Nursing Professional Responsibilities and Grooming

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the key responsibilities of a professional nurse?

To interact with other healthcare providers only

To maintain a personal social life

To handle emergencies effectively (correct)

To ensure all patients are happy

Why is personal grooming important for nurses?

To minimize work-related stress

To provide security and hope to patients (correct)

To follow fashion trends in healthcare

To impress their colleagues

What is a requirement for a nurse's uniform during emergencies?

It must be made from synthetic materials

It must be brightly colored

It should be loose to allow for breathability

It should not hinder free movement (correct)

How should female nurses manage long hair according to professional grooming standards?

Tie it back neatly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is NOT recommended for nurses regarding their attire?

Using colorful nail polish Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the founder of professional nursing?

Florence Nightingale Signup and view all the answers

When was formal nursing training established at the enrolled and registered levels in Kenya?

1950 Signup and view all the answers

What is 'family nursing' as referenced in the context provided?

Traditional care provided by female family members at home Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the core values promoted by the ICN?

Visionary leadership Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the ICN's vision?

To unite nurses to advocate for healthcare progress Signup and view all the answers

What is an aspect of the ICN's mission?

To support healthy lifestyles and alleviate poverty Signup and view all the answers

What philosophy is emphasized by the ICN?

Commitment to caring and patient self-empowerment Signup and view all the answers

How does the ICN view the role of nurses in relation to health policy?

Nurses play an integral role as policy makers Signup and view all the answers

According to the ICN, which right is universal for all humans?

Preventive and curative care Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of nursing care that emerged in the 1980s?

Individualized nursing care Signup and view all the answers

What is one key component of the nursing process introduced in the 1970s?

Assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation Signup and view all the answers

What does ICN advocate for in terms of the nursing profession?

Recognition and value within the healthcare system Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing model involves one nurse taking responsibility for a patient throughout their care?

Primary nursing Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a theme identified in the ICN's vision regarding nursing roles?

Financial manager of healthcare services Signup and view all the answers

What concept is emphasized by primary nursing?

Individual responsibilities of nurses Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of team nursing?

Division of work based on specific functions Signup and view all the answers

Total patient care allows nurses to care for how many patients at a time?

Five to six Signup and view all the answers

What does a nursing model focus on developing?

A scientifically based set of concepts Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of the nursing process in nursing practice?

Provide a systematic method for individualized nursing Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the Nursing Council?

Nursing Council Secretariat Signup and view all the answers

Which group of professionals is not specified as being part of the council officers?

Counseling officers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the Nursing Council elections?

To elect council members from various nursing disciplines Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as misconduct for a nurse?

Forging patient records Signup and view all the answers

Which action could lead to a charge of malpractice for a nurse?

Administering a medication outside established protocols Signup and view all the answers

What is considered negligence in nursing practice?

Failing to provide expected care to a patient Signup and view all the answers

Who among the following is not an employee of the Nursing Council?

Legal advisor Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of coming to duty while under the influence of alcohol?

Misconduct charge Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a nurse engaging in unprofessional conduct while off duty?

They will be liable for charges of impropriety Signup and view all the answers

Which Act is considered the 'mother Act' among the laws relating to health professionals?

Public Health Act (Cap 242) Signup and view all the answers

In relation to drug prescription and administration, which law must nurses be familiar with?

Pharmacy and Poisons Act (Cap 244) Signup and view all the answers

Which law relates specifically to the management of mental health and psychiatric nursing?

Mental Health Act (Cap 248) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of the Children and Young Persons Act?

Rights and freedoms of children Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility does the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253) impose on nurses in community health?

Diagnosing and treating minor ailments Signup and view all the answers

Which law requires nurses to be knowledgeable when taking body specimens from patients?

Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Act (1999) Signup and view all the answers

Why should nurses familiarize themselves with the Food, Drugs and Chemicals Act?

To manage the nutritional status of patients Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Professional Nurse Responsibilities

Nurses demonstrate intelligence, good judgment, and handle emergencies capably.
Nurses are responsible in professional and social settings.

Personal Grooming for Nurses

A nurse's uniform should not be too tight or loose to allow for free movement during emergencies.
The uniform must be clean to prevent cross-infection and well-pressed.
The dress or skirt should be below the knee to allow for bending.
The uniform material should not be see-through.
Uniform maintenance is crucial: replace fallen buttons, torn zippers, mend rips and tears, and remove stains.
Hair is a source or microorganisms, so female nurses should tie back long hair neatly.
Male nurses should keep their beards trimmed.
Shoes should be low-heeled and soft to avoid disturbing patients.
Nurses should maintain daily care of shoes and socks.
Nails should be trimmed, and colored nail polish should be avoided.
Nurses should wear an identification tag displaying their full name and qualifications at all times.

