The Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms - 883 Words

Introduction: Exchanging ideas to build upon the status quo, or to justify it After the storm clouds of apartheid lifted to reveal the Rainbow Nation of South Africa in 1994, the first democratically elected government was tasked with drawing up a new constitution that would properly enshrine the human rights that had so long been denied the majority of citizens. One source drawn upon in developing the new constitution was the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, itself then little more than a decade old. It is not necessary to be a constitutional scholar to detect many similarities between the two; indeed, Canada’s pride in this connection is such that it is highlighted on the Government of Canada s webpage on bilateral relations with South Africa, which boasts â€Å"South Africa s 1996 Constitution and Bill of Rights draw heavily on Canada s Charter of Rights and Freedoms†. Viewed together, the Canadian and South African documents represent progressive advances in the constitutional enshrinement of human rights; as such, each reflects an enlightened view of human rights at the time it was drafted, with subsequent jurisprudence reflecting attempts to accommodate emerging global norms. For instance, the South African Bill of Rights offered the world s first explicit constitutional recognition of equality based on sexual orientation; at roughly the same time it was being drafted, the Supreme Court of Canada read in similar protections as an analogous ground under theShow MoreRelatedThe Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms1617 Words   |  7 Pages Since its inception in 1982 the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, very much like its primary architect Pierre Trudeau, has been one of the most celebrated yet controversial elements of Canadian politics and governance. Revealing how this dynamic emerged requires a nuanced understanding of the moti vation behind the Charter and the techniques it employed to succeed. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, like the entire patriation process, was motivated by and mobilized support throughRead MoreThe Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms1613 Words   |  7 Pages The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms simply referred to as the â€Å"Charter†, is a significant document in regards to the Canadian constitution. Its primary aim is to uphold individual rights and freedoms and promote equality in administering justice. However, its passage in 1982 has led to increased controversies given that the Charter gives courts more power in interpreting its provisions while sidelining the legislature (Boyd 118). This means that the advent of this Charter was the end ofRead MoreThe Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms840 Words   |  4 PagesThe Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is an important milestone in Canadian history. An effort through rigorous debate and compromise gave birth to this document that defines our collective values and principles by guaranteeing and protecting the fundamental rights of its citizens. Prior to the Charter, there was no gurantee in Canada that rights and freedoms would not be taken away by legislation. T he Charter also allows courts to render the constitutional duty so that any decisions made areRead MoreCanadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms1888 Words   |  8 PagesThe Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the rights of Canadian citizens and provides them with assurance that all Canadians will be treated equally under the law. The Charter claims to guarantee rights and freedoms, fundamental freedoms, democratic rights, mobility rights, equality rights, language rights, legal rights, and enforcement rights, and Aboriginal rights. Although the Charter claims to guarantee the rights and freedoms of Canadian citizens, the government is still able toRead MoreThe Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms1258 Words   |  6 PagesThe Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was established in 1982 and was put into place by the Trudeau government. The purpose of the Charter was to protect the rights of Canadian individuals and to establish independence from Britain. However, o ne section of the charter sparked much controversy, this was section 33, also known as The Notwithstanding Clause. The purpose of this clause was to allow the state to override a right protected by the charter, for various reasons. These reasons includeRead MoreThe Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms1531 Words   |  7 PagesBasing the Basics on a Belief in Something Bigger The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, implemented in 1982 outlines the rights and freedoms that Canadians have as citizens of this country. In this paper I will ask whether we need such a charter, whether we can trust the interpretation of the Charter by the Supreme Court and how the Charter balances power in a democratic way. I will then contemplate the foundational place morality holds in the lawmaking process. In all of this I argue thatRead MoreThe Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms1386 Words   |  6 Pagesprinciple by entitling an accused of even the most heinous crimes to civil liberties and processes as not to compromise the criminal trial process. A fair trial is an intrinsic right of all members of society making it fundamental to our being, and is ergo ensured to us all under s.11 of the Canadian Charter of Rights Freedoms. Provided with other preemptive measures to guarantee justice is achieved in the criminal trial proceedings. Additionally, the courts help facilitate an understanding of theRead MoreThe Canadian Charter Of Right And Freedom1225 Words   |  5 Pagescriminal and family justice system has become very complicated, slow and extremely expensive for majority of Canadians. These issues are particularly glaring to low income earners, people with disabilities and other minorities. Canadian justice system have become incapable of providing solutions that can addressing problems brought to it. With the creation of the Canadian charter of right and freedom, access to justice became more of an equality issue. It moved from simply being the capacity to litigateRead MoreThe Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms1504 Words   |  7 PagesThe Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms(CCORAF) Guarantees a Free and Democratic Society The Charter of Rights and Freedoms upholds the individual rights of all Canadians. Agree or disagree with the following statement. The Charter is part of Canada’s constitution; the highest law of Canada, which sets out the framework for how Canada is to be governed. The CCORAF sets out those rights and freedoms that Canadians feel are necessary to maintain Canada as a free and democratic community. The CharterRead MoreThe Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms2016 Words   |  9 PagesFreedom of expression, set under section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, is one of Canada’s most valued rights in the bill of rights of the Constitution. It has paved the way for the society in which thirty-five million people reside today. With this level of influence and admiration, it is truly a fundamental right. However, many ground-breaking cases have illustrated the need to limit freedom of expression. A prime example is the landmark case that took place in 1990 surrounding

Personality Development By Mary D. Salter Ainsworth And...

