobstructed view. Although nurses comprise the majority of healthcare professionals, they are largely invisible. The public views of nursing and nurses are typically based on personal experiences with nurses, which can lead to a narrow view of a nurse often based only on a brief personal experience. Profession needs to be more concerned about visibility because nursing is struggling to attract qualified students and keep current nurses in practice.

STEPS TO IMPROVE THE VISIBILITYNurses Week is used as an opportunity to recognize nurses in practice and to advertise the profession of nursing, increasing its visibility and portraying a positive image. During Nurses Week, healthcare organizations typical hold special celebrations to honour nurses, and announce via the media.Give out awards for leadership and other accomplishments in nursing.Uphold the professional dignity.Ensure active participation in society, i.e. by involvement through rescue mission in natural calamities like flood, storm, tsunami, volcanoes, etc.

REFERENCEStanley, Joan. Advanced practice nursing Edition 2. F.A Davis Company : Philadelphia . 2005.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Nightingalehttp://www.icn.ch/who-we-are/code-of-ethics-for-nurses/http://www.nursingworld.org/what-is-nursing