Nursing Dilemmas And Mental Capacity Essay

Consent is defined by NHS Choices (2010) as: "the principle that a person must give

My chosen reflection piece is on ageism, see appendix one. I will provide evidence reflecting the links between diabetes and depression, which will form my chosen seminar topic, see appendix two. I will then critically analyze the mental capacity Act (2005) and relate it to my specific scenario, see appendix three. I will explore how nurses the Act within nursing practice, decision- making, and how we access a person’s capacity to make specific decisions. I will explore any ethical issues that may arise following the principles of Mental Capacity Act (2005).

In order to address the moral theory and moral principles that underpin the ethics of mental health nursing, I intend to demonstrate how clinical decision making mental health nursing is formulated based on the chosen moral principles of beneficence, non-maleficence and ‘respect for autonomy’ (NHS, 2015). I will also be considering the influence of consequentialist theory in mental health nursing, as I believe this to be the ethical core of the debate.

Decision making and best interests of the patient in the care for people with mental health problems are one of the main concerns in nursing practice. Healthcare professionals should be knowledgeable enough to practice the legal code regarding decision making and protection of the patient with mental health problems (NMC, 2008).

Dimond (2009) and NHS choices (2016) explained consent as the process involving a person giving their approval to accept or refuse a treatment or interventions, after receiving detailed information from a health care professional about the risk or benefits of the procedure. In order for consent to be deemed valid, it needs to be given voluntarily without any influence or pressure from either a family member or clinician. In addition, the capacity of the person is important when giving consent and the ability to process the given information and make a decision. Tingle &Cribb (2014) agree, emphasizing that the autonomy of the person giving

In this essay I will be discussing and exploring the four biomedical principles of nursing which refer to: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. Specifically looking at autonomy I will further discuss and explain why I have chosen this principle, its value to good nursing practice and demonstrate its relation to mental health nursing, specifically dementia. Following this I will adhere to the conflicts that may impede its implementation in practice with autonomy, address the legal and professional obligations as a nurse in relation to autonomy and finally, provide a conclusion to summarise my aspirations and acknowledgment of the four biomedical ethics.

Nursing mistakes happen all the time and are considered errors to learn form and correct. Sometimes though, nurses make mistakes intentionally while practicing that are detrimental to patients and even themselves. These kinds of mistakes usually result in loss of license in most cases. However, if a nurse creates a situation in which protocol or state laws are broken disciplinary actions occur like in the case of Tina Chadwick. Tina, a registered nurse in SC, was tried for having a positive marijuana screening as well as multiple counts of documentation errors involving narcotics. She reported to having made the errors purposefully to cover her tracks of taking the narcotics for personal use. She was put on probation after the discovery of mal charting practices and was enrolled into a rehabilitation program.

In recent years, nursing schools have been overflowing with students seeking nursing licenses. Like the baby boomers age, the United States is facing a tremendous surplus of licensed nurses. With much of these “boomers” still holding many positions, new graduates are being persuaded to pursue further training beyond a diploma or associate’s degree. They are being convinced to seek more advanced degrees in nursing or even finding a new field of study. With many registered nurses coming out of retirement, graduates are having a difficult time finding a job. As of now, hospitals are seeing an excess amount of nurses. However, this overflow of care givers is only temporary because of the number of nurses becoming discouraged, the country’s economic state, and the limited amount of space offered in nursing schools.

Before I, examine, treat or care for a patient, their consent must be obtained. I need to ask myself, do they understand the information given to them, so that they can make an informed decision, about the benefit, risks and alternatives if available, or their consent may not be valid. There are a number of policies that are relevant. Informed Consent Policy. (Local Policy)Mental Capacity Act 2005This act provides a framework to protect vulnerable persons who may not be able to make decisions for themselves.Presumption of Capacity, Being supported to make their own decisions, making decisions to be seen unwise Does not make them incapable.Done on their behalf; consider less restrictive to their rights.Provisions Advance Decision Making.Individuals' can pre plan a decision to refuse treatment should they become incapable in the future. It is a criminal offence to mistreat or neglect a person who lacks capacity.This has been covered whilst being observed.Should I at any time be unable to obtain consent I would raise the issue with my senior nurse. One of the steps that can be used is to have an advocate appointed to support the person who lacks capacity and has no on

For us to talk about nursing philosophy, I believe that one must first decide what philosophy means to them. There is not one clear definition of philosophy, but according to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English language (2000), philosophy is an “underlying theory or set of ideas relating to a particular field of activity or to life as a whole.” I believe this definition ties with my nursing philosophy, because every nurse has different ideas of their own. Therefore, my nursing philosophy is to provide holistic patient centered care, to deliver compassionate care and to care for my patient with the best of my ability using all my knowledge, I believe that education plays a significant role in my philosophy. Continued education gives me more knowledge, which allows me to provide better care every day. Nurses need to use that knowledge to help those who are unable to help themselves.

There are four major elements involved on the concept of consent to medical treatment to establish its validity. These elements consist of: decision-making capacity, voluntariness, informed consent and consent to the specific treatment. Common law ensures that a competent person over the age of 18 has the right to accept or refuse the commencement of invasive procedures. This can be communicated verbally, written or it can be implied. Failure to adhere to the elements concerning consent for medical treatment could result in civil or criminal liability for the

Human beings are intricate organisms that can adapt to their environment for survival. They possess the ability to differentiate right from wrong, have a personality, are full of imperfections, and are delicate. Each human being hold a personality that is distinct from one another. These distinct personality traits are the key factor for humans to base their ethnical beliefs on. Not all humans are good and not all are bad, they are prone to flaws that help them mature and develop. I believe humans have the capacity to evolve with the world around them. As a nurse, not only do I need to be knowledgeable on the anatomical entities of a human being, but have an understanding of their values and emotions to ensure they are receiving accurate care.

To illustrate the importance of the philosophy of nursing, we have to answer all these questions. What is nursing? How does nursing evolve in our life? Why do we need to have a philosophy of nursing? According to Risjord (2010), “nursing in its broadest sense may be defined as an art and science which involves the whole patient’s body, mind, and spirit” (para 5). The discipline of nursing was not an organized profession until the middle of the 19th century.

As defined by Mason and Whitehead, psychology is a branch of biological science which focuses on the study of conscious life in its origin (66). Mason and Whitehead go on to argue that conscious life refers to the experiences of the individual and origins refer to the particular group or issue being reviewed: e.g., child, adult, abnormal or animal (66-7). A basic examination of the definition of psychology demonstrates that the practice is one that requires understanding of the human experience and behavior. Given that nursing practice incorporates an understanding of the patient to develop care practices that are both meaningful and purposeful, it is evident there is some link between nursing and psychology.

The law dictates that individuals possess autonomy and self-determination, which incorporates the right to accept or refuse medical treatment. Management of medical treatment can be complicated in situations when the ability of the patient to make reasonable decisions is called into question. The legal system endorses the principle that all persons are competent to make reasoned decisions unless demonstrated to be otherwise (Leo, 1999). When a patient is not able to make reasonable decisions due to their state of health, health practitioner might consider them incompetent. Incompetency is a legal term that describes persons who are found unable to properly exercise certain individual rights and legal prerogatives due to mental incapacity