Nursing as a Profession PDF

I. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES NURSING AS A PROFESSION PROFESSIONAL DECORUM It is an unwritten code of conduct regarding the interactions among the members in a health care setting. Professional decorum or Profess...

I. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES NURSING AS A PROFESSION PROFESSIONAL DECORUM It is an unwritten code of conduct regarding the interactions among the members in a health care setting. Professional decorum or Professional etiquette is about presenting yourself with polish and professionalism that demonstrates you can be trusted and taken seriously. It means being comfortable around people and making them comfortable around you while working hand in hand in meeting both the patient and nurse’s expected goals. 9 WAYS TO DEMONSTRATE PROFESSIONALISM IN NURSING Here are nine ways nurses can uphold professionalism in their workplace: 1. Communicate effectively Good communication skills are essential for nurses to provide adequate care to patients and minimize errors when they're discharging their duties. Nurses can communicate effectively with patients by explaining instructions or procedures using simple words and in terms the patient understands. 2. Have a positive attitude A positive attitude can help nurses adapt to the challenges they may face on the job. Nursing often is a fast-paced profession where you may make quick decisions in difficult situations. Developing a positive attitude can allow you to improve your confidence and resilience when you have challenges at work. 3. Attend to patients with compassion Besides delivering physical care to patients, nurses also provide them with emotional support by showing compassion. This can help them attend to their patients' emotional needs, especially during critical times. 4. Deliver top-quality care A nurse's primary responsibility is to deliver the best quality of care to all patients efficiently and safely. To deliver top-quality care, nurses follow evidence- based guidelines for practice and take an individualized, patient-centered approach, instead of a more generalized approach. Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 1  assistance 5. Collaborate with others delegating Although nurses may work independently at times, they also can collaborate and work well with others. Collaborating with other members of the health care team means asking for help when challenges surpass their knowledge or abilities to manage them. It also means lending support to other members of their health care team when they need it. 6. Be accountable for your actions Nurses are accountable for knowing and following guidelines and regulations to protect their patients and ensure their safety. They may make quick decisions on the job and take responsibility for the choices they make. 7. Dress professionally Nurses show professionalism by maintaining good personal hygiene and dressing and presenting themselves professionally at the workplace. Some health care facilities may have firm guidelines on how they expect nurses to dress, style their hair and wear makeup. Other establishments may be more flexible. 8. Stay knowledgeable about current standards for best practice Nursing best practices may change over time, so it's important for nurses to stay knowledgeable about current standards. New research may alter existing policies or techniques in nursing care. 9. Adhere to a high standard of ethics Nurses maintain a high standard of ethics in their jobs. There are many regulations and laws that exist to protect the safety and dignity of patients and nurses in health care settings. Nurses can adhere to ethical guidelines to make sure they uphold these laws and meet their facility's expectations for care. III. CAREER DEVELOPMENT PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW 1. Practice answers to common questions Hiring managers often have a list of questions that help them determine your skills and ability to fit within the healthcare facility. Though you won't be able to prepare for every question they ask, you can practice answers to basic interview questions that most nursing hiring managers use. Some common nursing interview questions include: Why do you want to be a nurse? What do you find rewarding about being a nurse? Where do you see yourself in five years? Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 2  What's a mistake you made and how did you handle it? What are some of your strengths? Weaknesses? What's your biggest accomplishment and why? How do you manage stress? What do you think is the hardest part of being a nurse? Describe how you have handled difficult people in the past. Do you have any questions for us? By preparing for common questions early, you can better respond when the time comes. This makes a better impression on the interviewer because it shows you care about the position and took time to prepare. 2. Learn about the organization Another important part of the preparation is learning about the organization and the job you are applying for. You should have a strong understanding of who you are going to work for and some of the responsibilities that you'll need to complete. A common question you could get during the interview is “Why do you want to work here?” By being able to cite specific facts about the job or organization, you will better demonstrate why you want that job in particular. 