From the earliest days of nursing, nurses have been entrusted with the care and safeguarding of the patient. This includes not only the physical being of the patient, but the mental and social as well. By being aware of and upholding the rights of the patient, nurses are adhering to standards of practice and ethical principles.

It is important for the nurse to be aware of patient rights not only to be able to empower the patient, but to also strengthen and self regulate their own practice to adhere to the standards and protocols of the profession.

References

American Hospital Association. A Patient Bill of Rights. Accessed October,2008 at: http://www.injuredworker.org/Library/Patient_Bill_of_Rights.htm

Encyclopedia of Surgery: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers :: Pa-St Accessed October,2008.

American Nurses Association. Code of ethics for Nurses. Accessed October, 2008 at: http://nursingworld.org/ethics/code/protected_nwcoe813.html