Verification of the facts reported will be an important first step in any particular case. At times it will be appropriate for the NNA to speak on behalf of the nurses involved or to negotiate for them. It is essential that confidentiality be maintained. In rare cases the personal judgement of the nurse may indicate that approaching the association is not the appropriate action. The nurse initiating the actions requires knowledge of human rights, moral courage, an adequate plan of action and a commitment and determination to see that the necessary follow-up does occur.
Health care is a right of all individuals.
Everyone should have access to health care regardless of financial, political, geographic, racial or religious considerations. The nurse should seek to ensure such impartial treatment. An individual has the right to choose or decline care by an authorized practitioner and to accept and refuse treatment after receiving adequate information. When considering the rights and duties of nursing personnel it needs to be remembered that both action and lack of action can have a detrimental effect and that the nursing personnel must be considered accountable on both counts. Nurses have a right to practise within the code of ethics and nursing legislation of the country in which they practise.