Roles of Professional Nurse
Ethical Leadership in Nursing
Kevin L. Meek
Western Governors University
Professional Roles and Values NVT2
December 08, 2012
Ethical Leadership Ethical Leadership in Nursing As advances in healthcare continue to improve the ability to sustain life, as well as for individuals to live longer, bedside nurses are faced more and more with difficult situations related to advance directives, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as to ensure they are functioning within the scope of practice for their state.
State Regulations and Nursing Standards
In Arizona, where the author practices nursing, there are several regulations that are addressed in the presented case study. However, the most important regulation could be that of “Advocate on behalf of a client to promote the client’s best interest” (Rules of the State Board of Nursing, 1995/2009). By advocating for a client/patient the nurse is also held responsible to several other regulations including: • • • Protect confidential information unless obligated by law to disclose the information; Report unprofessional conduct, as defined in A.R.S. § 32-1601(22) Respect a client's rights, concerns, decisions, and dignity; (Rules of the State Board of Nursing, 1995/2009)
Implications
The nurse in this scenario is aware of the advance directive that was completed almost seven years prior, but neglects to advocate in the patient’s best interest. “Promote the client’s best interest” also includes respecting their decisions and dignity which this nurse also fails to do, and to hold other medical decision makers (physician and power of attorney) to do the same. Failure of a nurse to follow the ‘Rules of the State Board of Nursing’ in Arizona could lead to license censure, suspension, or even revocation of the nurse’s license. As Arizona is a “compact” state, this action could also prevent the provider from licensure in many states.
Code of Ethics
In following the Code of
Kevin L. Meek
Western Governors University
Professional Roles and Values NVT2
December 08, 2012
Ethical Leadership Ethical Leadership in Nursing As advances in healthcare continue to improve the ability to sustain life, as well as for individuals to live longer, bedside nurses are faced more and more with difficult situations related to advance directives, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as to ensure they are functioning within the scope of practice for their state.
State Regulations and Nursing Standards
In Arizona, where the author practices nursing, there are several regulations that are addressed in the presented case study. However, the most important regulation could be that of “Advocate on behalf of a client to promote the client’s best interest” (Rules of the State Board of Nursing, 1995/2009). By advocating for a client/patient the nurse is also held responsible to several other regulations including: • • • Protect confidential information unless obligated by law to disclose the information; Report unprofessional conduct, as defined in A.R.S. § 32-1601(22) Respect a client's rights, concerns, decisions, and dignity; (Rules of the State Board of Nursing, 1995/2009)
Implications
The nurse in this scenario is aware of the advance directive that was completed almost seven years prior, but neglects to advocate in the patient’s best interest. “Promote the client’s best interest” also includes respecting their decisions and dignity which this nurse also fails to do, and to hold other medical decision makers (physician and power of attorney) to do the same. Failure of a nurse to follow the ‘Rules of the State Board of Nursing’ in Arizona could lead to license censure, suspension, or even revocation of the nurse’s license. As Arizona is a “compact” state, this action could also prevent the provider from licensure in many states.
Code of Ethics
In following the Code of
References: American Nurses Association. (2001). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. ANA: Author. Rules of the State Board of Nursing, Title 4 Arizona State Board of Nursing § R4-19-402 (1995 & Suppl. 2009). Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information, 67 Federal Register § 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164 (Department of Health and Human Services 2002). United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2009). Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.