The meaning of 'to nurse','nursing',and 'nursed',synonymously include'to operate carefully','to preserve from injury or damage','to clasp or hold carefully,caressingly,to fondle'
Funk & Wagnalls'(1977)dictionary says(treating nurse as noun):A female servant who take cares of young children;a person who care for the sick,wounded or enfeebled,especially one who makes a profession of it;one who fosters projects and promotes.
About 1860,Florence Nightangle said:"It is often thought that medicine is the curative process.It is no such thing;medicine is the surgery of functions,as surgery proper is that of limbs and organs.Neither can do anything but remove obstructions;neither can be cure;nature alone cares.Surgery remove the bullet out of the limb,which is an obstruction to cure,but nature heals the wound.So it is with medicine,so far as we know,assists nature to remove the obstruction,but does nothing more.And what nursing has to do in either is to put the patient in the best condition for the nature to act upon him"
Willam Oster(1925)referred to it as an art to be cultivated.
W.S.Thayer(1919)said it was"...wholly complementary' to medicine and that without it 'the proper practice of the art of therapy is inconceivable"
Effie J.Taylor(1934)wrote that nursing was'....adapting prescribed therapy and preventive treatment to the specific physical and psychic needs of the individual'
Virginia Henderson defines nursing as:"the unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual,sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength ,will or knowledge"
Virginia Henderson defines nursing as:"the unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual,sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength ,will or knowledge"
The statement of the ICN,Council of Nurses Representatives(International Labour Office 1976)defines 'the professional nurse' and 'the auxillary nurses':
"A professional nurse is a person who has completed a programme of basic nursing education and is qualified and authorized in his/her country to practice nursing.The first level nurse(professional nurse) is responsible for planning providing and evaluating nursing care in all setting for the promotion of health ,prevention of illness,care of sick and rehabilitation;and function as a member of the health team.In countries with more than one level of nursing personnel,the second level programme prepares the nurse ,through the study of nursing theory and clinical practice,to give nursing care co-operation with and under the supervision of a first level nurse...(professional nurses)assist the individual,families,groups and communities in the promotion and preservation of health as well as contributing to recovery and rehabilitation in illness.They praticipate in development and implementation of therapeutic and educational plans of health team...Auxillary nurses...provide care which does not require the the training and theoretical knowledge of the professional nurse. They work in an organized health service which provides guidance and supervision."
In addition,World Health Organisation in response to the strategy of Health for All by the year 200:
"The mission of nursing in the society is to help individuals,families and groups to determine and achieve their physical,mental and social potential, and to do so within the challenging context of environment in which they live and work.This requires nurse to develop and perform functions that relate to the promotion and maintenance of health as well as to the prevention of ill health.Nursing also include the planning and implementation of care during illness and rehabilitation,and encompasses the physical ,mental and social aspects of life as they affect health,illness, disability and dying.Nursing is the provision of care for individuals,families and groups throughout the entire lifespan-from conception to death.Nursing is both an art and a science that require the understanding and application of knowledge and skills specific to the discipline.It also draws on knowledge and techniques derived from the humanities and the physical,social,medical and biological sciences."
Recently (Monday,12 April,2010),the ICN has promulgated a shorter version :
"Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages,families,groups and communities,sick or well, and in all settings.Nursing includes the promotion of health,prevention of illness,
and care of ill,disabled and dying people.Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment ,research, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management,and education are also key nursing roles."
The International Council of Nurses also clears that"Nursing is responsible for defining nurses' roles and scope of nursing practice....ICN is responsible for articulating and disseminating a clear definition of nursing and roles nurses engage in.National nursing organisations bear the responsibility for defining nursing and nurses' role that are consistent with accepted international definitions and relevant to their nation's health care needs. "
Rozella M.Schlotfeldt(1972) made this statement:'Simply stated,the goal of nursing as a field of professional endeavor is to help people attain, retain, and regain health. The phenomenon with which nurses are concerned are man's health-seeking and coping behaviors as he strives to attain health.Nurses are independent,professional practitioners whose field of work is health care.'
The Dutch Professional Code for Nursing states"the meaning of professional nursing is: to recognize,analyse,as well as give advice and assistance with regard to actual or threatening consequences of physical and/or mental courses of diseases,handicaps,disorders and their treatments for the benefits of the fundamental activities of daily living of an individual.Nursing also means influencing individuals in such a way that human potential is used for maintaining and promoting health."
Code Of Ethics for nurses
An international code of ethics for nurses was first adopted by the International Council of Nurses(ICN) in 1953.It has been revised and reaffirmed at various times since,most recently with this review and revision completed in 2005.
