The rules and regulations of the nursing profession are defined by the Act on the Profession of Nurse and Midwife. As far as moral standards are concerned, the nursing community has created the Code of Professional Ethics for Nurses and Midwives in Poland.
The Act on the Profession of Nurse and Midwife of 1996 defines the profession of a nurse as consisting of providing healthcare services – in particular nursing, preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services as well as services in the field of health promotion – by a person who has the necessary qualifications proven by appropriate documents.
Assistance and information
It is a nurse’s duty to practice her or his profession in accordance with the current state of medical knowledge, available methods and means, and professional ethics, as well as with due diligence (Art. 18 of the Act).
Furthermore, a nurse has the duty to provide assistance in all cases when there is a threat to life or grievous bodily harm, according to the professional skills held (Art. 19 of the Act).
The duties of a nurse involve informing the patient about his or her rights, and also keeping confidential patient-related information obtained in the course of professional duties.
Another statutory responsibility is performing medical orders recorded in medical documentation.
The Code of Professional Ethics for Nurses and Midwives
The Code of Professional Ethics for Nurses and Midwives adopted by the professional association begins with a pledge to “provide professional care over human life and health," prevent suffering using one’s best knowledge, counteract diseases, participate in the therapeutic process, and help everyone, regardless of their race, religious denomination, nationality, political views, material status and other differences, show patients due respect and maintain professional secrecy. They also undertake to protect the status of the profession of nurse/midwife.
The Code obliges nurses to respect patients’ rights and act to their benefit.
It also calls for providing patients with good care in accordance with the binding standards and information that is reliable and easy to understand.
“A nurse/midwife should be kind, understanding, patient and reliable in contacts with patients" and should also “respect the patient’s right to intimacy and dignity when providing healthcare services," the Code reads.
Duties towards the profession
The Code obliges nurses to safeguard the status of the profession and raise its significance in society through her or his personal, professional, and social attitudes. The code: “A nurse/midwife should value and respect her or his profession, protect its dignity and should inspire respect and trust in performing her or his professional activities."
Nurses’ responsibilities include the constant improvement of professional skills. Nurses should also manage and secure detailed documentation regarding their professional activities.
The Code also specifies the relationship with the professional association and co-workers, and the rules of conduct in relations with the public.
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