Ethical and Legal Issue
The fundamental legal aspects of each case study
Nevertheless of any situation that may get up, every nurse has a set standard in place that must be followed. These are nonnegotiable, ethical standards, obligations and duties that every individual swears to when entering the nursing profession. These standards are all found within the American Nurses Association’s code of Nursing Ethics and Conduct. Whether dealing with patients and families during end of life decision making or dealing with nursing negligence within the court of law, the first provision in the code of ethics is the most imperative to remember. Nurses are always obligated to their patient’s best interest, therefore making them an unrelenting patient advocate.
Many provisions are pointed out within the Nursing Code of Ethics. In the situation of dealing with Marianne’s family and medical treatments, there are many important things to consider. “The nurse respects the worth, dignity, and rights of all human beings irrespective of the nature of the health problem. The worth of the person is not affected by disease, disability, functional status, or proximity to death. This respect extends to all who require the services of the nurse for promotion of health, the prevention of illness, the restoration of health, the alleviation of suffering, and the provision of supportive care to those who are dying.” (American Nurses Association, 2001)
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (2011), if there is no advanced directive and the patient cannot make decisions for themselves a health care “surrogate” is chosen. The priority by law is as follows: guardian of the person, spouse, any adult children, either parent, any adult brother or sister, and adult grandchild, a close friend, or guardian of the estate.
The legal responsibilities of nurses in the work setting
Nurses have a wide variety of responsibilities in the workplace, it is important that they realize what legalities they must abide
Nevertheless of any situation that may get up, every nurse has a set standard in place that must be followed. These are nonnegotiable, ethical standards, obligations and duties that every individual swears to when entering the nursing profession. These standards are all found within the American Nurses Association’s code of Nursing Ethics and Conduct. Whether dealing with patients and families during end of life decision making or dealing with nursing negligence within the court of law, the first provision in the code of ethics is the most imperative to remember. Nurses are always obligated to their patient’s best interest, therefore making them an unrelenting patient advocate.
Many provisions are pointed out within the Nursing Code of Ethics. In the situation of dealing with Marianne’s family and medical treatments, there are many important things to consider. “The nurse respects the worth, dignity, and rights of all human beings irrespective of the nature of the health problem. The worth of the person is not affected by disease, disability, functional status, or proximity to death. This respect extends to all who require the services of the nurse for promotion of health, the prevention of illness, the restoration of health, the alleviation of suffering, and the provision of supportive care to those who are dying.” (American Nurses Association, 2001)
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (2011), if there is no advanced directive and the patient cannot make decisions for themselves a health care “surrogate” is chosen. The priority by law is as follows: guardian of the person, spouse, any adult children, either parent, any adult brother or sister, and adult grandchild, a close friend, or guardian of the estate.
The legal responsibilities of nurses in the work setting
Nurses have a wide variety of responsibilities in the workplace, it is important that they realize what legalities they must abide
References: The American Nurses Association, Inc.. (2001). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive Chitty, K.K. & Black, B.P. (2011). Professional nursing: Concepts and challenges (6th ed.). St Illinois department of public health. (2011). Statement of Illinois Law on advanced directives.