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Compliance with the ethical competence framework by head nurses
Photchana Suvarnakich1, Boonwadee Montrikul Na Ayudhaya2
1Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 26685Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
Head nurses in Thailand demonstrate strong adherence to the ethical competence framework set by the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council (TNMC). This study highlights their ethical experiences and suggests framework enhancements for clearer guidance.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Leadership and Ethics
- Healthcare Professional Competency Frameworks
- Qualitative Health Research
Background:
- Head nurses play a crucial role in supervising nursing staff and ensuring ethical practice within healthcare units.
- Adherence to ethical competence frameworks is vital for cultivating a positive ethical climate in healthcare organizations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the extent to which head nurses comply with the ethical competence framework established by the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council (TNMC).
- To explore the ethical experiences of head nurses in their professional practice.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews with 20 head nurses.
- Participants were selected from a super tertiary hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, using criterion sampling.
- Thematic analysis was used to analyze the head nurses' ethical experiences related to their work.
Main Results:
- Thematic analysis identified 8 themes and 16 sub-themes across 5 ethical competencies, aligning with the TNMC framework.
- All identified themes and sub-themes indicated that head nurses' practices conform to the TNMC ethical competence framework.
- The findings demonstrate a high level of compliance among head nurses with the established ethical standards.
Conclusions:
- Head nurses' practical ethical experiences align well with the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council's ethical competence framework.
- Factors such as the code of conduct and a strong nursing culture emphasizing seniority may support framework compliance.
- Recommendations include enhancing the framework with specific examples for ethical decision-making, personnel rights, and social media guidelines.
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