Legal Aspects of Nursing, Essay Example

Introduction

With this unit, I learned much about staffing concerns and the potential legal implications of actions related to healthcare and nursing practice. In some cases, there are high risks associated with some actions, thereby posing possible harm and even legal action by patients. Therefore, in order to maintain successful practice objectives, organizations must be effectively prepared to manage the conditions that are required to facilitate results for patients in need of care and treatment across a wide variety of settings. This unit taught me that in my work as a professional nurse, I must adhere to all requirements and demonstrate my ability to be successful in facilitating the desired practice objectives on a consistent basis.

Analysis

I have learned that nurses face many challenges that require continuous attention and improvement in order to accomplish the desired objectives, and this is achieved through a framework that supports and enhances greater quality of care and treatment to impact professional outcomes. Nursing ethics is a critical component that must be addressed and requires ongoing attention and consideration, as nurses are required to participate in a variety of activities that may lead to ethical and/or legal implications if not executed carefully (Tingle & Cribb, 2013). Nursing practice objectives must also demonstrate an important understanding of patient care needs that will impact quality of care, and if this not achieved, nurses may face the wrath of legal implications if patients are put at risk (Kumar et.al, 2013).

In the nursing profession, there is a natural instinct in place to do no harm to patients and to recognize the activities that may pose a risk (Henderson, 2011). This analytical process is ongoing and requires a high level of focus and concern so that patient care outcomes are achieved at the highest possible level (Henderson, 2011). However, when nurses face limited time or other constraints, it is possible that they might place patients in jeopardy if all required activities are not addressed in the desired manner (Henderson, 2011). Therefore, the legal implications of nursing-related activities must be well known so that nurses do not intentionally act in a manner that leads to legal implications (Anastasi & Anderson, 2012). I have learned that my actions involving patients must adhere to all required regulations and that I must not place patients at risk for any reason of my own doing. I am working diligently to ensure that my patients are treated with the utmost respect, professionalism, and ethical frameworks to ensure that their needs are met on a timely basis. The ethics of nursing practice require the utmost dedication to patients, thereby creating an environment that will embrace the responsibilities of nursing practice and the needs associated with advancing the nursing profession to an even higher level.

Conclusion

This unit was enlightening because it provided me with a framework for achieving success as a practicing nurse. However, I must adhere to all required policies, laws, and regulations so that the lives of my patients are not unknowingly compromised as a result of poor patient care and treatment of my own doing. Regardless of what is going on around me, I must remain focused and attentive to the needs of my patients, while also considering other factors that will improve the quality of care that I provide to my patients, as well as improving their quality of life. I must exercise the utmost responsibility for my actions, as well as demonstrate my willingness to focus on activities that will enhance the lives of my patients, even when they face serious health crises. My behavior and actions towards patients must be professional, timely, and comprehensive at all times so that my patients feel comfortable and are treated with the required protocols in place.

References

Anastasi, J., & Anderson, C. (2012). Legal aspects of nursing.

Henderson, V. (2011). The nature of nursing. New York.

Kumar, H., Gokhale, K. J., & Mathur, D. R. (2013). Legal Awareness and Responsibilities of Nursing Staff in Administration of Patient Care in A Trust Hospital.

Tingle, J., & Cribb, A. (Eds.). (2013). Nursing law and ethics. John Wiley & Sons.