The role of the South African Nursing Council in promoting ethical practice in the nursing profession: a normative analysis
Date
2015
Authors
Mathibe-Neke, Johanna Mmabojalwa
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Abstract
In response to an increasing number of litigations relating to nursing care errors, negligence or acts and omissions that arise mostly due to unprofessional or unethical behaviour by nurse practitioners, compounded by the growing awareness of patient’s rights, nurse practitioners as such need an intervention by the regulatory body, the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
The argument presented in this report is regarding the obligatory role of SANC to uphold professional and ethical practice for nurses in terms of the curriculum, the scope of practice, the code of ethics, continuing professional development and by offering an appropriate workplace ethical climate. The basis of the argument is philosophical perspectives, legislation and moral theories related to ethical practice. The moral theories applied to this study are deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics and Ubuntu as an African moral theory, whereas legislation relates to rules and regulations related to nursing practice.
The overall significance of the study is to enhance nursing care with specific focus on upholding ethical principles from the SANC position, that will positively impact on the improvement of health care by nurses with reference to the Nursing Act No. 33 of 2005, The Bill of Rights (Constitution of South Africa), The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Patient’s Rights Charter, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) , the South African Nursing Council Code of ethics and the National Health Act 61 of 2003.
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the degree of MSc (Med) in Bioethics and Health Law, Steve Biko for Bioethics, University of Witwatersrand, May 2015