Ethics in perioperative practice—promoting health, welfare, and safety

AORN Journal,  Nov, 2002  by Cecil A. King

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Nurses have an ethical responsibility to network with other health care organizations to demonstrate the effect nursing has on patient outcomes and its financial impact on organizations and society. Being a member of professional nursing associations, such as AORN, ANA, and the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN), provides a network for colleagues throughout the nation and abroad to collaborate on issues affecting the health and welfare of society. As AORN's past President Sheila Allen, RN, BSN, CNOR, CRNFA, says, "There is a connection that applies to all perioperative nurses.... I have only to pick up the phone to connect with a colleague who will share what they know." (8) It is this type of collaboration, networking, and planning that is essential if nursing and health care are to be available to all people.

There are a variety of ways that perioperative nurses can participate in collaborative relationships. Perioperative nurses can

* participate in professional nursing organizations (eg, AORN, ANA, state nursing associations, ASPAN);

* collaborate with members of other professional organizations at the state, national, and international levels;

* be knowledgeable about social welfare (eg, public health issues) and psychoemotional issues (eg, the events of Sept 11, 2001) affecting society;

* communicate with elected officials (eg, AORN officers and Board members, congressional representatives, health policy makers, regulatory and legislative representatives) about health care issues;

* educate the public and politicians about public health concerns;

* participate in and support (eg, contributions, volunteering time) charities supporting health care needs (eg, AIDS Walk, Komen Race for the Cure, health fairs); and

* participate in international humanitarian efforts (eg, Operation Smile).

RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC

The nursing profession is committed to promoting the welfare and safety of society. "The perioperative nurse considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, efficiency, environmental concerns, and cost in planning and delivering patient care." (9) Nurses have an obligation to be acquainted with the health status of members of their community and existing threats to the health and safety of society. To promote public health and safety, nurses participate in community organizations, provide health education to the public, demonstrate healthy lifestyles, and participate in legislative efforts that promote health care and disease prevention. To promote the welfare and safety of society, nurses need adequate representation to influence health services effectively. In addition, nurses are obligated to support initiatives that address barriers to health care (eg, poverty, homelessness, addiction, abuse, neglect).

Perioperative nurses acknowledge and respect the value system, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, ethnicity, culture, and health level of a variety of populations. "The patient's value system, lifestyle, ethnicity, and culture are considered, respected, and incorporated in the perioperative plan of care." (10) An individual nurse's beliefs and value systems do not influence the care provided to patients who have different beliefs and value systems. Individual patients and society as a whole benefit from nursing's participation in initiatives that promote the health, welfare, and safety of all members of society. Examples of how perioperative nurses can influence public health include