3. Dress the part Dress professionally for the interview to make the best impression. Unless the hiring manager specifically states that you should dress in scrubs or bring any equipment, you can opt for business professional dress. For men, this includes a suit and tie when possible. You can also wear a jacket and matching pants. For women, a button-down shirt or blouse with dress slacks or a long skirt will likely do. Try on your outfit the night before the interview to ensure it fits correctly and is free from any stains and wrinkles. Besides clothing, consider other aspects of your appearance. Ensure your hair and facial hair is neat and tidy, and wear modest accessories. Polish your shoes if you need to, and consider matching your belt and shoes to create a uniform appearance. 4. Arrive early Arriving early at the interview site shows that you're eager for the opportunity. It can also help you make any final preparations, such as checking your appearance and silencing your phone. Aim to arrive about 10 minutes before the interview so you can check in with the front desk and receive additional directions. You can spend any free time observing how coworkers interact with each other to see what kind of environment and culture you can expect. Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 3  If the job interview is in an unfamiliar location, take a trip there before the day of the interview. This can help when it comes to identifying things like possible traffic problems or parking issues. Look to remove as much uncertainty about travel as possible. 5. Go in with the right attitude As soon as you enter the facility, smile and greet everyone you meet. Be polite to all employees because they could be your coworkers in the future. Hiring managers could also ask different team members how they feel about you, so it's useful to be courteous and friendly. If you arrive early and wait in the reception area, you can ask the front desk associate questions if they're not busy. Asking different questions can show you're interested in the facility, and it can help you gauge how much employees like working there. Consider asking questions like: How long have you been working here? Do you get along with your coworkers? What's your favorite thing about working here? How many nurses are on this wing? 6. Prepare well ahead of time If you're interviewing for a specific type of nurse, such as a pediatric nurse, spend some time refreshing yourself on all of the various treatments and procedures that the hiring manager may ask about. Showing that you're knowledgeable about all aspects of your specialty can make a strong impression on the employer. During your preparation, consider creating a list of questions that you want to ask the employer toward the end of the interview. Asking questions shows you're prepared and interested in learning more about the hospital or facility. Consider questions like: Why is this nursing position open? What sort of shifts would I be working? How many other medical professionals would I be working with regularly? Is there room to advance to a nurse manager or unit nurse position? Since there's probably plenty of information to review, try to start preparing a week in advance if possible. It's helpful to start preparing for interviews as soon as you start applying for jobs, which gives you plenty of time to deliver a polished interview. DEVELOPING A PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO Excellent tool to maintain, collect and protect your career-related and other personal documents in an organized and professional manner. Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 4  Uses portable, tangible materials that describe, support and highlights achievements, qualifications and skills. Types of Portfolio 1. Master portfolio Keep your original documents (ex: certificates, course outlines, job descriptions) in a master portfolio. Keep one copy of each document in a safe location, separate from your master portfolio, in case your master portfolio gets lost or destroyed. Ensure your master portfolio is kept up to date by continuing to collect items 2. Targeted portfolio Begin by gathering relevant information (ex: a job description) Write down required skills, education, experience, knowledge and other qualities that is require for the job. Select items that prove your qualifications from the master portfolio and place them into a folder. Creating a Portfolio STEP 1 Identify knowledge, skills and abilities Educational achievements Professional competencies and experiences Personal competencies and experiences Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 5  Step 2 Gather best evidences “How am I going to use the portfolio?” “Who is going to see it?” (audience ‐ family, friends, potential employers, graduation showcase, etc.) “What will they be looking for when they look at it?” “What is it that I want to show about myself?” “What is the best evidence to demonstrate who I am and what I can do?” Step 3 Group Evidence into Themes Professional competencies according to fields of practice according to chronology of experiences Personal competencies Personal characteristics school/education/training employment community-related Step 4 Organize and Assemble use folders, binders, boxes, or other organizing tools to group your items into themes begin to create a Table of Contents sort the contents into the most relevant themes or experience categories Per theme: Present competencies Provide summary list of evidences to support competencies Reflections Best evidences Step 5 Prepare the Portfolio Cover Page State of Ownership Personal Profile Career Goals Work Ethics/Values Major Domains/Themes HOW DO YOU USE YOUR PORTFOLIO? 