Context for Practice: Nurses in all roles and settings uphold clients’ interests by practising within their scope of practice. Nurses determine their level of competence and restrict professional services accordingly. Nurses determine their learning needs and consult others when required care is beyond their level of competence. Nurses seek guidance from colleagues and supervisors and withdraw from the provision of care until they have attained the competence required to practise safely.
| Ethical Responsibilities: Nurses demonstrate concern for the best interest and safety of clients by |
| 6.2.1 |
presenting themselves as competent based on their education, training, registration, certification and other relevant professional experience; |
| 6.2.2 |
utilizing practice standards, best practice guidelines, policies and research to maximize effective ethical care, services and/or supports; |
| 6.2.3 |
seeking appropriate direction and guidance when aspects of care exceed their competence; |
| 6.2.4 |
consulting with their employer regarding withdrawal from care provision, or arranging for the most appropriate person to attend to the client’s health-care needs (if self-employed/independent practice) in instances where they do not have the necessary physical, mental or emotional capacity to practise safely and competently, or when the client’s need exceeds their expertise; and |
| 6.2.5 |
taking necessary steps, when necessary, to regain fitness to practise in consultation with appropriate professional resources. |