Dignity in Care Essay

Definition of high-handedness the quality or stir of being worthy of think up or respect.(the free dictionary 2011).This comment seems short, still the concept of dignity is more(prenominal) profound, the nurse should use her cozy tool thus being feelings , empathy, compassion and use these productively.(Haddock 1996). The reason adequate to(p) look let push through that an older soulfulness , may throw off of dignified, treat , awe in refined surroundings in hospital is not being fulfilled in some cases This essay go out discuss the concepts of dignity, and discuss the importance of dignity in treat care. Illustrating the signifi housece in protocols, and furthermore, giving the persevering the scoop possible outcome. We sh entirely examine the guidelines set by the care for and midwifery council (NMC) and how of the essence(p) it is for nurses to uphold these standards, when delivering care to the patient of.We shall excessively look at the aging process, and how illnesses atomic number 50not precisely be put down to age, discussing how medication mass match the elderly and also how it end booster. Highlighting the subscribe for nurses not to fuck off robotic at tasks as delicate as the one giving passim this essay , the need to empathise and give the patient as more dignity as possible. Also looking at infection control, and how captious it is in the clinical setting for the wellness care team, and also for the patients wellness.Following guidelines from National institute for wellness and clinical integrity (NICE), the Department of Health (DH) and several studies with regards to infection control , and health matters such(prenominal) as health promotion and how it can empower the patient which can friend in their dignity. Looking at how the muti-disciplinary team help with the boilersuit care and how definitive to work as a team to arrive at the best outcome. Reviewing my own mortalal journey as I hold done interrog ation into dignity and spring upon my own practice, and how it may diverseness or enhance my future nursing care.Len bedrooms is an elderly human being in your care. He is not confused or disorientated but is anxious, weighty of listening and physically tenuous, needing assistant to walk. The doctor has just finished the interview and tellsyou that Mr. Chambers needs to go to the toi allow. There is a musical note of dejection, Mr. Chambers trousers and shoes are wet with urine, and he appears stir up and disruption. With reference to the NMC Professional Code of Conduct (2008) describes the actions that you will take to advocate and maintain this clients dignity.MAINBODYThe concept of dignity is an individual right, e very(prenominal)one has clear up worth has human beings. To treat someone with dignity, is by giving that individual worth in a way that values them as an individual, as suggested by Milburn patients wish well to be recognized and treated with respe ct (Milburn et al 1995), and with this being their birthright, it must also continue after death. Dignity should be applied equally to people who have the capacity or not, whether that is of a physical or mental convey, what must be paramount is the individuals egotism value and worth. In care circumstances, the concept of dignity can be encouraged or weakened depending on factors such as surroundings and attitude of healthcare staff. By giving the patient dignity, this then empowers them to make choices, which then gives them confidence to make decisions on their care. (NMC 2008). The code of commerceal acquit (NMC 2008) will guide my actions, in giving the care for Mr Chambers.The code of manoeuver states to treat the patient as an individual, and respect their dignity. Approaching Mr Chambers, I would allege myself and ask him how he would like to be addressed the principle for this is to let Mr Chambers know who he is talking to and also gives him the respect of realiz e choice, thus keeping in with the guidelines of the code and promotes autonomy. However reflecting back on my own practice and some male patients can be disquieting with a female nurse, I would ask him if he preferred a male nurse to assist him, and taking into account Mr Chambers carcass language, and the tone of his reply, and also being aware of my own aura at such a sensitive time. Mr Chambers has become incontinent of faeces and urine, an appreciatement of incontinence would need to be carried out by a particular(prenominal)ist nurse, to establish if he is incontinent.Urinary incontinence is a parking field of view and distressing problem, taking into account Mr Chambers is anxious, coming from a genesis which can be proud in nature,so it is completely perceivable wherefore the need for sensitivity is required. Making sure this is fully explained (after nursing care as been stipulation) to Mr Chambers, and gaining his full consent for a referral to the correct health professional, but before doing so a routine urinalysis analyze