In the intricacies of healthcare, one profession stands out as the base of trust and compassion – nursing.
Nursing, as we know it today, has evolved through centuries, shaped by the hands and hearts of dedicated individuals. The legacy of caregivers has laid the foundation for the trust placed in nurses today.
For the 21st year in a row, nurses have been ranked as the most trusted profession. In January 2023, Gallup News released data from a poll about honesty and ethical standards among professions. The article states, “79% of U.S. adults who now say nurses have “very high” or “high” honesty and ethical standards is far more than any of the other 17 professions rated.”
Professional Code of Ethics
At the heart of nursing’s trusted status lies a steadfast commitment to a code of ethics. Nursing ethics, encapsulated in documents such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, serves as a moral compass for practitioners.
The Code states the following nine provisions along with corresponding interpretive statements to help relay the expectations of nurses;
- PROVISION 1: “The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.”
- PROVISION 2: “The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population.”
- PROVISION 3: “The nurse promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient.”
- PROVISION 4: “The nurse has authority, accountability, and responsibility for nursing practice; makes decisions; and takes action consistent with the obligation to promote health and to provide optimal care.”
- PROVISION 5: “The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety, preserve wholeness of character and integrity, maintain competence, and continue personal and professional growth.”
- PROVISION 6: “The nurse, through individual and collective effort, establishes, maintains, and improves the ethical environment of the work setting and conditions of employment that are conducive to safe, quality health care [sic].”
- PROVISION 7: “The nurse, in all roles and settings, advances the profession through research and scholarly inquiry, professional standards development, and the generation of both nursing and health policy.”
- PROVISION 8: “The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public to protect human rights, promote health diplomacy, and reduce health disparities.”
- PROVISION 9: “The profession of nursing, collectively through its professional organizations, must articulate nursing values, maintain the integrity of the profession, and integrate principles of social justice into nursing and health policy.”
Upholding principles of beneficence, justice, and autonomy, nurses navigate complex medical landscapes with integrity. The code not only guides individual behavior but also reinforces the collective trust that society places in the nursing profession.
Patient Advocacy, Communication, and Education
Nurses are the unsung heroes of patient advocacy. They serve as a bridge between patients and the healthcare system, ensuring that the voice of the vulnerable is heard. Through compassionate care and a deep understanding of individual needs, nurses fight for the rights and well-being of their patients.
Along with being an advocate, nurses are effective communicators and educators for patients and their families. Healthcare settings and medical terminology can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging for patients and their loved ones. Nurses use empathetic communication and knowledge about the patient’s health and medical treatment to foster a sense of comfort and understanding.
The role of advocate, communicator, and educator contributes significantly to the establishment and maintenance of trust in the nurse-patient relationship.
Patient Care Collaboration
Through open communication and shared responsibilities, nurses create a supportive ecosystem where each member of a patient’s healthcare team plays a vital role, ensuring that no detail is overlooked and no patient is left unattended. This collaborative spirit not only enhances the efficiency of healthcare delivery but also encourages an environment where patients feel the reassuring embrace of a united front dedicated to their well-being.
Continuous Professional Development
In the rapidly evolving medical field, it is crucial for nurses to constantly update their knowledge and skills to stay at the forefront of patient care. This is where professional development comes into play.
Nurses engage in ongoing education, training, and skill development to stay up to date on advancements in medical science and technology. This dedication not only ensures the delivery of high-quality care but also reinforces the trust that patients and the broader community place in nurses as expert and knowledgeable healthcare professionals.
Prestige Care Trust
Here at Prestige, our team members exemplify what it means to be part of the most trusted profession every day. We invite you to join the Prestige family in upholding the highest standards of care and compassion.
Visit www.nursingatprestigecare.com and fill out our quick-apply form and the Prestige Talent Team will have a personalized conversation about what we can offer you as a member of the Prestige Care Family!