Legal, professional and ethical considerations of advanced perioperative practice

Advances within the NHS have recognised nurses in roles that go beyond the historical parameters of their initial training and role characteristics (DH 1999, DH 2000). Working within such a role creates added responsibilities of advancing practice and the continuing development of knowledge and skills. Nurses working at a higher level of practice will require an understanding of not only the professional and legal implications that new roles create, but also an awareness of the ethical dilemmas that will undoubtedly become increasingly complex (Bartter 2002). This article examines the professional, legal and ethical implications of advanced perioperative practice through the author's role as a surgical care practitioner (SCP).