Role of The Nurse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Role of The Nurse - Essay Example According to the study a nineteen year old was presented in a dazed and confused state to the emergency ward, as a result of an automobile accident. Physical and radiological examination suggested that there was internal abdominal haemorrhage that would require immediate surgical intervention. The teenager refused treatment and wanted to go home. The emergency physician instructed the emergency nurse to get the boy readied for surgery and the formality of the consent form could be dealt with later.. The emergency nurse refused saying that there were legal and ethical issues involved. The consent form was not a formality, but reflected the dignity of the patient.From this paper it is clear that  the emergency nurse did act as an advocate for the young boy. Patient advocacy by nursing professionals has the tendency to enhance inter-professional conflicts in healthcare and yet, as advocacy is an integral part of nursing, the nursing professional has to stand up for these rights of the patient and expect support from the healthcare system.  From an administrative and legal perspective beneficence is subject to autonomy in other words the patient needs to be convinced that the treatment procedures are in the individuals best interests and be a part of the decision making process and hence the need for informed consent. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code is evolving, with the NMC code 2006 expected in 2008. Till then the NMC code of 2004 continues to be effective.