Professional responsibility: implications for nursing practice within the realms of cardiothoracics

Through an exploration of the realms of professional responsibility this paper aims to illustrate its implications in nursing practice with particular reference to the area of cardiothoracics. Throughout the paper issues surrounding the 'Code of Professional Conduct for the Nurse, Midwife and Health Visitor' and the 'The Scope of Professional Practice' released by the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (U.K.C.C.) in 1992 are considered. 'The Code' as it will subsequently be referred to, and the 'The Scope of Professional Practice' (U.K.C.C.) address issues of current change within the nursing profession and provide a focus for discussion. While recognising both current constraints to clinical practice and the complexity of professional responsibility, it is concluded that the delivery of research based, quality patient care remains central to the role of all nursing professionals. With a primary focus on others before the self, nursing professionals must continue to address issues surrounding the maintenance and development of this care.