PREAMBLE
Nurses have four fundamental responsibilities:
to promote health, to prevent illness , to restore health and to alleviate suffering.
The need of nursing is universal.
Inherent in nursing is respect for human rights,including cultural rights,the right to life and choice, to dignity and to be treated with respect.Nursing care is respectful of and unrestricted by consideration of age,color,
creed,culture,disability or illness,gender,sexual orientation,nationality ,politics,race or social status.Nurses render heath service to the individual,the family and the community and co-ordinate their services with those of related groups.
THE ICN CODE
The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses has four principal elements that outline the standards ethical conduct
ELEMENTS OF THE CODE
1.NURSES AND PEOPLE:
The nurse's primary professional responsibility is to people requiring nursing care.In providing care, the nurse promotes an environment in which the human rights,values, customs and spiritual beliefs of the individual,family and community are respected.The nurse ensures that the individual recieves sufficient information on which to base consent for care and related treatment.The nurse holds in confidence personal information and uses judgement in sharing this information.The nurse shares with society the responsibility for initiating and supporting action to meet the health and social needs of the public,in particular those of vulnerable populations.The nurse also shares responsibility to sustain and protect the natural environment from depletion,pollution,degradation and destruction.
2.NURSES AND PRACTICE:
The nurse carries personal responsibility and accountability for nursing practice,and for maintaining competence by continual learning.The nurse maintain the standard of personal health such that the ability to provide care is not compromised.The nurse uses judgement regarding individual competence when accepting and delegating responsibility.The nurse at all times maintains standards of personal conduct which reflect well on the profession and enhance public confidence.The nurse,in providing care,ensures that use of technology and scientific advances are compatible with the safety,dignity and rights of people.
3.NURSES AND THE PROFESSION:
The nurse assumes the major role in determining and implementing acceptable standards of clinical nursing practice,management,research and education.The nurse is active in developing a core of research-based professional knowledge.The nurse,acting through the professional organisation,participates in creating and maintaining safe,equitable social and economic working conditions in nursing.
4.NURSES AND THE COWORKERS:
The nurse sustains a co-operative relationship with co-workers in nursing and other fields.The nurse takes appropriate action to safeguard individuals,families and communities when their health is endangered by a coworker or other person.
SUGGESTIONS FOR USE OF THE ICN CODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSES:
The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses is a guide for action based on social values and needs. It will have meaning only as a living document if applied to the realities of nursing and health care in a changing society.
To achieve its purpose the Code must be understood, internalised and used by nurses in all aspects of their work. It must be available to students and nurses throughout their study and work lives.
APPLYING THE ELEMENTS OF THE ICN CODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSES:
The four elements of the ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses :
nurses and people, nurses and practice, nurses and the profession, and nurses and co-workers, give a framework for the standards of conduct. The following chart will assist nurses to translate the standards into
action. Nurses and nursing students can therefore :
• Study the standards under each element of the Code.
• Reflect on what each standard means to you. Think about how you can apply ethics in your nursing domain: practice, education, research or management.
• Discuss the Code with co-workers and others.
• Use a specific example from experience to identify ethical dilemmas and standards of conduct as outlined in the Code. Identify how you would resolve the dilemmas.
• Work in groups to clarify ethical decision making and reach a consensus on standards of ethical conduct.
• Collaborate with your national nurses’ association, co-workers,and others in the continuous application of ethical standards in nursing practice, education, management and research.
NURSES AND PEOPLE
NURSES AND THE PROFESSION
NURSES AND CO-WORKERS
DISSEMINATION OF THE ICN CODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSES
To be effective the ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses must be familiar to nurses. We encourage you to help with its dissemination to schools of nursing, practising nurses, the nursing press and other mass media. The Code should also be disseminated to other health professions, the general public, consumer and policy-making groups, human rights organisations and employers of nurses.
Scope of the nursing
The International Council of Nurses' Position Paper The Scope of Nursing Practice states:"A scope of practice definition communicates to others the competencies and professional accountability of the nurse.Nursing is responsible for defining nurses'roles and scope of practice.However,while nurses,through professional, labor relations and regulatory bodies,bear primary responsibility for defining monitoring and periodically evaluating monitoring and scope of practice,view of others in society should be sought and considered in defining scope of pratice....Nurses' spheres of responsinility include giving direct care,supervising others,leading,managing,teaching,undertaking research and developing health policy for health care systems."
Recently (Monday,12 April,2010),the ICN has promulgated a shorter version :
"Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages,families,groups and communities,sick or well, and in all settings.Nursing includes the promotion of health,prevention of illness,
and care of ill,disabled and dying people.Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment ,research, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management,and education are also key nursing roles."
