1. 66 may 25 :: vol 30 no 39 :: 2016 NURSING STANDARD
In addition to providing
compassionate care and
administering correct
treatments, the Nursing
and Midwifery Council Code
states that nurses must keep
patients and the public safe and
free from harm.
It sounds simple, but in reality
nurses regularly experience
situations when they feel the
boundaries of safe care are
being stretched.
The reasons for possible
lapses in safety can range from
inadequate staffing, skills or
training to complex patient needs
or faulty equipment.
Dealing with such situations
can be stressful and time
consuming, but ignoring them
can be potentially dangerous to
patients and to staff as well.
It is essential that nurses
develop skills to assertively
manage and learn from safety
risks. You may want to consider
taking a course on assertiveness
skills to increase your confidence
in handling them.
As a registered nurse, you will
be responsible for patient safety
and wellbeing. This may seem
daunting, but there are measures
that you can start integrating into
your practice, when studying and
on placement.
Continually reflect on your
knowledge and skills and always
practise within the limits of your
competence, or under registered
nurse supervision.
If you feel pressure to take on
tasks that may be beyond your
expertise, remain calm and
assertive. Your clinical mentor is
there to support you, so do not
be afraid to seek advice.
Learn to stand back and assess
situations objectively. Who is
at risk? What safety measures
are in place? What else can be
done? Ask if you can complete
formal risk assessments when
in the clinical situation and use
these assessments as the basis
for reflective accounts.
You are part of a wider
healthcare team. Don’t hesitate
to ask other members for help.
If you think that you have
made a mistake or had a ‘near
miss’, tell the nurse in charge
immediately. Remain calm and
write down all the facts. If you
do not receive the support you
need, contact a member of your
university team.
Familiarise yourself with
types of abuse – domestic,
physical, emotional and sexual
abuse, as well as self-harm –
and how they may present in
patients from different age
groups or cultures.
Learn about legislation covering
children and vulnerable adults
(it differs across the UK) and
how it affects safeguarding
policies in your organisation.
Trust your intuition. When
something does not feel right,
gather the relevant information
and discuss your concerns with
a senior staff member.
Time to reflect
Nurses have a professional duty
to report concerns about actual
or potential safety of patients or
public. Read and reflect on the
NMC booklet, Raising Concerns:
Guidance for Nurses and Midwives,
which outlines nursing students’
responsibilities.
Throughout your career you will
encounter people from all walks of
life. You will have to find a balance
between being non-judgemental
and remaining alert to potential
risk or harm. Taking the time
throughout your training to reflect
on managing challenging safety
situations will help equip you with
the skills to practise according to
the Code NS
By Mandy Day-Calder, a
freelance writer and
life/health coach
Preservingsafety
In the last part of our series on the NMC Code, we look
at how you can ensure patient safety is protected
CAREERS STUDENT LIFE
How to preserve safety
Preserving safety, the Nursing and Midwifery
Council Code’s third statement, says you must:
Take account of patient safety, your safety and
that of your colleagues.
At all times work within the limits of your
training and competence.
Be open and honest about all aspects of
someone’s care, including when mistakes or
harm have occurred.
Act promptly if you perceive there is risk to
patients or public.
Report concerns immediately if you believe
someone is vulnerable and requires support
and/or protection.
Work to reduce the risk of any harm/potential
harm related to your practice.
Offer help in an emergency according to your
knowledge and competence.
JOHNHOULIHAN