Ethical & Legal Issues in Psychiatric Nursing

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nIntroduction

nAll registered nurses are required to have a comprehensive understanding of the legal and ethical principles, which govern all facets of the nursing profession (Peirce & Smith, 2013, p.13). Psychiatric health nursing is a domain that is complex to tackle since it encompasses patients with diverse mental illnesses, and the related legal and ethical issues are of importance. The paper seeks to critically discuss the legal and ethical issues in the psychiatric field of nursing (Peirce & Smith, 2013, p.20).

nMentally ill patients are dependent and dont lose their lawful rights upon admission to a health facility. Laws are instituted to protect their well-being. Patients have a right to confidentiality of their medical records. A lot of private information may be shared and the nurse is bound by law not to share the information (Peirce & Smith, 2013, p.30). A patients medical chart may be used in any legal proceedings and therefore the information documented should be accurate. Mentally ill patients have a right to proper treatment; they have the right to be treated by a professional psychiatric nurse (Townsend & Townsend, 2015, p.13).

nTheir treatment plan should be reviewed and their progress noted in individual medical charts. They should be informed of the side effects of their treatment and consent sought. If they refuse to undergo a treatment plan which the nurse feels is mandatory she should take up the matter to a court of law (Peirce & Smith, 2013, p.33). Additionally, the patients also have the right to access their personal effects. A nurse should securely store a patients belonging and if any item considered harmful such as a knife is taken they should be stored under the name of the patient, lack of doing so may be considered as theft (Townsend & Townsend, 2015, p.27).

n Patients do also have the right to access attorneys and courts if they want to enter into a legal contract such as to right a will, get married etc. Their rights also include; right to have visitors, right to use a mobile phone, right to refuse or give consent to treatment, right to information about their rights and rights to freedom from being restrained and seclusion or if at all they are being restrained they should use least restraining methods that are humane (Peirce & Smith, 2013, p.40). Psychiatric nurses too have their rights as outlined by the law including; right to paternal and maternal leave, right to a safe working place etc. They are governed by a code of conduct/ethics (Peirce & Smith, 2013, p.50).

nEthics refer to the standards of professional conduct and moral judgement. Nurses are highly accountable to employers, patients, the public and the whole medical profession. The nurses basic duty is to the patient (Townsend & Townsend, 2015, p.15). There are several ethical principles including the autonomy principle which states that nurses should let patients make their treatment choices without force and consent sought. The beneficence principle which states nurses should work towards the ensuring the well-being of their patients. The fidelity principle endorses the need for nurses to exhibit professional behavior, they should not engage in any sexual relationships with patients (Peirce & Smith, 2013, p.54).

nThere is also the nan-maleficence principle where nurses are not supposed to engage in any activities that may cause harm to patients. They are required to be confidential about the patients medical records. Nurses should work harmoniously with other co-workers at the interest of their clients; sexual relations in the workplace are prohibited (Peirce & Smith, 2013, p.60). Psychiatric nurses should work with the civic society supporting actions that meet the social and health needs of the society. They should support research work that aim to improve the nursing profession (Townsend & Townsend, 2015, p.21).

nConclusion

nThe fundamental duties of psychiatric nurses are to relieve suffering, to facilitate healing and promote health of mental patients (Townsend & Townsend, 2015, p.9). Nurses today work in a complex medical system and its essential for them to have a good understanding of ethical and legal principles in the nursing practice. Psychiatric nursing is not an isolated field and therefore should comply with ethical principles, legislation and local policies (Peirce & Smith, 2013, p.68).

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nReferences

nPeirce, A. & Smith, J. (2013). Ethical and legal issues for doctoral nursing students. Lancaster, PA: DEStech Publications.

nTownsend, M. C., & Townsend, M. C. (2015). Psychiatric nursing: Assessment, care plans, and medications, 9th edition ; Psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts of care in evidence-based practice, 8th edition. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.