should be carried out, to rule out all infection present, earlyly by doing a dipstick test and each signs of infection can then be sent to the correct department for further tests. The fact that Mr Chambers has hindrance walking maybe the only reason he was incontinent, simply because he didnt make it to the toilet, however in most cases an underlying medical exam problem maybe present, and referring him to the correct department will be able to rule this out.Age is also a factor according to research , as we age we are more likely to need medication, for tear pressure for instance , and these medications can have an heart and soul on the bladder (Avom.J et al 2003) so maybe a review of his medication can help. The frail elderly (age 65+) are likely to be more intolerant of drugs than their fit age group (Cussack.B.J 1989), and are particularly at attempt from, adverse reactions (Williamson .J, Chopin J. 1989) These are the predictable, dose-dependent and common manifestations of toxicity that cause substantial morbidity in the frail population (Thompson JW, Rawlins MD)Mr Chambers has difficulty hearing and this could affect his communication, which could lead to anxiety. By providing the right environment, making time so that the patient does not feel rushed, and Provide some privacy when talking about sensitive and important issues, ensuring the patient has each communication assist that they need e.g. hearing aid, when you are talking to them. (Leveson.R 2007).This upholds the confidentiality, privacy and dignity of Mr Chamber this is working within the code of practice, of confidentiality and consent. Has Noted Mr Chambers is a frail gentleman who will require assistance with his activities of daily living, and may need to be referred to the continuing health care team to place a package of care for him, also the physiotherapy team to help with his mobility.after gaining consent, and reassuring Mr Chambers we shall work together, crack him the choice of either go to the bathroom, or wishing to stay in the bay area. This is adhering to the code of collaborating with the onesin your care (NMC 2008). Mr Chambers appears agitated and upset, whilst fecal/urine incontinence can have a psychological affect on him. Studies have shown this can be tearfulness stress, distress, anxiety, exhaustion, feeling dirty, anger, humiliation, depression, isolation, secrecy, frustration and embarrassment (Chelvanayagam S, Norton C 2000.) To revoke any further humiliation, and suggesting to Mr Chambers a shower would be appropriate, however before doing so, assist him to undress and wash in the bay area first, to avoid walking down the ward in his current circumstances. The rationale for doing this is to keep Mr Chambers dignity, thus avoiding more distress. Gathering the equipment required to draw out this task and following guidelines/polices of infection control.Infection C ontrol It is estimated that health care infection (HCAI) affects one in 10 national health service (NHS) patients each year, and costs the NHS one billion per year. (DH 2003) The hands of healthcare workers can be one of the main sources of transmitting infection, therefore it is decisive hands are washed at each patient contact, and any connection with contaminated equipment (DH 2001).However studies have been shown that the technique of hand washing is mainly not carried out properly (creedon 2005). A selection of protective equipment should be based on an assessment of the risk of transmission of bacteria to the patient, and the risk of contamination of the healthcare practitioners clothing and skin by patients body fluids, secretions or excretions.(NICE 2003)The rationale for following the protocols of infection control is to derogate /eradicate the risk of transmissions of infections, and reflecting back on my own practice ,this assures the patient that you are dissipated, and also prompts/promotes them to wash their hands which will reduce any infection. In the NMC code of conduct 2008 states to make the care of people your first business, treating them as individuals and respecting their dignity (NMC 2008). Keeping Mr Chambers dignity in thought, and maintaining health promotion, I assist him to undress and wash, asking his preferences and how he normally carries out this task, encouraging him when needed, this helps promote confidence in his own abilities. Gaining his consent, with regard to assisting him in bathroom to shower, and if he would like hospital garments if he has no clean garments, as he can be anxious about his grime clothing.Assisting , Mr Chambers to wash grave to reach areas ,however also to give him independencywhen necessary, having the patience and time to listen to his needs, and actively listening how he may have done things in his own environment, can help with dignity. Patient-centred nursing is a style of practice that d emonstrates a respect for the patient as a person. Through being with rather than merely