Main Idea Attachment, as defined by â€Å"Infants, Children, and Adolescents† is the strong emotional connection that develops between an infant and caregiver, which provides the infant with a sense of joy, comfort, and emotional security (Berk, 2012, p. 264). Between 6 to 12 months of age, infants typically have developed said strong emotional connection to familiar people who have responded to their need for comfort, care, and other needs. While many individuals might suggest that a baby’s emotional connection to the mother serves as the basis upon which all future relationships are built, how this strong emotional connection develops has been a source of debate for decades. Theories that attempt to explain the emotional bond between an†¦show more content†¦Ethology, an approach that has become widely accepted in recent years, is focused upon the â€Å"adaptive, or survival, value of behavior and its evolutionary history† (Berk, 2012, p. 264). According to â₠¬Å"Infants, Children, and Adolescents,† the ethological theory provides that babies are biologically prepared to contribute actively to establish a bond with their caregivers, which promotes the chances for their individual genes to survive. Since ethologists believe that behavior can be best understood in terms of one’s adaptive value, a full understanding of the entire organism-environment system, including physical, social, and cultural aspects is sought (Berk, 2012, p. 264). John Bowlby, who first applied this approach to the infant-caregiver bond, maintained that the quality of future relationships is directly related to the quality of an infant’s attachment to the caregiver (Berk, 2012, p. 265). Evaluation of Evidence Inspired by Konrad Lorenz s (1952) study of imprinting in baby geese, Bowlby believed that an infant, just like the young of most animal species, is born with built-in behaviors that ensure that a parent stays close by, which improves the odds that the infant will remain safe from danger. Through these built-in behaviors, a strong emotional connection develops. According to Lorenz, this strong emotional connection serves as a reference for future relationships. Granted, Bowlby s ethological theory of attachment appears to be

The Five Pillars of Islam †Shahadah Free Essays

string(244) " sun has touched the western horizon Before bed; known as ‘isha when the last glimmer of red has faded from the western sky Muslims usually say their prayers on small prayer mat, known as sajjada, lways facing towards the holy city of Mecca\." The Shahadah (profession of faith) What is it? Specific, religious description Shahadah (testimony, oath) (witness, to know and believe without suspicion) Summary and declaration of Muslim faith One enters Islamic faith when reciting the Kalima (statement of faith) â€Å"I bear witness that there is no other deity but, Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah† (in Arabic) Muslims recite the Kalima with understanding and full internal acceptance It is not sufficient for anyone to just recite these words but one should believe in it by heart with a firm conviction Reciting the Kalima, they proclaim that : 1. Allah is the only God and Muhammad is his prophet; 2. accepts that this is true - Should be constantly and consciously present in the heart of every muslim 3. We will write a custom essay sample on The Five Pillars of Islam – Shahadah or any similar topic only for you Order Now and that they will obey all the commitments of Islam in their life These words are the first words newborns hear, and the last words heard by the dying. A Muslim lives with these sentences, hears them and utters them at least once every day Part of the ritual prayer in the 2nd pillar of Islam For sunni Muslims, it is the first of the five pillars of faith; while the Shi’a connects it to their lists of pillars of faith The Shahadah has certain conditions that makes a person benefit from the Kalima (testimony of faith) 9 Conditions of the Shahadah: Knowledge (‘ilm) having the basic and general knowledge of the shahadah what this testimony concerns? As a normal person would have to know what they are testifying about when making an oath. because not knowing what you are testifying about is absolutely unacceptable. It would mean nothing, basically. Certainty (yaqeen) In Islam, any kind of doubt is similar to disbelief (Kufr) Muslims have to be certain of the truth of the Shahadah Allah describes the believers in the Qur’an â€Å"the (true) believers are those only who believe in Allah and His messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah. Such are the sincere. â€Å"? (al-Hujjarat : 15). Muslims have to be certain of the truth of the Shahadah and that there is no sense of doubt or wavering of hearts. oubts and suspicions are more dangerous than lusts and desires for a person’s faith cure: is the sound knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunnah Acceptance (qabool) after knowing and being certain of the shahadah, one must accept it believer accepts the implications of the shahadah = also means believing in what the Qur’an states or by the Prophet