Professional Practice: Nurse and Doctor
Career is the most important journey an individual chooses, as he or she moves ahead in life. In this journey, a person learns new knowledge and skills through education and training, works also indulges in numerous aspects of life. It comprises the most crucial decision a person makes in his r her life as a student, as it sets the course or roadmap to follow in the future. It assists in establishing professional goals and advances a strategy for accomplishing the ambitions the individual has. This paper intends to reflect upon two professions, Nursing and Doctoring, and charts out a roadmap as to how to reach the goal.
Nursing Profession
Nursing is considered one of the most noble and trustworthy professions. A career in nursing revolves around caring for patients in various healthcare settings. One critical aspect of job satisfaction is to ensure that nurses can practice by the philosophy of their profession, and is hence a crucial determining factor in the retention as well as recruitment of the nurse workforce. Several nursing jobs and profiles are available to cater to people possessing various skill sets. Nevertheless, the usual role of a nurse would be attending to the needs of the patient, rather than the treatment.
Education
People keen to enter the nursing profession must take a course that is approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). Before the registration, they need to complete a nursing programme of education approved by the NMC. There are other requirements too, such as sound health and good character. In the UK, nursing education as well as training programmes are only done at NMC-approved educational institutions (AEIs) based in health and social-care settings. The Courses are of a minimum three-year duration, though entry options are provided that consider one’s previous learning.
Admission criteria for nursing degree courses differ from university to university. However, one needs at least two (generally three) A-levels or equivalent qualifications at level 3, as well as supporting GCSEs in English, mathematics, and science (biology or human biology). Entry is competitive. Courses usually specify preferred or essential A-level or equivalent subjects, for instance, one science (like biology) or social science (like psychology). There are a few universities that offer courses with a foundation year for candidates not possessing the requisite entry qualifications.(Acareerchange.co.uk, 2017)
Training
Nursing training is imparted at NNMC-approved educational institutions, with half of the training focusing on clinical practice that requires direct contact with patients and families. This can be done in the home, community, hospitals, as well as independent and voluntary sector organisations.(Nmc.org.uk, 2017) The programme teaches the students to understand, encourage as well and make possible safe and effective patient care. They learn when to call for assistance and apply emergency measures while working alongside other health professionals.
Revalidation
Revalidation is the process of ensuring all nurses in the UK maintain their registration with the NMC. Effective since April 2016, revalidation is pretty simple and helps a nurse or midwife demonstrate that they do practice safely as well as effectively. It encourages them to reflect on the role of the Code during their practice and demonstrate that they follow the standards set. This new process has replaced the Prep requirements, and one needs to revalidate every three years to renew their registration. (Revalidation.nmc.org.uk, 2017)
Code of conduct
The Code, effective since 31 March 2015, puts forth the professional standards which nurses and midwives are expected to adhere to for them to get registered for practising in the UK. Prioritizing people – Putting the interests of people in need of nursing or midwifery services first. Their care as well as safety should be the principal concern, and nurses must ensure that patients’ dignity is protected and needs recognized, assessed as well and catered to promptly. The nurses need to ensure that the patients are treated respectfully; their rights are upheld, and any discriminatory behavior towards them is opposed.
· Practising effectively – Nurses should assess the needs of the patient and accordingly deliver or advise treatment, provide preventative or rehabilitative care timely manner to the best of their abilities based on best evidence available and best practices. Nurses should communicate effectively, keep accurate records, as well as share skills, knowledge, and experience wherever appropriate. They should reflect and act on the feedback they receive to improve their practice.
· Preserving safety – Nurses should ensure that patient as well as public safety is protected. They should function within the limits of their competence, exercise their professional ‘duty of candour’ as well as raise concerns immediately as and when they face situations that could put patients or public safety at risk. They should take the necessary actions required to deal with such concerns wherever appropriate.
· Promoting professionalism and trust – Nurses should uphold the reputation and dignity of their profession at all times. They must demonstrate personal commitment to the standards of practice and behaviour set out in the Code. They should display exemplary integrity and leadership and serve as an aspiration for others. Ultimately, it must build trust and confidence in the profession among patients and the public at large. (The Code, 2015)
Doctor Profession
To become a doctor isn’t a cakewalk. One has to study medicine for 5 to 6 years, and it doesn’t end there; rather, it is the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. After qualifying as a doctor, one needs to constantly learn on the job till the day one retires. The practice of Medicine does offer a plethora of experiences that one may not find in any other subject. The profession of a doctor offers a significant career opportunity that is prestigious, secure as well and financially rewarding.
