Professionalism in nursing is characterized by care, collaboration, dedication, and integrity. Caring for the patient is the utmost important aspect of the profession. The nurse should make it a priority to provide optimal care for the patient and devotion for their comfort and dignity. The nurse should be able to collaborate with other healthcare providers and family members to protect and promote the wellbeing of the patient. Dedication to both the patient and profession are outlined in the standards of practice and care, which describe the competencies of nursing and decision-making. The nurse should always be mindful and respectful of the patient by acting with integrity.
During my time at Rush, there have been several instances that came into question. A situation that stood out most was an encounter with a heroin addict that had just had a spinal fusion. After bedside report, the nurse told me, “I don’t feel bad for patients like that. He basically did this to himself.” After morning assessment, the patient told me that he was hungry and had a difficult time raising his arms to access his food, and that I was the first person to offer him help. When I told my nurse that I had helped him, she said, “Why? We’re not his babysitters. When he goes home, he’ll have to figure it out on his own.” The nurse withheld care because she did not agree with the patient’s lifestyle choices.
Nursing Standards of Care and Ethical Provisions
The nurse violated several standards of professional performance by neglecting the patient’s needs and care. The first standard of care that was violated was ethics. In “Nursing Scope Standards,” the eighth standard is ethics (ANA, 2015). It states that the registered nurse practices in a way that is accepting of cultural diversity and inclusion, which consists of “[participating] in life-long learning to understand cultural preferences, worldview, choices, and decision-making processes of diverse consumers” (ANA, 2015, p. 69). Because of the differences with the patient, the nurse showed little to no respect and compassion.
The second standard that was violated, is communication. The nurse failed to acknowledge the patient’s needs and requests. The patient had minimal requests, such as assistance with his meals, repositioning pillows to relieve pain from the incision, and questions about his medications. The nurse ignored the first two requests and responded in an irritable tone when explaining his medications. This violates “using communication styles and methods that demonstrate caring, respect, deep listening, authenticity, and trust” (ANA, 2015, pg. 70). It was evident to the patient that the nurse had her differences, and the patient did not feel cared for and comfortable asking for any more assistance. The nurse failed to empathize with the patient’s situation and pain, and demonstrated poor communication skills.
Provision Four from “A Guide to the Code of Ethics of Nurses” states, “The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse’s obligation to provide optimum patient care” (ANA, 2010, pg. 41). This provision describes the nurse’s duty to her patient and accountability for actions taken, or in this case, not taken. The proper way to care for this patient would have been to address all of his needs. As a nurse, it is our responsibility and moral obligation to provide the patient with the best care, despite any differences. The ethical framework of this provision is that the nurse will not only make decisions based on what is right, but that the decisions could be justified. Under no circumstances would it be justifiable to withhold care and respect from a patient given their history of drug use.
Conclusion
As a nursing student, it is crucial to learn how to integrate the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics into my patient care. In my future practice, I hope to use my nursing skills adequately, work in collaboration with other healthcare providers, and provide my patients with optimal care despite any differences.