without any questions asked whatever comes from Allah or Muhammad, a true Muslim believes in it as the truth Submission (Inqiyad) he actual physical enactment with the deeds of the shahadah duties to be performed with sincerity to Allah and seeking forgiveness and guidance from him the meaning of Islam itself, â€Å"the submission to the will and commands of Allah† eg. performing the five daily prayers as it is compulsory for them to do so; and reciting the Kalima everyday of their lives Truthfulness (as-sidq) saying the shahadah honestly. One to mean it. Hypocrites - not believing in it but saying it to protect themselves and gaining something from doing so Sincerity (ikhlass) eaning of sincerity is opposite of shirk (nifaaq)-(avoiding or neglecting a duty or responsibility) when making the shahadah, must do it for the sake of Allah they are Muslims only for the sake of Allah, all of their actions are done only for the sake of Allah are they Muslims for their parents and would do whatever their parents would like them to do? or are they muslims f or allah’s sake and would do whatever Allah wants them to do? Love (mahabbah) love of the shahadah, its meaning and being happy with it Denial of False worship orship only Allah and deny any false deities(Taghoot) Adherence (astaqeem) adherence or support of it until death reflects in the Hereafter the shahadah is a Muslim’s banner until death to be in complete state of surrender, submission, obedience to Allah Muftah ul Jennah (Key to Paradise) Proclaims it with sincerity and devotion and acts and lives in accordance to its requirements How and why is this pillar important for the everyday life of a muslim? Most important article of faith Reinforces(strengthens, promotes) the muslim faith and represents acceptance f Allah and Muhammad and the religion, Islam The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey Allah through the teachings and practices of Muhammad Reciting the Kalima is the most essential act of Islam Th e Second Pillar – Prayer The faithful perform ritual prayer – which is known as Salat – at least five times each day This the expression of gratitude and love towards Allah By practicing Salat is also the recognition of the greatness of Allah and the inferiority of man Prayer offers guidance and peace of mind for the faithful To prepare for Sadat, Muslims perform wudu or ritual washing of the face, arms and feet. Formal prayer incorporates various postures such as standing, kneeling, bowing and touching one’s forehead to the ground. This demonstrates the act of submission and surrender before Allah The five prayer times are determined by the position of the sun in the sky, and not the clock, both men and women Muslims prayer at dawn, midday, mid afternoon, sunset and before going to bed. dawn; is known as fajr and is called when there is merely the slightest glimmer of light on the eastern horizon and homes are still in total darkness. The prayer must be performed before the sun appears over the horizon. It includes the words ‘prayer is better than sleep’ midday; is known as zuhr is just after the sun has reached its highest point or zenith mid afternoon; known as ‘asr, is just after the sun has reached the midpoint between the zenith and the western horizon sunset; known as the Maghrib is performed when the sun has touched the western horizon Before bed; known as ‘isha when the last glimmer of red has faded from the western sky Muslims usually say their prayers on small prayer mat, known as sajjada, lways facing towards the holy city of Mecca. You read "The Five Pillars of Islam – Shahadah" in category "Essay examples" The recitation that is essential for every unit of every prayer is the al-Fatiha – the first chapter of the Qur’an. How to pray to Allah: Make sure your body and place of prayer are clean. Perform ablutions if necessary. Make the intention to perform you r obligatory prayer. Standing, raise hands up and say â€Å"Allahu Akbar† (God is Most Great). Standing with hands folded over chest, recite the first chapter of the Qur’an in Arabic. Then recite any other verses of the Qur’an that you would like. Raise hands up, saying â€Å"Allahu Akbar. Bow, reciting three times, â€Å"Subhana rabbiyal adheem† (Glory be to my Lord Almighty). Rise to standing while reciting â€Å"Sam’i Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal hamd† (God hears those who call upon Him; Our Lord, praise be to You). Raise hands up, saying â€Å"Allahu Akbar. † Prostrate on the ground, reciting three times â€Å"Subhana Rabbiyal A’ala† (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High). Rise to a sitting position, saying â€Å"Allahu Akbar. † Prostrate again in the same manner. Rise to a standing position, saying â€Å"Allahu Akbar. † This concludes one rak’a (cycle or unit of prayer). Begin again from Step 3 for the second rak’a. After two rak’as, one remains sitting after the prostrations and recites the first part of the Tashahhud in Arabic. If the prayer is to be longer than these two rak’as, one now stands up and begins again to complete the prayer, sitting again after all rak’as have been completed. Recite