Eligibility
To be eligible to be a doctor, an individual needs to complete a High school diploma and obtain a certificate for the same. Additionally, a good score in the subjects Biology, Chemistry, and Maths is mandatory. Further, if the student has done any voluntary or work experience related to Health Care, it would be an added advantage as well. (Vioreanu, 2016) Further, a good score in TOEFL and IELTS, which is usually higher than 6.0, is desirable. This is a major necessity for getting admitted to medical schools, requires proficiency in English is required. (Study London, 2017)
Education
Medical education in the UK is extensive as well as diverse. On average, the undergraduate courses on offer vary between 4 to 6 years. After the undergraduate training, newly qualified doctors have to undergo a 22-year foundation program training before opting for a specialization. In obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G), specialty training lasts for 7 years. Foundation year enables fresh graduates to build on the knowledge and skills attained at medical schools. (Bma.org.uk, 2017) After duly completing the first foundation year, the student is granted full registration with the GMC. In the second foundation year, general training is continued with experience in a varied work field. The 2-year foundation was designed to confirm that doctors pursued an organized program of study and practical experience before succeeding to specialist training. (Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, 2017)
After completing the 2-year foundation program, doctors have the choice of undergoing additional study in a specialty field of medicine to progress the intermediate and advanced proficiencies and skills required to train in their special discipline. (Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, 2017)
Revalidation
Revalidation requires doctors to confirm to the General Medical Council (GMC) that they are updated and fit to practice. There are no charges to be paid to GMC for revalidation. However, for certain cases, like doctors not associated with any designated body or an eligible Suitable Person, the GMC may provide an alternate option for revalidation, for which they charge administrative fees. (Gmc-uk.org, 2017) Revalidation applies to all licensed doctors in the UK, whether in the NHS or in the private sector. Doctors are required to meet the standards set by the GMC in order to uphold their license to practice. (Bma.org.uk, 2017)
Code of Conduct
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The relationship between doctor and patient/client is based on trust as well as on the principle that patient/client welfare is of supreme importance. (Gmc-uk.org, 2017)
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· Doctors should treat patients / clients with utmost respect and compassion.
· They should be honest in their dealings with patients/clients and should not misrepresent the gravity of a patient’s condition or the therapeutic value of a treatment. They should not encourage undue dependency on their care or recommend unnecessary clinical investigations for treatment
· Doctors have the right to choose whom they shall accept as patients or clients, but should be restricted to human beings only. (Gmc-uk.org, 2017)
· Doctors should appreciate and respect the role of the patients as partners in their healthcare profession and the contribution they can make. Patient’s preferences regarding treatment must be ascertained and respected within the ambit of professional practice, based on the available resources and the objectives of the therapeutic relationship. (Gmc-uk.org, 2017)
· Doctors should not give up responsibility for the care of a patient without a valid reason, and not without making a genuine effort to ensure that the future care of the patient is undertaken by a competent health professional. (Gmc-uk.org, 2017)
· Before starting any examination or treatment, the doctor must obtain informed consent from the patient for such treatment or examination; otherwise, the doctor is liable to face criminal or civil proceedings. (Gmc-uk.org, 2017)
To conclude, every profession has some requirements and practices that the student should adhere to. These practices are the requisite professional conduct and the education, as well as skills, which help the individual to perform their professional duties. Nurses and doctors, professionals, deal with caring for patients in various healthcare settings. Bot professions are the most noble and respected professions around. Further, the student needs to undergo a rigorous study regime to become a nurse or a doctor. The professional conduct of the profession requires them to treat patients/clients with utmost respect and compassion. They should take due care of their patients and be concerned about their safety and treatment.
References
Acareerchange.co.uk. (2017). Becoming a Nurse.
Bma.org.uk. (2017). BMA - Introduction: How to become a doctor.
Bma.org.uk. (2017). BMA - Introduction to revalidation.
Gmc-uk.org. (2017). GMC | Duties of a doctor.
Gmc-uk.org. (2017). GMC | How revalidation works.
Gmc-uk.org. (2017). GMC | Members' code of conduct.
Nmc.org.uk. (2017). Becoming a nurse.
Revalidation.nmc.org.uk. (2017). Welcome to revalidation | The Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. (2017). Medical education in the UK: an overview.
Study London. (2017). Applying for a medicine degree (MBBS) in London.
The Code. (2015). [ebook] London: Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Vioreanu, D. (2016). What Are the Entry Requirements to Medical Schools in Europe and the U.S.? - MastersPortal.eu.
