My Nursing Identity

My Developing Identity as a New Zealand Nurse

Deciding to become a nurse is something I can feel positive about, a way I can contribute back to society. Theorist Faye G. Abdellah’s values to nursing was patient-centred care. Emphasising on the knowledge and skills of nursing but to also meet the individual needs. I will need to follow the Nursing Council of New Zealand following guidelines, domains and competencies. The New Zealand Nursing Organisation is the representative for all nurses in New Zealand, seeking ways to improve and develop the health status for all. Finally, the Treaty of Waitangi and the four principles. Nurses to me need to be to relate to their patients, not only on a professional level but also a personal level. Having

Ethical nursing is based on the assumption of “commitment to do good with compassion and receptiveness to ethical matters and a willingness to enter into interpersonal relationships with patients receiving care as well as communities and groups that have health care needs that need attention whilst remaining professional (Nursing Council of New Zealand, 2011). However, nurses are faced with increasing ethical issues in their professional practice, these be some of the most difficult to handle appropriately with sound judgment. Being professional, nursing consists of creating interpersonal relationships with patients, colleagues, NZNO and with society. I need to familiarise myself the policies and guidelines of being a professional nurse seeking legal advice from NZNO if I encounter concerns whilst being compassionate and strong about situations or beliefs in need of a resolution (A process to manage challenging professional and ethical issues, 2010). This includes cultural safety and respecting the rights of all colleagues and patients, combining the Treaty of Waitangi and the principles regardless of ethnicity, age, gender and so

The Treaty of Waitangi is constitutional manuscript in New Zealand recognised by the Government as a Treaty partner. This document obligates the Government to fulfil and establish a relationship on the fundamental premise, enabling Maori culture to live in New Zealand without prejudice within the wider community (Mental Health and the Treaty of Waitangi, n.d.). With these four principles, nurses need to be able to apply the following in their professional practice. Being able to work together with iwi, hapu whanau and Maori communities in partnership to develop health strategies for appropriate health and disability services. Maori are required to be involved and participate in all levels of decision-making, planning, development, delivery of health services and opportunities for equality in health outcomes for both Maori and non-Maori. The Government and nursing workforce recognises that Maori cultural concepts, values and beliefs are taonga and works together to safeguard and protect it (Ministy of Health, 2014). Lastly, Tino rangatiratanga enables self-determination for Maori over health. Handling Maori wellbeing and affirming the rights to development (Nursing Council of New Zealand, 2011). In appendix 1, I have attached De Bono’s Hats