Practical Nursing Students in the Practical Nurse Program shall behave in a professional manner, both in the classroom, lab, and the clinical setting. A student in violation of this code of conduct will be subjected to disciplinary action and/or dismissal from the program. The National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Services (NAPNES) has developed a code of ethics for practical nurses. It is expected that upon graduation from the Practical Nursing Program, the graduate will be able to demonstrate compliance with the NAPNES Code of Ethics. NAPNES Code of Ethics The LPN shall: • Consider as a basic obligation the conservation of life and the prevention of disease • Promote and protect the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health of the patient and his/her family • Fulfill all duties faithfully and efficiently • Function within established legal guidelines • Accept personal responsibility (for his/her acts) and seek to merit the respect and confidence of all members of the health team • Hold in confidence all matters coming to his/her knowledge, in the practice of his profession, and in no way at no time violate this confidence • Give conscientious service and charge just remuneration • Learn and respect the religious and cultural beliefs of his/her patients and of all people • Meet his/her obligation to the patient by keeping abreast of current trends in healthcare through reading and continuing education • As a citizen of the United States of America, uphold the laws of the land and seek to promote legislation which shall meet the health needs of its people NAPNES Standards of Practice for LPNs The LPN provides individual and family-centered nursing care in the following ways: • Using appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities • Using principles of the nursing process to meet specific client needs in diversified healthcare settings • Maintaining appropriate written documentation and using effective communication skills with clients, family, significant others, and members of the healthcare team • Executing principles of crisis intervention to maintain safety • Providing appropriate education to clients, family, and significant others to promote health, facilitate rehabilitation, and maintain wellness • Serving as an advocate to protect client rights The LPN fulfills his or her professional responsibilities in the following ways: • Applying the ethical principles underlying the profession of nursing • Following legal requirements • Following the policies and procedures of the employing facility • Cooperating and collaborating with all members of the healthcare team to meet the needs of family-centered nursing care • Assuming accountability for his/her nursing actions • Seeking educational opportunities to improve knowledge and skills
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (2000). Standards of practice and code of ethics for licensed practical/vocational nurses. Silver Spring, MD: Author. Retrieved from http://www.napnes.org
42 Sumner College Student Handbook
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