1. To evaluate job opportunities. 2. To prepare for an interview. Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 6  3. To get a favorable performance review/ promotion. 4. To Change a Career. Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 7  PROFESSIONAL AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES NURSING LEGISLATIONS tod ? Weact A. PHILIPPINE NURSING LAW t (See attached file in google classroom) When & · B. HEALTH RELATED LAWS AFFECTING NURSING the to to REPUBLIC ACT – an act passed by the Congress of the Philippines, while the form of government is Republican government.  Republic Act 349 – Legalizes the use of human organs for surgical, medical and scientific purposes.  Republic Act 1082 – Rural Health Unit Act  Republic Act 1136 – Act recognizing the Division of Tuberculosis in the DOH  Republic Act 5901 – 40 hours work for hospital workers  Republic Act 6111 – Medicare Act  Republic Act 6365 – Established a National Policy on Population and created the Commission on population  Republic Act 6425 – Dangerous Drug Act of 1992  Republic Act 6511 – Act to standardize the examination and registration fees charged by the National Boards, and for other purposes.  Republic Act 6675 – Generics Act of 1988  Republic Act 7305 – The Magna Carta of public Health Workers  Republic Act 7600 – Rooming In and Breastfeeding Act of 1992  Republic Act 7658 – An act prohibiting the employment of children below 15 years of age  Republic Act 9165 – Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002  Republic Act 9288 – Newborn Screening Act PRESIDENTIAL DECREE – An order of the President. This power of the President which allows him/her to act as legislators was exercised during the Marshall Law period.  Presidential Decree 491 – Nutrition Program  Presidential Decree 539 – Declaring last week of October every as Nurse’s Week. October 17, 1958 PROCLAMATION – an official declaration by the Chief Executive / Office of the President of the Philippines on certain programs / projects / situation  Proclamation No. 499 – National AIDS Awareness Day  Proclamation No. 539 – Nurse’s Week – Every third week of October Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 1  C. LABOR LAWS work contracts collective bargaining nurses and labor unions D. LEGAL ISSUES IN NURSING PRACTICE AREAS OF POTENTIAL LIABILITY IN NURSING 1. Felonies 2. Misdemeanor CLASSIFICATION OF PERSON CRIMINALLY LIABLE Principal Accessory Accomplice *profiting themselves or assisting others to profit concealing or destroying the evidence of the crime harboring, concealing or assisting the escape of the principal STAGES OF CRIME EXECUTION Attempted Frustrated Consummated CIRCUMSTANCES AFFECTING CRIMINAL LIABILITY 1. JUSTIFYING unlawful aggression reasonable necessity lawful order/legal duty 2. EXEMPTING  imbecile/ insane, except during lucid intervals  person below 9 years old  person above 9 years old and below 15 years old, unless he has acted with discernment  a person while performing a lawful act, causes injury by mere accident, without intention  person who acts under compulsion of an irresistible force  person who fails to perform an act required by law, when prevented by some lawful causes 3. MITIGATING Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 2   below 18 years old or over 70 years old  circumstances otherwise justifying or exempting which does not meet all the requisite necessary to justify or exempt  offender had no intention to commit so grave a wrong as that committed  sufficient provocation or threat was present immediately preceding the act  acting on impulse so powerful  offender is deaf and dumb, blind or other physical defects  illness diminishing the exercise of willpower  voluntary surrender  immediate vindication 4. AGGRAVATING  advantage of public position  committed in contempt of or insult to public authority  committed on occasion of earthquake, epidemic, calamity  committed for a price or reward  committed by means of fire, poison, etc.  committed with evident premeditation  graft, fraud, disguise, employed  commission of a crime deliberately augmented by causing other wrong/cruelty  treachery 5. ALTERNATIVE  Relationship  Intoxication  degree of instruction and education of its offender CRIMES CONCERNING NURSES  Homicide  Murder infants  Infanticide intentionally killing -  Abortion  Simulation of birth tampering of birth certificate -  Robbery, theft  Rape  Illegal