Module 3

• Benner Level of Proficiency


  Stages of nursing expertise from novice to expert
• Overview of the Code of Ethics for Nurses/Filipino Bill of Rights/Legal Aspects


  • Overview of the professional/legal and moral accountability/responsibility
• BENNER'S STAGES OF NURSING EXPERTISE


  1. Novice

  2. Advanced Beginner

  3. Competent

  4. Proficiency

  5. Expert
• Ethical Codes


  Systematic guides for developing ethical behavior, answer normative questions of what beliefs and values should be morally accepted
• Code of Ethics for Nurses


  A set of guidelines, regulations or measures
• The Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 (Article III of R.A. 9173) is the principal basis for the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses
• The Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses was adopted and integrated from the Code of Good Governance for the Profession in the Philippines
• A new Code of Ethics was adopted under the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 after consultation with accredited nursing organizations
• Article I (Preamble) Section 1


  Health is the fundamental right of every individual. The Filipino registered nurse, believing in the worth & dignity of each human being, recognizes the primary responsibility to preserve health at all cost. This responsibility encompasses promotion of health, prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering, and restoration of health. However, when the foregoing are not possible, assistance towards a peaceful death shall be his/ her obligation.
• Article I (Preamble) Section 2


  To assume this responsibility, registered nurses have to gain knowledge and understanding of man's cultural, social & spiritual, physiological, psychological, and ecological aspects of illness, utilizing the therapeutic process. Cultural diversity and political and socio-economic status.
• Article I (Preamble) Section 3


  The desire for the respect and confidence of clientele, colleagues, co-workers, and the members of the community provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest possible degree of ethical conduct.
• Article I (Preamble) Section 4 Ethical Principles


  • Values, customs, and spiritual beliefs held by individuals shall be respected
  • Individual freedom to make rational and unconstrained decisions shall be respected
  • Personal information acquired in the process of giving nursing care shall be held in strict confidence
• Article II Registered Nurses and People Section 5 Guidelines to be Observed


  • Consider the individuality and totality of patients when they administer care
  • Respect the spiritual beliefs and practices of patients regarding diet and treatment
  • Uphold the rights of individuals
  • Take into consideration the culture and values of patients in providing nursing care. However, in the event of conflicts their welfare and safety must take precedence
• Article III Registered Nurses and Practices Section 6 Ethical Principles


  • Human life is inviolable
  • Quality and excellence in the care of the patients are the goals of nursing practice
  • Accurate documentation of actions and outcomes of delivered care is the hallmark of nursing accountability
• Article III Registered Nurses and Practices Section 7 Guidelines to be Observed


  • Know the definition and scope of nursing practice which are in the provisions of R.A. No. 9173, known as the "Philippine Nursing Act of 2002" and Board Resolution No. 425, Series of 2003, the Rules and Regulations implementing the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002"
  • Be aware of their duties and responsibilities in the practice of their profession as defined in the "Philippine Nursing Act of 2002" and the IRR
  • Acquire and develop the necessary competence in knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively render appropriate nursing services through varied learning situations
  • If they are administrators, be responsible in providing favorable environment for the growth and development of Registered Nurses in their charge
• Article III Registered Nurses and Practices Section 8 Ethical Principle


  Registered Nurses are advocates of the patients; they shall take appropriate steps to safeguard their rights and privileges
• Article III Registered Nurses and Practices Section 8 Guidelines to be Observed


  • Respect the "Patients' Bill of Rights" in the delivery of nursing care
  • Provide the patients or their families with all the pertinent information except those which may be deemed harmful to their well being
  • Uphold the patient's rights when conflict arises regarding management of their care
• Article III Registered Nurses and Practices Section 10 Guidelines to be Observed