The International Council of Nurses also clears that"Nursing is responsible for defining nurses' roles and scope of nursing practice....ICN is responsible for articulating and disseminating a clear definition of nursing and roles nurses engage in.National nursing organisations bear the responsibility for defining nursing and nurses' role that are consistent with accepted international definitions and relevant to their nation's health care needs. "
Rozella M.Schlotfeldt(1972) made this statement:'Simply stated,the goal of nursing as a field of professional endeavor is to help people attain, retain, and regain health. The phenomenon with which nurses are concerned are man's health-seeking and coping behaviors as he strives to attain health.Nurses are independent,professional practitioners whose field of work is health care.'
The Dutch Professional Code for Nursing states"the meaning of professional nursing is: to recognize,analyse,as well as give advice and assistance with regard to actual or threatening consequences of physical and/or mental courses of diseases,handicaps,disorders and their treatments for the benefits of the fundamental activities of daily living of an individual.Nursing also means influencing individuals in such a way that human potential is used for maintaining and promoting health."
Code Of Ethics for nurses
An international code of ethics for nurses was first adopted by the International Council of Nurses(ICN) in 1953.It has been revised and reaffirmed at various times since,most recently with this review and revision completed in 2005.
PREAMBLE
Nurses have four fundamental responsibilities:
to promote health, to prevent illness , to restore health and to alleviate suffering.
The need of nursing is universal.
Inherent in nursing is respect for human rights,including cultural rights,the right to life and choice, to dignity and to be treated with respect.Nursing care is respectful of and unrestricted by consideration of age,color,
creed,culture,disability or illness,gender,sexual orientation,nationality ,politics,race or social status.Nurses render heath service to the individual,the family and the community and co-ordinate their services with those of related groups.
THE ICN CODE
The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses has four principal elements that outline the standards ethical conduct
ELEMENTS OF THE CODE
1.NURSES AND PEOPLE:
The nurse's primary professional responsibility is to people requiring nursing care.In providing care, the nurse promotes an environment in which the human rights,values, customs and spiritual beliefs of the individual,family and community are respected.The nurse ensures that the individual recieves sufficient information on which to base consent for care and related treatment.The nurse holds in confidence personal information and uses judgement in sharing this information.The nurse shares with society the responsibility for initiating and supporting action to meet the health and social needs of the public,in particular those of vulnerable populations.The nurse also shares responsibility to sustain and protect the natural environment from depletion,pollution,degradation and destruction.
2.NURSES AND PRACTICE:
The nurse carries personal responsibility and accountability for nursing practice,and for maintaining competence by continual learning.The nurse maintain the standard of personal health such that the ability to provide care is not compromised.The nurse uses judgement regarding individual competence when accepting and delegating responsibility.The nurse at all times maintains standards of personal conduct which reflect well on the profession and enhance public confidence.The nurse,in providing care,ensures that use of technology and scientific advances are compatible with the safety,dignity and rights of people.
3.NURSES AND THE PROFESSION:
The nurse assumes the major role in determining and implementing acceptable standards of clinical nursing practice,management,research and education.The nurse is active in developing a core of research-based professional knowledge.The nurse,acting through the professional organisation,participates in creating and maintaining safe,equitable social and economic working conditions in nursing.
4.NURSES AND THE COWORKERS:
The nurse sustains a co-operative relationship with co-workers in nursing and other fields.The nurse takes appropriate action to safeguard individuals,families and communities when their health is endangered by a coworker or other person.
SUGGESTIONS FOR USE OF THE ICN CODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSES:
The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses is a guide for action based on social values and needs. It will have meaning only as a living document if applied to the realities of nursing and health care in a changing society.
To achieve its purpose the Code must be understood, internalised and used by nurses in all aspects of their work. It must be available to students and nurses throughout their study and work lives.
APPLYING THE ELEMENTS OF THE ICN CODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSES:
The four elements of the ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses :
nurses and people, nurses and practice, nurses and the profession, and nurses and co-workers, give a framework for the standards of conduct. The following chart will assist nurses to translate the standards into
action. Nurses and nursing students can therefore :
• Study the standards under each element of the Code.
• Reflect on what each standard means to you. Think about how you can apply ethics in your nursing domain: practice, education, research or management.
• Discuss the Code with co-workers and others.
• Use a specific example from experience to identify ethical dilemmas and standards of conduct as outlined in the Code. Identify how you would resolve the dilemmas.