Historical Background of Nursing in Kenya

Traditionally, sick people received care from female family members at home.
This approach is known as "family nursing."
Florence Nightingale is considered the founder of professional nursing. She initiated formal nursing training using a curriculum, replacing apprenticeships.
Western medicine was introduced to Kenya with the arrival of missionaries in 1895.
They brought doctors and nurses from Britain and Europe, who trained local dressers and assistants.
Basic training started in missionary hospitals.
In 1949, a Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors' Council was formed.
Formal nursing training at enrolled and registered levels began in 1950.
The focus shifted from task-oriented care to individualized nursing care in the 1980s.
This led to the introduction of the nursing process, providing a systematic method for individualized care.
Nursing models progressed from patient allocation to team nursing and then primary nursing.

Nursing Process

The nursing process was introduced in the 1970s.
It is comprised of assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating.
These elements are embedded in everyday nursing practice, whether organized by patient allocation, team nursing, or primary nursing.

Nursing Models of Care

Nursing Model: A scientifically based, logically related set of concepts for nursing practice. It includes theoretical bases and values for use by practitioners.
Primary Nursing (or Total Patient Care): One nurse (the primary nurse) assumes responsibility for a particular patient for the entire duration of their stay. This responsibility includes delegation during periods of absence.
Team or Functional Nursing Care: A model using the nurse as a team leader.
Total Patient Care: Each nurse is assigned a small number of patients (up to six) to look after during a whole shift.

International Council of Nurses (ICN)

Values: Encourages visionary leadership, inclusiveness, flexibility, and partnership among member states. Aiming for excellence in nursing/midwifery education and practice.
Vision: Unite all nurses to advocate for better healthcare, recognizing the human right to preventative and curative care. Leading health care progress and shaping policy globally by enhancing nurses' expertise, strength, and numbers.
Mission: Lead societies toward better health through promoting healthy lifestyles, workplaces, and communities. Supporting poverty and pollution alleviation, while incorporating science and technology for compassionate and ethical care. Shaping nursing education based on values, policies, standards, and conditions that empower nurses to practice to their full potential.
Philosophy: Commitment to caring, patient advocacy, and empowering individuals. Ensure the nursing profession is highly valued, utilized, recognized, rewarded, and represented in healthcare.

Nursing Council of Kenya

Comprised of experienced nurses from general nursing, midwifery, community health nursing, mental health and psychiatric nursing, a legal advisor, and a representative of the Chief Nursing Officer.
The registrar serves as the secretary to the council.

Nursing Council Secretariat

Coordinates all activities of the Nursing Council, undertaking day-to-day operations.
Composed of council officers and staff.
Council Officers: The registrar, education officers, examination officers, registration officers, and standards and ethics officers, are Ministry of Health employees deployed to the council. They coordinate Standing Committees and Subcommittees.
Council Staff: Includes the accountant, accounts assistant, secretaries, copy typists, records clerk, driver, and supportive staff employed by the council.

Nursing Council Elections

Conducted every three years.
All registered nurses are eligible to vie for representation of various disciplines.

Legal Aspects of Nursing in Kenya

Nurses are subject to national laws and professional ethics.
Nurses are accountable to the Nursing Council and the Disciplinary Committee.

Examples of Offences

Negligence: Failure to provide expected care to a patient or client within the scope of their training.
Misconduct: Improper behavior or deliberate violation of standards.
Malpractice: Providing substandard care to patients.
Impropriety: Professional misconduct, such as fighting in public or demonstrating unprofessional behavior, which discredits the nursing profession.

Public Health Act (Cap 242): Outlines healthcare delivery services in Kenya.
Pharmacy and Poisons Act (Cap 244): Regulates drug prescription and administration.
Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253): Relevant for nurses diagnosing and treating minor ailments.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 1994: Governs the use and management of dangerous drugs.
Mental Health Act (Cap 248): Relates to mental health and psychiatric nursing.
Other Laws:
- Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Act (1999): Applies to the handling of body specimens.
- Clinical Medicine Act: Relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of minor ailments.
- Food, Drugs and Chemicals Act: Addresses nutritional status and food handling in hospitals.
- Children and Young Persons Act: Ensures children's rights and protections, particularly in healthcare settings.

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Description

This quiz covers essential responsibilities of professional nurses and guidelines for personal grooming. It highlights the importance of maintaining a clean uniform, proper dress code, and personal hygiene standards in a nursing environment. Test your knowledge on how nurses can uphold professionalism and hygiene in their role.