Nursing Ethics and Malpractice - 3247 Words

INTRODUCTION In every nurses career, the nurse is faced with many legal or ethical dilemmas. One of the professional competencies for nursing states that nurses should integrate knowledge of ethical and legal aspects of health care and professional values into nursing practice. It is important to know what types of dilemmas nurses may face during their careers and how they may have been dealt with in the past. It is also important for nurses to understand what malpractice is and how they may protect themselves from a malpractice suit. LAW VS. ETHICS It is important to first understand the difference between law and ethics. Ethics examines the values and actions of people. Often times there is no one right course of action when†¦show more content†¦Many hot topics in ethics relate to the right to life. These topics include euthanasia and the discontinuation of life support treatments. The right to autonomy is also referred to as the right of self-determination. This right allows for the patient to make their own decisions, such as: determining what course of treatment he may take for a disease, refusing treatment, or refusing medications. The right to health care requires that a society shall provide the funding, personnel, and facilities necessary to ensure that individuals have access to necessary health care. Health care for everyone alsorelates to distributive justice. The question being asked today is shall we take what health care resources we have and spread it very thin but so that everyone has equal access of care, or shall we take what resources we have any distribute them in such a way that we will do the most good to for the overall population? American Nursing Association (ANA) Code of Ethics In 1985, the ANA established a Code of Ethics for nurses that contains eleven points. Each of the eleven points is a general principle rather than specific guidelines. For instance, a nurse faced with an ethical dilemma involving resuscitation will find no mention of resuscitation in the Code of Ethics. The ANA has stated that the Code of Ethics is not open to negotiation, they are also currently in the process of updating the Code of Ethics. In this section, each of the eleven points willShow MoreRelatedAmputation Mishap1398 Words   |  6 Pagesamputated during surgery. The newspaper article states the mishap is negligence. In the following paragraphs, negligence, gross negligence, and malpractice are discussed and determine if the newspaper’s statement of negligence is correct. Ethical principles in nursing and nursing documentation regarding such issues are also discussed. Negligence and malpractice fall under the tort laws definition. According to Guido (2010), â€Å"Torts are civil wrongs, not based on contracts, but on personal transgressionsRead MoreEssay on Negligence in Nursing: The Legal Aspects952 Words   |  4 Pagesphysician. They are not just performing Doctor’s orders anymore. The nurse role in patient care has been widely expanded. Allegations against someone can be one of the most stressful moments of their careers. Negligence is a defined understanding in nursing to help understand the roles and rules provided, as well as what can be interpreted as negligence. According to Mark Cornock (2011) article The legal definitions of responsibility, accountability and responsibility cannot be held responsible ifRead MoreEthical and Legal Problems Faced by Nurse Practioner1459 Words   |  6 PagesEthical and Legal Problems Faced by Nurse Practitioners HCA322: Health Care Ethics amp; Medical Law (BGE1226A) Instructor: Eugene Elliott Cara Gerlach 7/23/12 Ethical and Legal Problems Faced by Nurse Practitioners Every medical professional has or will face some ethical and legal issues in the Medical Field, the Nurse Practitioners (NP) are no different. Fant stated that in an ethical dilemma there are no right answers or solutions; however, in these dilemmas there are no wrong answers eitherRead MoreNursing Malpractice And Negligence And Its Effects On Patients Essay1094 Words   |  5 PagesFarhan Mohammadi Ms. Tidwell English 1A 01 December 2016 Nursing Malpractice and Negligence and its Effects on Patients There are many different variations of healthcare professionals that assist people in regaining and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The career field of licensed nursing is often considered to be one of the most vital professions within the medical community. Registered nurses work to prevent and heal various different types of injuries, diseases, and illnesses. They are alsoRead MoreNursing Practice And Patients Rights And Safety1549 Words   |  7 Pagesprofessional issues in nursing comprise of various crucial aspects. In this writing, I am going to explore on the topics; negligence in nursing practice and patient’s rights and safety, which is based on the experience of one of my friends. I chose this topic because negligence is an extremely sensitive part in nursing practice, which directly impacts standard of care, patients’ lives and reputation of the health organization. Other qualities like accountability and responsibility in nursing can also be reviewedRead MoreNursing Code Of Ethics, Personal And Societal Values, And The Legal Aspects Of The Nursing1251 Words   |  6 PagesWorking in the nursing profession, nurses must be prepared to assess and support the diverse needs of the patient and their family. Every nurse, regardless of his or her specialty, encounters ethical challenges. However, public health nurses may face unique challenges in their distinct focus on the health of the population in addition to individuals (Haugh Mildon, 2005). In this research paper, I will consider two case studies from the perspective of the nursing code of ethics, personal and societalRead MoreEthics Case Study Essay860 Words   |  4 PagesEthics Case Study Jerry McCall is an office assistant for Dr. William’s. Jerry has received training as both a medical assistant and Licensed practical nurses (LPN). During the time the receptionist is out to lunch Jerry is covering for her. Jerry is faced with a common problem in the health care field today. Jerry has been asked to call in a refill for Valium to a pharmacy for a patient. This paper will address why Jerry is not qualified to refill any prescription medication. If Jerry is protectedRead MoreEvaluation Of Patient Safety Ethics1202 Words   |  5 Pages Patient Safety Ethics Student Name Course/Number Date Instructor: Name Patient Safety Ethics Patient Safety Ethics has always been on the foreground of various studies, research, and debates. It is one of the key proponents in providing competent and suitable healthcare services to the clients. It is a subject that has played a major role in defining the scope of the healthcare system and its sub branches. While different forms of patient safety ethics exists globally, the central themeRead MoreA Brief Note On The Organization For Accreditation Of Healthcare Essay1531 Words   |  7 Pages Carline Raymond MSN RN: Helena Correia Ethical/Legal Issues in Health Care Felician University Malpractice and Negligence Paper The Organization for accreditation of healthcare called (JCAHO) demonstrates negligence as a failure to give proper care. It also defines malpractice lack of skill by a professional position unable to provide professional skills when needed. A complaint of neglect towards a healthcare professional can incompetence of skills leading in patientRead MoreA Brief Note On Wrongful Death Lawsuit Of Ard V. East Jefferson General Hospital1206 Words   |  5 Pages Wrongful Death Lawsuit Sonja S. Kennedy MHA 622 (NDB 1435A): Health Care Ethics and Law Instructor: Jared Rutlege September 15, 2014 Abstract: The plaintiff in Ard v. East Jefferson General Hospital, stated on 20 May, she had rang the nurses station to inform the nursing staff that her husband was experiencing symptoms of nausea, pain, and shortness of breathe. After ringing the call button for several times her spouse received his medication. Mrs. Ard noticed that her husband continued