What is unprofessional conduct in nursing? As a nurse, you must have thought about it; it is not just about being rude or missing a shift, but it is more than that. Sometimes things that seem small can have bigger consequences that can put patient safety and your license at risk. Nursing is more than just a job; it is a responsibility that is built on compassion, trust, and adherence to ethical and legal standards. Understanding unprofessional conduct in nursing is not only important because of patient safety, but it is also safe nursing practice. Let’s understand what unprofessional conduct in nursing is, with examples and how to avoid them.
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What is unprofessional conduct in nursing?
Unprofessional conduct in nursing refers to behaviors or actions by a nurse that include endangering patients’ safety, violating ethical and legal standards, or breaches in professional responsibility. The State Board of Nursing provides a list of unprofessional conduct or behaviors, which are as follows:
Examples of unprofessional conduct in nursing
- Patient harm or ignoring patients’ needs.
- Repeatedly making medical errors while administering medications to the patients.
- Fraud, dishonesty, or misinterpretation of patients’ care.
- Substance abuse, which means practicing under the influence of a substance.
- Engaging in inappropriate relationships with the patient or their family.
- Sharing confidential patient information without their consent and violating their privacy.
- Any kind of criminal activity that affects professional fitness.
- Harassment or discrimination.
- Sharing misinformation about medical treatments or medications.
- Unprofessional nurse’s attire.
What are the consequences of unprofessional conduct in nursing?
Some of the consequences of unprofessional conduct in nursing are as follows, with examples:
Investigation by the state board of nursing
If a nurse is reported for diverting medication, then the State Board of Nursing (BON) may open up a formal investigation to determine if the nurse violated the Nurse Practice Act.
License probation, revocation, or suspension
Sometimes, based on the severity of the unprofessional conduct, it is possible that the BOD suspends, revokes the license, or places the nurse on probation with specific conditions. For example, if the nurse is under the influence of a substance and continues care for the patient. This might result in suspension or revocation of their nursing license.
Fines
Another consequence for unprofessional conduct in nursing includes fines. For example, if a nurse repeatedly ignores infection control protocols, they will pay a fine.
Damage to professional reputation
Unprofessional conduct in nursing can destroy your career and make it difficult for you to stay employed or find a good job. For example, if a nurse is documenting false information about the patient, colleagues, and the employer might question nurse’s integrity. Talking about high-paying jobs, Skill Gigs allows nurses to find high-paying travel nursing contracts that pay them more without a recruiter’s cut.
What is the importance of professional conduct in nursing?
Ensures patient safety:
Following ethical and professional standards ensure high-quality care and patient safety, whereas unprofessional conduct can harm the patients.
Maintains public trust:
The nursing profession is based on trust, and when nurses act professionally, it is more likely that the patients and family will follow the treatment plan or share their information related to health.
Will protect nurse licenses:
Unprofessional conduct in nursing can put a nursing license at risk. Following standards of practice and ethical guidelines will protect nurses legally and professionally. This will also increase their chances of enhancing their career opportunities. Enhance your career with SkillGigs by signing up now so you can explore the best and highest-paying travel nursing jobs.
How can I avoid being an unprofessional nurse?
- Maintain your patient’s confidentiality.
- Always follow nurse practice acts.
- It is important for nurses to communicate respectfully with patients and their families.
- Practice within your scope.
- Avoid spreading misinformation and false documentation.
What are the examples of unprofessional behavior in nursing?
Some of the examples of unprofessional behavior or unprofessional conduct in nursing are as follows:
- Working while under the influence of a substance can affect their thinking, judgment, and put patient safety at risk.
- Taking medications from their workplace for personal use, which is meant for the patients.
- Sharing the private health information of the patient without consent.
- Yelling, threatening, and being abusive with the patient is another example of unprofessional behavior in nursing.
- One of the examples also includes performing procedures on patients without proper training because this can also put the patient’s health at risk.
Conclusion
Unprofessional conduct in nursing is more than just minor mistakes; instead, it directly affects patient safety, public trust, and nurses’ professional careers. It is important for nurses to maintain professionalism to ensure safe and high-quality care; not only that, but this can also help them enhance their career opportunities. Understanding the consequences of unprofessional conduct will help nurses to be professional, protect their patients, maintain their license, and advance their careers.
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