Dignity in Care
Word Count 2450
DIGNITY IN CARE; KEEPING THE STANDARDS
Definition of dignity; the quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect.(the free dictionary 2011).This definition seems short, however the concept of dignity is more profound, the nurse should use her inner tool thus being feelings , empathy, compassion and use these productively.(Haddock 1996).
The reasonable expectation that an older person , may have of dignified, nursing ,care in clean surroundings in hospital is not being fulfilled in some cases This essay will discuss the concepts of dignity, and discuss the importance of dignity in nursing care. Illustrating the significance in protocols, and furthermore, giving the patient the best possible outcome. We shall examine the guidelines set by the Nursing and midwifery council (NMC) and how important it is for nurses to uphold these standards, when delivering care to the patient.
We shall also look at the aging process, and how illnesses cannot simply be put down to ‘age’, discussing how medication can affect the elderly and also how it can help.
Highlighting the need for nurses not to become robotic at tasks as delicate as the one giving throughout this essay , the need to empathise and give the patient as much dignity as possible.
Also looking at infection control, and how critical it is in the clinical setting for the health care team, and also for the patient’s health. Following guidelines from National institute for health and clinical excellence (NICE), the Department of Health (DH) and several studies with regards to infection control , and health matters such as health promotion and how it can empower the patient which can help in their dignity. Looking at how the muti-disciplinary team help with the overall care and how important to work as a team to gain the best outcome. Reviewing my own personal journey as I have done research into dignity and reflect upon my own practice, and how it may change or enhance my future
DIGNITY IN CARE; KEEPING THE STANDARDS
Definition of dignity; the quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect.(the free dictionary 2011).This definition seems short, however the concept of dignity is more profound, the nurse should use her inner tool thus being feelings , empathy, compassion and use these productively.(Haddock 1996).
The reasonable expectation that an older person , may have of dignified, nursing ,care in clean surroundings in hospital is not being fulfilled in some cases This essay will discuss the concepts of dignity, and discuss the importance of dignity in nursing care. Illustrating the significance in protocols, and furthermore, giving the patient the best possible outcome. We shall examine the guidelines set by the Nursing and midwifery council (NMC) and how important it is for nurses to uphold these standards, when delivering care to the patient.
We shall also look at the aging process, and how illnesses cannot simply be put down to ‘age’, discussing how medication can affect the elderly and also how it can help.
Highlighting the need for nurses not to become robotic at tasks as delicate as the one giving throughout this essay , the need to empathise and give the patient as much dignity as possible.
Also looking at infection control, and how critical it is in the clinical setting for the health care team, and also for the patient’s health. Following guidelines from National institute for health and clinical excellence (NICE), the Department of Health (DH) and several studies with regards to infection control , and health matters such as health promotion and how it can empower the patient which can help in their dignity. Looking at how the muti-disciplinary team help with the overall care and how important to work as a team to gain the best outcome. Reviewing my own personal journey as I have done research into dignity and reflect upon my own practice, and how it may change or enhance my future
References: Avom R (2003) principles of pharmacology newyork springer Chelvanayagarns (2000) Quality of life with faecal incontinence problems Creedon (2005) compliance with recommended guidelines. J adv nurs( pg 208-216) Cussack BJ (1986 ) special considerations in the elderly ;the practice of geriactrics Boston Department of Health (2001) Standard principles for preventing hospital-Aquired infection . J Hosp Infect.47-48 Department of Health (2003) Winning Ways: Working Together to Reduce Healthcare Associated Infection in England Haddock (1996) Journal of Advanced Nursing 1996 Nov;24(5):924-31. Levenson, R. (2007). The challenge of Dignity in Care: Upholding the rights of the individual. Help the Aged: London. Milburn et al (1995) www.intermid.co.uk Accessed online (20/7/2011) NMC (2001,2008) www.nmc-uk.org/) Accessed online (18/7/2011) Nursing Times (2005) A systematic approach to the improvement of patient care. VOL: 101, ISSUE: 24, PAGE NO: 34-36 Nice (2003) w.nice.org.uk/nice/pdf/22_FINALpressrelease_infewwctioncontro The free Dictionary (2011) www.thefreedictionary.com.dignity. Accessed online (20/07/2011) Thompson JW, Rawlins MD Williamson J, Choplin J (1988) British Medical journal (Clin Res Ed). 1988 ; 296(6636): 1551–1552.