ABSTRACT
This chapter explores issues of what professional practice means, accountability of nurses, professional standards and civil law of negligence, issues affecting all registered nurses. Few tasks are ascribed by law to particular professions encourages extension of nursing practice. Professionalism necessitates accepting: autonomy, accountability, and responsibility. Individual accountability and professional autonomy may seem desirable ideals, but quality healthcare also relies on multidisciplinary teamwork. Accountability raises two main questions: what are the limits of accountability? And how can conflicts of accountability be reconciled? Civil law precedent establishes learner/student accountability, despite their inexperience or lack of knowledge. Few laws specifically mention nurses or nursing, so legal accountability and rights of nurses are usually the same as for any other citizen. Identify areas of accountability and responsibility within the intensive care unit. Reflect on the main areas of accountability in your practice while supervising novice intensive care unit nurses.