drugs (prohibited, regulated)  Professional negligence  Malpractice outside ↑ We SCOPE of practice  TORT Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 3  Unintentional – negligence Intentional 1 assault 2 battery 3 defamation 4 illegal detention 5 invasion of privacy  PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE Examples: burns due to hot water bag, heat lamps, sitz baths; objects left in patient’s abdomen; loose dentures lodged in patient’s trachea; falls/injuries of elderly, confused, sedated, children; mistaken identity, drugs given to wrong patients; medication errors; defects in equipment Elements: Duty Dereliction of duty negligence - Direct causation Damage  MALPRACTICE + REQUIRED TO A STANDARD OF CARE IN QUESTION DOCTRINES  Res ipsa loquitor  Respondeat superior  Force majure  Borrowed servant doctrine  Captain of the ship LEGAL PROCEDURES IN TRIAL Legal Right – a claim which can be enforced by legal means against the persons whose duty is to respect it Court of Law – a duly constituted tribunal administering the laws of a nation COURT MECHANISMS 1. COMMENCEMENT VENUE STATUES OF LIMITATION claims for negligence or malpractice – 2-3 years criminal cases – 2-6 years murder – no time limit Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 4  *complainant – accuser, plaintiff *respondent – accused, defendant *warrant – directing the doing of an act 2. PLEADING Each party presents a statement of facts to the court in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Fundamental Requirements of Due Process Miranda doctrine Counsel No torture/detention Confession through torture-inadmissible Sanctions for violations RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED  Right to be heard by himself and counsel.  Right to be informed of nature and cause of accusations.  Right to a speedy, impartial and public trial.  Right to meet the witnesses face to face.  Right to have compulsory process to secure attendance of witness.  Right to production of evidence on his behalf. 3. PRE-TRIAL PROCEDURES 4. TRIAL facts of the case determined law applied conclusion request for another trial pls in I no *witness *subpoena *subpoena duces tecum *hearsay evidence *dying declarations Nurse’s Responsibility Write down the person’s actual words. Repeat back what she wrote to determine if it is correct. If possible, these statements are to be signed by the person making the declaration. Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 5  Nurses as Witnesses  cannot divulge privileged information in a civil case  duration of the seal of secret – forever until removed by the patient himself  exemptions: criminal cases, with patient consent, when patient sued doctor Guidelines as a Witness  be thorough and specific  seek the aid of a lawyer to be guided accordingly  speak clearly, adequately and intelligently  testify only what you know based on facts (testimonies of facts); testimonies of opinion are given only by expert witnesses  use terms that the average person can understand  speak the truth (perjury – false swearing under oath)  don’t be hesitant to say you do not know the answer to a question if you do not know Commandments of Nurses who are Sued  don’t discuss the case at your hospital with anyone  don’t discuss the case with the plaintiff  don’t discuss the case with the plaintiff’s lawyer  don’t discuss the case with anyone testifying for the plaintiff  don’t discuss the case with reporters  don’t alter client’s records  don’t hide information from your lawyer 5. APPEAL An appellate court reviews the case and when the case is decided upon, the final judgment results and the matter is ended. 6. EXECUTION OF JUDGEMENT The defendant is compelled to execute the judgment (fine and/or imprisonment). JUDICIAL REMEDIES Mandamus – agency or person to do any act required Injunction – an order requiring a person to refrain from doing a particular act Prohibition – preventive remedy; not to do acts about to be done Certiorari – order from a supreme court to an inferior court to send records in question Petition for review – review of supreme court of orders/decisions for validity Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 6  PREVENTION OF LIABILITY In order to protect nurses from liabilities, they should observe the following: 1. Full knowledge of the job description. 2. Practice within the scope of nursing practice as defined in the Philippine Nursing Law. 3. Follow the rules, regulations, and policies of the employing agency. 4. Know their strengths and weaknesses. 5. Verify unclear orders or those that seem to be erroneous. 6. Observe patient’s condition. 7. Report accidents or incidents involving patients. 8. Document the nursing care rendered to the patients accurately, promptly, and legibly. 9. Consult superiors for problems that may be too big to handle. 10. Always get an informed consent from the patient and/or the patient’s family. collectie bargaining-b to bargain wh the admin agreement is employs Property of and for the exclusive use of SLU. Reproduction, storing in a retrieval system, distributing, uploading or posting online, or transmitting in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 7