the second part of the Tashahhud in Arabic. Turn to the right and say â€Å"Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah† (Peace be upon you and God’s blessings). Turn to the left and repeat the greeting. This concludes the formal prayer. The third pillar of faith: The Poor Tax. Description: The Poor Tax is also known as Compulsory Charity or Zakat. It requires every financially stable Muslim to give to this charity. Zakat is viewed as â€Å"compulsory charity†, for those who have received their wealth from God are obligated to give to the community in need. Islam requires man to consider his personal wealth as belonging to Allah and, therefore, to set apart a portion for Him. No maximum limit has been prescribed, but a minimum limit has definitely been fixed. According to statutory Zakat, each individual must abide by this and spend a fixed minimum percentage of his wealth every year in the way prescribed by Allah. Zakat must be paid on different categories of property including gold, silver, money, livestock and agricultural produce. It also requires an annual contribution of 2. 5% of an individual’s wealth and assets. This money that is given as Zakat can only be used for certain specific things, like to support the poor and needy, free slaves and is a form of social security in a Muslim society. Importance: Islamics encourages the sharing of their wealth with others and helps people to stand on their own and become active members of society. In Arabic, Zakat literally means â€Å"purification† this is considered to purify one’s heart of greed. The Zakat is also a means of helping those poor Muslims. If all Muslims paid their taxes there would be no poverty in the world. It is a system made by Islamics to help poor people and to maintain balance between luxury and poverty. It’s main purpose is to discourage the accumulation of wealth within groups in society and to fix the uneven distribution of wealth in society. Zakat, first and foremost, makes it plain to people that their entire ‘possessions’ are gifts of Allah The Zakat has great importance in the life of Muslims: It is a test of their faithfulness. It tests how one will help a those in need with what they have been given by God’s wealth. It is obligatory for all muslims. Those who refuse to pay the Poor Tax have false claims about being Islamic It separates the believers from the non believers. Those who believe in God would not ignore their requirement to pay the Poor Tax A payment of the Zakat brings Muslims together. The money collected is spent for the welfare of needy persons It removes social evils. The poor tend to commit theft because of their lack of money and by giving them financial support the crime level is lowered. It spreads wealth throughout the community. It gets a proportion of the money that many richer Muslim’s keep hoarded and it is then circulated throughout the market Importance: Zakat is the third ‘pillar’ of Islam. Zakat means setting apart for Allah every year a certain portion of one’s savings and wealth (generally 2. 5 percent) and spending it upon religious duties and on needy members of the community. The fulfillment of this duty is, in fact, a kind of reminder that all one has is in trust for Allah. Man should, therefore, hold nothing back from Allah. Islam requires man to consider his personal wealth as belonging to Allah and, therefore, to set apart a portion for Him. No maximum limit has been prescribed, but a minimum limit has definitely been fixed. According to statutory Zakat, each individual must abide by this and spend a fixed minimum percentage of his wealth every year in the way prescribed by Allah. Zakat is a symbol of one’s obligation to recognize the rights of others and to be in sympathy with them in pain or in sorrow. Zakat, first and foremost, makes it plain to people that their entire ‘possessions’ are gifts of Allah. Zakat is an annual tax, or duty, in essence and spirit: it is recognition on the part of man of the share which Allah, and other men, have in his wealth. – Zakaah purifies and cleanses wealth, and purifies the soul from stinginess and miserliness. It strengthens the love between the rich and poor, takes away hatred, makes security prevail and brings happiness to the ummah happy. The Fourth Pillar: FASTING IN ISLAM: Who must fast? Fasting ramadan is compulsory upon every Muslim, male or female, who has these qualifications: 1. To be mentally and physically fir, which means to be sane and able 2. To be of full age, the age of puberty and discretion, which is normally about fourteen. Children under this age should be encouraged to start this good practice on easy levels, so when they reach the age of puberty they will be mentally and physically prepared to observe fasting. 3. To be present at one’s permanent settlement, your hometown, one’s farm, and one’s business premises, etc. This means not to be on a journey of about fifty miles or more. 4. To be fairly certain that fasting is unlikely to cause you any harm, physical or mental, other than the normal reactions to hunger, thirst etc. Exemption from Fasting These said qualifications exclude the following categories: 1. Children under the age of puberty and discretion. 