Accountability In Nursing

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Pages: 9

This assignment critically reflects on the ethical and legal responsibilities in nurse prescribing. It includes an example of practice in which these have been contravened. Highlighting to a potential nurse prescriber the fundamental principles which they should follow. A case study approach will be used and a trigger event explored in the analysis. The assignment will explore the areas in which the observation has compromised accountability and legal and ethical responsibilities. Please note that all names and place names have been changed to ensure anonymity and confidentiality (Data protection Act, 2008; Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2015).
An Integrated Support Worker (ISW) visited a patient for treatment of a leg wound. The ISW felt
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This definition suggests that a nurse should be able to give a rationale of justification for every one of their actions or omissions. Professional accountability is concerned with using professional judgement and skills to make a decision and to take responsibility for that standard of practice in relation to that decision (Rowe, 2000). As new skills develop and are undertaken, a non-medical prescriber has a duty to examine the significance of accountability and it should become an essential part of the role (Eby …show more content…
The law and codes of conduct help to enforce this accountability and should be considered during prescribing practice (NMC, 2006). Nurses are accountable for civil, criminal, professional and contractual areas within their professional practice (Otway 2004). If a case of misconduct is bought about against a nurse during prescribing practice where there is a serious breach of duty of care they may be held accountable under any of these areas (Lovatt, 2010) and, depending on the circumstances of the case, civil and criminal law may be applied. The NMC will exert professional liability and, civil or criminal proceedings may follow as well as a possible loss of registration (Lanyon, 2004). Civil law sanctions may involve fines or imprisonment (Caufield 2005). Employers have vicarious liability for the negligent acts and any omissions of their employees particularly, if the employee is working within the scope of their practice and may therefore be liable for Payment of compensation (Caufield