  • Decline any gift, favor or hospitality which might be interpreted as capitalizing on patients
  • Not demand and receive any commission, fee or emolument for recommending, or referring a patient to a physician, a co-nurse or another health care worker; not to pay any commission, fee or other compensations to the one referring or recommending a patient to them for nursing care
  • Avoid any abuse of the privilege relationship which exists with patient and of the privilege access allowed to their property residence or workplace
• Article IV Registered Nurses and Co Workers Section 11 Ethical Principles


  • The Registered Nurse is in solidarity with other members of the health care team in working for the patient's best interest
  • The Registered Nurse maintains collegial and collaborative working relationship with colleagues and other health care providers
• Article IV Registered Nurses and Co Workers Section 12 Guidelines to be Observed


  • Maintain their professional role/ identity while working with other members of the health team
• Registered Nurses


  Must avoid any abuse of the privilege relationship which exists with patient and of the privilege access allowed to their property residence or workplace
• Ethical principles for Registered Nurses


  • The Registered Nurse is in solidarity with other members of the health care team in working for the patient's best interest
  • The Registered Nurse maintains collegial and collaborative working relationship with colleagues and other health care providers
• Registered Nurses must


  • Maintain their professional role/identity while working with other members of the health team
  • Conform with group activities as those of a health team and should be base on acceptable, ethico-legal standards
• Guidelines for Registered Nurses


  • Contribute to the professional growth and development of other members of the health team
  • Actively participate in professional organizations
  • Not act in any manner prejudicial to other professions
  • Honor and safeguard the reputation and dignity of the members of nursing and other profession; refrain from making unfair and unwarranted comments or criticisms on their competence, conduct, and procedures; or not do anything that will bring discredit to a colleague and to any member of other professions
  • Respect the rights of their co-workers
• Ethical principles for Registered Nurses


  • The preservation of life, respect for human rights, and promotion of healthy environment shall be a commitment of a Registered Nurse
  • The establishment of linkages with the public in promoting local, national and international efforts to meet health and social needs of the people as a contributing member of society is a noble concern of a Registered Nurse
• Guidelines for Registered Nurses


  • Be conscious of their obligations as citizens, and, as such, be involved in community concerns
  • Be equipped with knowledge of health resources within the community, and take active roles in primary health care
  • Actively participate in programs, projects, and activities that respond to the problems of society
  • Lead their lives in conformity with the principles of right conduct and proper decorum
  • Project an image that will uplift the nursing profession at all times
• Ethical principles for Registered Nurses


  • Maintenance of loyalty to the nursing profession and preservation of its integrity are ideal
  • Compliance with the by-laws of the accredited professional organizations of which the Registered Nurse is a member is a lofty duty
  • Commitment to continual learning and active participation in the development and growth of the profession are commendable obligations
  • Contribution to the improvement of the socio-economic conditions and general welfare of nurses through appropriate legislation is a practice and a visionary mission
• Guidelines for Registered Nurses


  • Be members of the Accredited Professional Organization (PNA)
  • Strictly adhere to the nursing standards
  • Participate actively in the growth and development of the nursing profession
  • Strive to secure equitable socio-economic and work conditions in nursing through appropriate legislation and other means
  • Assert for the implementation of labor and work standards
• The hallmark of all professionals is their willingness to accept a set of professional and ethical principles which they will follow in the conduct of their daily lives. The acceptance of these principles requires the maintenance of a standard of conduct higher than what is required by law.
• This code is adopted by the PRC and the 42 Professional Regulatory Boards to cover an environment of good governance in which all Filipino professionals shall perform their duties.
• Principles of the Code of Good Governance


  • Service to others - a commitment to a life of sacrifice and genuine selflessness
  • Integrity and Objectivity - Should perform responsibilities with the highest sense of integrity and imbued with nationalism & spiritual values; maintain objectivity, be free of conflicts of interest; refrain from engaging in activity that would prejudice their abilities to ethically carry out their duties
  • Equality of All Professions - Shall treat their colleagues with respect and strive to be fair in their dealings with one another; No one group of professionals is superior or above others; All professions perform an equally important, yet distinct service to society