• Work in groups to clarify ethical decision making and reach a consensus on standards of ethical conduct.
• Collaborate with your national nurses’ association, co-workers,and others in the continuous application of ethical standards in nursing practice, education, management and research.
NURSES AND PEOPLE
Element of the Code # 1 : NURSES AND PEOPLE | ||
Practitioners and Managers | Educators and Researchers | National Nurses’ Associations |
Provide care that respects human rights and is sensitive to the values, customs and beliefs of all people. | In curriculum include references to human rights, equity, justice, solidarity as the basis for access to care. | Develop position statements and guidelines that support human rights and ethical standards. |
Provide continuing education in ethical issues. | Provide teaching and learning opportunities for ethical issues and decision making. | Lobby for involvement of nurses in ethics review committees. |
Provide sufficient information to permit informed consent and the right to choose or refuse treatment | Provide teaching/learning opportunities related to informed consent. | Provide guidelines, position statements and continuing education related to informed consent. |
Use recording and information management systems that ensure confidentiality. | Introduce into curriculum concepts of privacy and confidentiality. | Incorporate issues of confidentiality and privacy into a national code of ethics for nurses. |
Develop and monitor environmental safety in the workplace. | Sensitise students to the importance of social action in current concerns. | Advocate for safe and healthy environment. |
NURSES AND PRACTICE
Element of the Code # 2 : NURSES AND PRACTICE | ||
Practitioners and Managers | Educators and Researchers | National Nurses’ Associations |
Establish standards of care and a work setting that promotes safety and quality care. | Provide teaching / learning opportunities that foster life long learning and competence for practice. | Provide access to continuing education, through journals, conferences, distance education, etc. |
Establish systems for professional appraisal, continuing education and systematic renewal of licensure to practice. | Conduct and disseminate research that shows links between continual learning and competence to practice. | Lobby to ensure continuing education opportunities and quality care standards. |
Monitor and promote the personal health of nursing staff in relation to their competence for practice. | Promote the importance of personal health and illustrate its relation to other values. | Promote healthy lifestyles for nursing professionals. Lobby for healthy work places and services for nurses. |
NURSES AND THE PROFESSION
Element of the Code # 3 : NURSES AND THE PROFESSION | ||
Practitioners and Managers | Educators and Researchers | National Nurses’ Associations |
Set standards for nursing practice, research, education and management. | Provide teaching / learning opportunities in setting standards for nursing practice, research, education and management. | Collaborate with others to set standards for nursing education, practice, research and management |
Foster workplace support of the conduct,dissemination and utilisation of research related to nursing and health. | Conduct, disseminate and utilise research to advance the nursing profession. | Develop position statements, guidelines and standards related to nursing research. |
Promote participation in national nurses’ associations so as to create favourable socio-economic conditions for nurses. | Sensitise learners to the importance of professional nursing associations | Lobby for fair social and economic working conditions in nursing. Develop position statements and guidelines in workplace issues. |
NURSES AND CO-WORKERS
Element of the Code #4 : NURSES AND CO-WORKERS | ||
Practitioners and Managers | Educators and Researchers | National Nurses’ Associations |
Create awareness of specific and overlapping functions and the potential for interdisciplinary tensions. | Develop understanding of the roles of other workers. | Stimulate co-operation with other related disciplines. |
Develop workplace systems that support common professional ethical values and behaviour. | Communicate nursing ethics to other professions. | Develop awareness of ethical issues of other professions. |
Develop mechanisms to safeguard the individual, family or community when their care is endangered by health care personnel. | Instil in learners the need to safeguard the individual, family or community when care is endangered by health care personnel. | Provide guidelines, position statements and discussion fora related to safeguarding people when their care is endangered by health care personnel. |
DISSEMINATION OF THE ICN CODE OF ETHICS FOR NURSES
To be effective the ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses must be familiar to nurses. We encourage you to help with its dissemination to schools of nursing, practising nurses, the nursing press and other mass media. The Code should also be disseminated to other health professions, the general public, consumer and policy-making groups, human rights organisations and employers of nurses.
Scope of the nursing
The International Council of Nurses' Position Paper The Scope of Nursing Practice states:"A scope of practice definition communicates to others the competencies and professional accountability of the nurse.Nursing is responsible for defining nurses'roles and scope of practice.However,while nurses,through professional, labor relations and regulatory bodies,bear primary responsibility for defining monitoring and periodically evaluating monitoring and scope of practice,view of others in society should be sought and considered in defining scope of pratice....Nurses' spheres of responsinility include giving direct care,supervising others,leading,managing,teaching,undertaking research and developing health policy for health care systems."
