Health Pathway Case Study

This paper discusses the unsatisfactory professional conduct displayed by the Clinical Specialist nurse (CNS) in the provided case study. There are four main points of conduct that need to be discussed firstly the lack of an appropriate assessment of the patient’s condition being undertaken. Secondly the obvious lack of appropriate documentation that was recorded during and after the consultation. Thirdly the fact the medical officer (MO) was never informed nor did any requests be made for the doctor to examine the patient. Finally the illegal dispensing of an S11 prescription drug that being the Panadeine Forte the CNS gave to the client at the hospital and the packet she dispensed for him to take home. The nurse did not “practise in a safe and competent Manner” (2013, p. 2), “in accordance with the standards of the profession and broader health system” (2013, p. 2) nor did she”practise and conduct herself in accordance with the laws relevant to the profession and practice of nursing” (2013, p. 2). These are Statements 1, 2 and 3 consecutively of the code of professional conduct for nurses in Australia.

Unsatisfactory professional conduct can be defined as any practice under taken by a health professional which is deemed considerably below the standards expected of said professionals training and experience or includes any violations of National law, and/or breaches of the code of professional conduct for Nurses and Midwives in Australia (2013, p. 2) (Professional standards) (Definition of Unsatisfactory Professional Conduct and Professional Misconduct). In this case the CNS stated she had around twenty years’ experience in Emergency Nursing including taking an advanced trauma course (2012, p. 8)Thereby not acting within he...

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...ved May 1st, 2014, from Australasian legal infromation institute: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/repealed_act/nama1991223/s4.html

planning, S. a. (2012, April 10th). Rural Adult Emergency Clinical Guidelines 3rd Edition Version 3.1 2012. Retrieved May 5th, 2014, from NSW government health: http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/gl/2012/pdf/GL2012_003.pdf

Professional standards. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15th, 2014, from Nurses and midwifery board New south Wales: http://nursesstaging.elcom.com.au/professional-standards/default.aspx

Services, L. a. (17, November 2013). Medication Handling in NSW Public Health Facilities. Retrieved May 10th, 2014, from NSW government Health: http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/pd/2013/pdf/PD2013_043.pdf

Staunton, P. C. (2013). Law for Nurses and Midwives (7th ed.). (D. Vukelich, Ed.) Chatswood, NSW, Australia: ELsevier.