Vital notes for nurses : accountability

Preface; 1 A Framework of Accountability for Nurses; Learning objectives; Introduction; A framework of accountability; The first pillar of accountability: professional accountability; The second pillar of accountability: ethical accountability; The third pillar of accountability: legal accountability; The fourth pillar of accountability: employment accountability; Conclusion; Useful websites; References; 2 The First Pillar of Accountability: Professional Accountability; Learning objectives; Introduction; A classification of regulation in professional accountability; The function of regulation in professional accountabilityRegulatory bodies for professional accountability; The Nursing and Midwifery Council; Other codes of conduct and guidance; The future of professional accountability; Useful websites; References; 3 The Second Pillar of Accountability: Ethical Accountability; Learning objectives; Introduction; Autonomy; Paternalism; Utilitarianism; Equity; Best interests; Trust and truth; Acts and omissions; Application to accountability; Useful websites; References; 4 The Third Pillar of Accountability: Legal Accountability; Learning objectives; Introduction What is law?; Why is law important?; Where is law made?; How is law made?; Who are lawyers?; Types of law; European law and devolution in the UK; Application to accountability; Useful websites; References; 5 The Fourth Pillar of Accountability: Employment Accountability; Learning objectives; Introduction; The employment relationship; Types of employment relationship; The contract of employment; Protocols and policies; Working Time Directive; Discrimination; Family rights; Unfair dismissal and redundancy; Health and safety; Application to accountability; Useful websites; References; 6 Structures: The Health ServiceLearning objectives; Introduction; The Health Service and devolution in the UK; Rights to treatment and resources; Quality standards; Application to accountability; Useful websites; References; 7 Structures: Rights and Redress; Learning objectives; Introduction; Human rights; Redress in health care; Application to accountability; Useful websites; References; 8 Concepts: Negligence; Learning objectives; Introduction; The first principle: duty of care; The second principle: breaking the duty of care; The third principle: causation; The fourth principle: compensationEmployer's liability and indemnity insurance; Contributory negligence and time limits; Assault; Application to accountability; Useful website; References; 9 Concepts: Consent; Learning objectives; Introduction; Why consent is important; The three principles of consent; Consent and young people; Consent and adults; Emergency treatment; Consent forms; Conclusion; Useful websites; References; 10 Applications: Confidentiality; Learning objectives; Introduction; Legal accountability; Professional accountability; Ethical accountability; Employment accountability; Practical tips for protecting confidentiality in clinical relationships;

Vital Notes on Accountability is a concise, accessible guide which provides students and newly qualified staff with an understanding of key issues in professional practice. Nurses are accountable for their own practice and require a thorough understanding of their core responsibilities which underpin everyday practice in the health service today. This introductory text in the 'Vital Notes for Nurses' series sets out a framework for accountability which consists of four 'pillars' - legal, ethical, employment and professional accountability - against which clinical issues can be considered. Presents legal, ethical, employment and professional issues in an accessible way; Explores accountability, professional regulation, sources of funding and treatment in the health service; Examines complaints, human rights, negligence, consent, and confidentiality; Explores further applications in accountability; Each chapter includes learning objectives, scenarios and case studies.