Excellence and Caring in Nursing

Course Overview

  • Course Title: Ethos of Professional Practice (MW-EPP-001-3)
  • Instructor: Mrs. Magama
  • Assessment Structure:
    • Five modules in total.
    • Four scheduled in-class tests and assignments.
    • Continuous assessments and evaluations.
    • Examination at the end of the semester (6 months).
    • Mandatory attendance (30 hours learning time).

Prescribed Reference Materials

  1. Searle C et al. (2009) - Professional Practice, A Southern African Nursing Perspective, 5th Edition. Heinemann: Sandton.
  2. Antai-Otongo D (2007) - Nurse Client Communication: A Life Span Approach. Jones and Bartlett: Boston.
  3. Balzer Riley J. (2008) - Communication in Nursing, 6th Edition. Mosby: St. Louis.
  4. Berman A. (2014) - Kozier and Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing: Concepts, Process, and Practice, 9th Edition. Pearson: New York.
  5. International Code of Ethics for Midwives (2014) - International Confederation for Midwives.
  6. Jooste K. (2010) - The Principles and Practice of Nursing and Health Care. Van Schaik: Pretoria.
  7. Mulaudzi F.M. et al. (2010) - Basic Nursing Ethics in Practice, 2nd Edition. Heinemann: Sandton.
  8. Muller M. (2009) - Nursing Dynamics, 4th Edition. Heinemann: Sandton.
  9. Northouse L. et al. (1998) - Health Communication: Strategies for Health Professionals, 3rd Edition. Appleton & Lange: New Jersey.
  10. Nettina S. (2014) - Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 10th Edition. Wolters Kluwer: Philadelphia.
  11. Pera S. et al. (2011) - Ethics in Healthcare, 3rd Edition. Juta: Cape Town.
  12. Rumbold G (2006) - Ethics in Nursing Practice, 3rd Edition. Bailliere Tindall: London.
  13. Van Dyk A. (1997) - The History of Nursing in Namibia. Gamsberg Publishers: Windhoek.

Course Aims

  • Integrate historical values of nursing into the development of nursing in Namibia.
  • Apply personal and professional moral philosophy as a basis for nursing actions and choices.
  • Provide patient-centered care aligned with ethical standards and legal guidelines.

Course Objectives

  1. Define related concepts related to nursing ethos and ethics.
  2. Describe the historical context of nursing, including key figures like Florence Nightingale.
  3. Discuss colonialism’s impact on nursing professions in Southern Africa.
  4. Examine contributions of missionaries to nursing development in Namibia.
  5. Analyze factors influencing nursing in Namibia, including socio-political and cultural impacts.

Key Concepts Defined

Ethos
  • Definition: The character or fundamental values guiding a person, people, culture, or movement.
  • Nursing Ethos: Refers to the character and fundamental values of the nursing profession.
Ethics
  • Definition: Moral principles guiding behavior, e.g. professional ethics, business ethics, and medical ethics.
  • Example: Maintenance of patient autonomy and saving lives (autonomy defined as the capacity for informed, uncoerced decision-making).
Nursing
  • Definition: Autonomous and collaborative care of individuals, families, and communities in varied settings, focusing on health promotion and illness prevention.
  • WHO Definition: Nursing includes promoting health, caring for the ill, disabled, and dying.
Florence Nightingale's Contributions
  • Biography:
    • Born May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy; raised in England.
    • Education in science, mathematics, literature, and art.
  • Career Highlights:
    • Served during the Crimean War, recognized as a heroine in Britain.
    • Advocated for sanitary conditions, leading reforms in hospital care.
    • Established the first nursing schools post-war, facilitating modern nursing education.
Key Influences in Nursing
  • Environmental Control:
    • Nightingale emphasized cleanliness, ventilation, light, and nutrition as essential for patient recovery and comfort.
  • Historical Context:
    • Nursing developed through colonial influences, the role of missionaries, and traditional healers.
    • The contributions of early nurses such as Dr. Ritcher and Dr. Gadau highlighted nursing's evolution in Namibia.

Nursing Philosophies and Values

Philosophy Defined
  • Philosophy: Derived from Latin and French, meaning "the love of wisdom," integral for ethical nursing practice.
  • Nursing Philosophy: A declaration of beliefs and ethics guiding nurses in patient care.
Core Values in Nursing Practice
  1. Integrity – Adherence to moral and ethical principles.
  2. Accountability – Responsibility for actions and care outcomes.
  3. Competence – Maintaining skills and knowledge for effective practice.
  4. Compassion – Empathy and kindness in patient interactions.
  5. Commitment – Dedication to patient well-being and professional standards.
Significance of Personal & Professional Philosophy
  • Summarizes the essence of nursing art, integrating personal values and ethical principles essential for effective practice.

Interpersonal Relationships

Importance of Therapeutic Communication
  • Definition: A communication approach aimed at enhancing the emotional well-being of patients.
  • Techniques:
    • Active listening, silence, clarification, summarizing, paraphrasing, and reflecting.
  • Barriers:
    • Competing demands, emotional conditions of the patient, lack of privacy.
  • Building Relationships:
    • Establishing rapport and trust through effective communication leads to improved patient outcomes.
Healthy Nurse-Patient Relationships
  • Components include empathy, trust, respect, and professional intimacy.
  • Importance of supportive and therapeutic communication between healthcare teams.

Legal Aspects of Nursing Practice

Overview of Legal Concepts
  • Legal Person: A human being or organization recognized by law.
  • Negligence in Nursing: Failure to act as a reasonably competent nurse would under similar circumstances.
  • Medico-Legal Hazards: Risks in patient safety that could lead to legal consequences for healthcare providers.
Scope of Nursing Practice
  • Encompasses assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning under legal parameters.
  • Registered nurses are expected to operate within established legal and ethical guidelines.
Patient Rights Under the Law
  • Patient Charter of Namibia: Ensures rights to dignity, information, and adequate healthcare without discrimination.
  • Responsibilities of both patients and healthcare providers in fostering a supportive care environment.

The content outlined captures key aspects of the transcript focusing on the ethics and standards of nursing practice, including historical contexts, professional responsibilities, and the importance of effective communication in nursing. Each section is designed to provide comprehensive guidance that elucidates the ethos and practical applications within nursing contexts.