Standards of care from a legal and a nursing perspective Essay

Standards of care from a legal and a nursing perspective - Essay Example The nurse is also expected to recognize adequately and report adverse cases or near misses and to take any possible actions that would minimize or prevent harm as a result of adverse events. As such, it is important for nurses to seek appropriate assistance where required and contribute to a supportive, safe and professional environment in their practice, in order to uphold client well-being and to uphold the trust of the public in the profession (Cartwright-Vanzant, 2011). The current professional environment is defined by increased competence resulting from the constant change in practice and technology. The new health care systems are undergoing constant evolution, and the consumers are looking for health care providers with high competences to handle their changing needs (Cartwright-Vanzant, 2011). Upon licensing of a nurse, they are viewed as having met the minimum competency levels. As such, various standards have been developed to ensure that such competency is enhanced throughout their practice. The nurses are thus left with the sole duty of expanding and enhancing their skills and knowledge in order to maintain a high level of competency equal to their role. It is for the nurse to take up responsibility for the personal knowledge and skills’ currency. Through evaluation of an individual nurse’s performance by other health professionals, a nurse’s responsibility to the society is upheld (Guido,