Professional identity of the nurse: Scope of nursing practice

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The nursing practice involves both individual and collaborative care to individuals needing care whether sick or well. Their roles are crucial in promoting health, preventing illness and it’s complications, and care of the sick to maintain optimal health and quality of life. The nursing profession is a complex practice that requires one to be competent enough in handling various roles and responsibilities such as advice, promotion of health, engaging in research, and taking part in developing and reviewing policies as well as continuing education for personal career growth and development. Nurses always deal with ethics in their practice. In the healthcare setting, encountering ethical dilemmas are very common as it can be a source of debate among healthcare professionals and the patients’ families. Hospitals consist of ethical committees in addressing these ethical issues and set guidelines for their workers to follow. It is crucial for nurses to know and understand the importance of the code of ethics set by the American Nurses Association.
The code of ethics serves as a guide for nurses to act when facing an ethical dilemma. These code of ethics serve as a reminder for nurses to their commitments in the society. The code of ethics consists of legal requirements, conduct expectations, professional behavior, and obligations for all nurses engaging in all areas of practice. The code expands further on the principles of professional conduct which would serve as a guide for nurses in delivering patient care. Since the nursing practice is concerned with the handling of human lives, the code of ethics is important. Negligence and substandard care are unacceptable in this practice. Nurses should always keep in mind that their practice is focused on the care and rights of th...