Dignity in Nursing - 2685 Words

Individuality and dignity are both major concepts in nursing practice. Indeed they are often mentioned in healthcare policies (Suhonen et al., 2009 and Baillie, 2009). Dignity and individualtiy are also basic human rights. The United Nations (1948), acknowledges that every person has the right to freedom, equality and dignity, regardless of race, gender, colour, religion, political opinon, property or other status. This essay aims to detail what both dignity and individuality are, their importance in nursing practice and the nurses role in respecting and catering for a persons individuality and promoting and maintaining dignity. There are, however, many barriers in nursing practice to providing individualised care and maintaining dignity.†¦show more content†¦There are, however, barriers to maintaining a patient’s dignity. In a survey of over two thousand nurses’, carried out by the RCN (2008), it was found that nurses’ come across several boundaries in relation to maintaining a patient’s dignity. These boundaries were identified as pressures on bed spaces, shortages of staff and a purpose or target centred culture (RCN, 2008). The caring environment can have a huge impact on dignity, it has the ability to maintain a person’s dignity or degrade and devalue them (Gallagher, 2004). Torjuul and Sorlie (2006) acknowledge that overcrowding and mixed-sex accommodation are barriers to maintaining patients’ dignity and privacy. A caring environment that is spacious, clean, with good facilities promotes dignified care (Baillie et al., 2009). Personal care procedures have the potential to threaten a patient’s dignity (Baillie, 2009). The RCN (2008) has identified activities which can compromise dignity, a few of these are: personal care, elimination, support with eating and drinking, and moving and handling all have the potential to degrade or devalue a person. Careful planning, sensitive interactions or communication, respecting patient autonomy, preferences and choices and providing comfort can help maintain dignity in these situations (Baillie et al., 2009). Respecting patients’ individuality alongShow MoreRelatedDignity and Nursing Care1301 Words   |  5 PagesPART A â€Å"Dignity is a state of physical, emotional and spiritual comfort, with each individual valued for his or her uniqueness and his or her individuality celebrated. Dignity is promoted when individuals are enabled to do the best within their capabilities, exercise control, make choices and feel involved in the decision-making that underpins their care.† (Fenton and Mitchell, 2002) Dignity is a core element of nursing care. In nurses clinical practice, maintaining the dignity of patients is anRead MoreThe Profession Of Nursing : Values Of Honesty, Dignity, Integrity, And Autonomy964 Words   |  4 PagesThe profession of nursing embodies values intrinsic in those who seek nursing as a career. The core values of honesty, dignity, integrity, and autonomy enable nurses to provide unparalleled health care in the most professional manner (Price Hall, 2013). Nurses throughout history have held the reputation as front runners of healthcare, and often, the faces of hope. A trusted relationship between patient and nurse developed throughout history by the nurse upholding a respected professional imageRead MoreEthics And Values Play A Major Role Of Nursing Professionalism1338 Words   |  6 PagesEthics and values play a major role in nursing professionalism. 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As patients go through the aging process, theyRead MoreDignity and Respect1135 Words   |  5 PagesDignity and Respect. Dignity and respect is something everyone has a right to. I have chosen this subject because it is an important part of nursing in that to be able to fulfil the role of a nurse is firstly to respect the person you are caring for. Dignity is a feeling of being valued, respected, having self-worth, supported and being able to show empathy and compassion for the people nurses look after. So for me it’s important to outline the principles in dignity and respect when looking afterRead MoreEssay Professional Values of Nursing658 Words   |  3 PagesProfessional values of nursing Laura Mcclymont-Allen Nur403 July 19, 2010 Stephanie Merck Professional values of nursing Professional values guide the decisions and actions we make in our careers. As nurses we are responsible for caring for patients during birth, death, illness and healing. 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