doing to the patient and offering personal support and practical expertise( treat Times 2005) Has Mr Chamber needs assistance when mobile, a referral to the physiotherapist will be required. Furthermore, to Use this opportunity to assess how Mr Chambers copes with his Activities of daily living (ADL). The rationale is to see how much assistance Mr Chambers requires, and to inform the correct health care professional of any progress, in addition to this making sure the correct data (e.g. take a chance assessments, personal preferences), is transferred to his file and to avoid any inconsistencies, also to elude any awkward situations in his future nursing care.Reflecting on Mr. Chambers and the care provided how difficult it must be for an elderly to be independent all their lives then having a younger person to take over their care. This extension seems notoriously proud, and keeping within pol icies of care, and trying to give him his dignity, is quite hard to balance, an example of this would be infection control, having to wear gowns and gloves because of protocols, however this must be degrading in some respects for Mr Chambers. These procedures can have an effect on him psychologically, conversely he may understand if I explained to him why these measures are in place. Seeing Mr Chambers upset can be daunting at first, but to realise why he his upset is the key to a happy outcome. So communication is very important in this situation, and to actively listen to his concerns will also be very beneficial to me as a nurse.For instance he may state how he keeps soiling himself, would suggest he has incontinence problems rather, other than he just couldnt make it to the bathroom. Mr. Chambers mobility was an issue, and again this must be difficult to express to younger active person, it would most probably also be embarrassing, as they were young once, and after all it is th e body that ages. My concern would be to try and empathise with him, and keep the communication open utilise methods such as eye contact and body language to help me, and maybe use an experience of my own, such as family members, which may help him relax some more, and hope that this helps my future practice .When you feel dignified, you have the sense of selfworth, confident, happy , it also builds a trust with the person who is nursing you , without it you can feel devalued, no confidence, low self esteem thus leading to patients unable to carry out tasks such as (ADLs) where they maybe of been capable of doing so before. I aim to enhance my Nursing care and hope that I learn something new in every given situation, to help build on my knowledge which in act upon will give excellent care to the most important person the patient, and also to share my knowledge within the team of healthcare professionals, and in turn learn from others experience and value each patient like you woul d your own family regardless of their condition, mood ,ethnicity, religion we are all equals and sometimes this can be lost in organizations.Nursing is lifelong instruction matter, and patients can be unpredictable everyday is new, challenges will arise from patients, demands will have to be met, stressful situations will be dealt with, but this is the profession I choose to be in, and my future Nursing will continuously be to remain professional, Contrary to this what should be predictable, or should be beneficial throughout the healthcare settings is the concept of dignity. I will continue to reflect on my own practice and learn more from every given situation whilst keeping within the code of conduct set out by the NMC.REFERENCESAvom R (2003) principles of pharmacology newyork springerChelvanayagarns (2000) Quality of life with faecal incontinence problems. Nursing times 2000 pg 6 Creedon (2005) compliance with recommended guidelines. J adv nurs( pg 208-216) Cussack BJ (1986 ) special considerations in the elderly the practice of geriactrics Boston Department of Health (2001) ideal principles for preventing hospital-Aquired infection . J Hosp Infect.47-48 Department of Health (2003) Winning Ways functional Together to Reduce Healthcare Associated Infection in England. London utHaddock (1996) daybook of Advanced Nursing 1996 Nov24(5)924-31.Levenson, R. (2007). The challenge of Dignity in Care Upholding the rightsof the individual. Help the Aged London. Milburn et al (1995) www.intermid.co.uk Accessed online (20/7/2011)NMC (2001,2008) www.nmc-uk.org/) Accessed online (18/7/2011)Nursing Times (2005) A systematic approach to the improvement of patient care. VOL 101, trim back 24, PAGE NO 34-36Nice (2003) w.nice.org.uk/nice/pdf/22_FINALpressrelease_infewwctioncontro. Accessed online (18/07/2011)The free Dictionary (2011) www.thefreedictionary.com.dignity. Accessed online (20/07/2011)Thompson JW, Rawlins MD. (1998) Journal of Medicine, New Series 68, No. 255, pp. 505-506.Williamson J, Choplin J (1988) British Medical diary (Clin Res Ed). 1988 296(6636) 15511552.