2. Insane people who are unaccountable for their deeds. People of these two categories are exempted from the duty of fist, and no compensation or any other substitute is enjoined on them. 3. Men and women who are too old and feeble to undertake the obligation of fast and bear its hardships. Such people are exempted from this duty, but they must offer, at least, one needy poor Muslim an average full meal or its value per person per day. . Sick people whose health is likely to be severely affected by the observance of fast. They may postpone the fast. as long as they are sick , to a later date and make up for it, a day for a day. 5. Travelers may break the fast temporarily during their travel only and make up for it in later days, a day for a day. 6. Pregnant women and women breast-feeding their children may also break the fast, if its observance is li kely to endanger their own health or that of their infants. But they must make up for the fast at a delayed time, a day for a day. . Women in the -period of menstruation (of a maximum of ten days or of confinement (of a maximum of forty days). They must postpone the fast till recovery and then make up for it, a day for a day. General Recommendations ?It is strongly recommended by Prophet Muhammad to observe these practices especially during Ramadan: 1. To have a light meal before the break of the dawn, known as Suhoor. 2. To eat a few dates or start breaking the fast bu plain water right after sunset, saying this prayer Allah humma laka sumna, wa’ ala rizqika aftarna. (O God! or your sake have we fasted and now we break the fast with the food you have given us). 3. To make your meals as light as possibe because, as the Prophet put it, the worst thing man can fill his stomach. 4. To observe the supererogatory prayer known as Taraweeh. 5. To exhange social visits and intensify humanitarian services. 6. To increase the study and recitation of the Qur’an. 7. To exert the utmost in patience and humbleness. 8. To be extraordinarily cautious in using ones senses, one’s mind and, especially, the tongue; to abstain from careless gossip and avoid all suspicious motions. No food, drink, smoke or sexual pleasures are aloud during this month of Ramadan. 5th Pillar of Islam: The Hajj Where did the belief originate from In Muslim belief, Mecca has a unique status that goes back to the dawn of time. The Qur’an tells the story of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden for eating the forbidden fruit, in much the same way as does the book of Genesis. There are a number of popular stories about where they fell. One is that Adam fell on Sri Lanka, on the top of what is now known as Adam’s Peak, and that Eve fell in Arabia. They spent many years looking for and at last met each other on the site of one of the great rituals of the Hajj, not far from Mecca: the plain of Arafat. Millions of pilgrims congregate here each year. The word Arafat in popular etymology means ‘recognition’, and the plain has this name as the place where Adam and Eve at last met, recognised each other and were reunited. Adam built the original Ka’ba, to be known as the House of God—the first place of worship on earth. It thus preceded any other sacred site on earth. Description of pillar Hajj (pilgrimage) is a great annual event for Muslims. Hajj is an important ritual worship that should be performed by any adult Muslim (man or woman) at least once in life if one can afford it physically, financialy and safely. There are many reasons for why Hajj is important and for why Muslims perform hajj. First of these reasons is that Hajj is the fifth pillar of the Islam 5 pillars. You as adult Muslim (man or woman) is required to perform hajj at least once in your life if you can afford it financially, physically, and safely. Hajj (pilgrimage) is a great annual event for Muslims. Hajj is an important ritual worship that should be performed by any adult Muslim (man or woman) at least once in life if one can afford it physically, financialy and safely. Performance of the rites of the pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj to the seventh to the 10th day of dhu’l-hajja (12th month of the muslim calendar) Obligation for every Muslim to visit Mecca once in there life, who is of age, and of stable health, who has the financial means Significance of pillar The pilgrimage to Mecca is an important aspect of the Islamic religion. Every Muslim person with the financial means to go to Mecca are expected to visit the sacred site. Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad but this is not the central reason for its importance to Muslim people. The central reason for the significance of the 5th pillar of Islam is that Mecca is considered by the Muslims as the city of God. At the centre of Mecca is the Sacred Mosque, built around the Ka’ba. Mecca has its own unique status as it goes back to the dawn of time. The Qur’an tells the story of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden for eating the forbidden fruit, in much the same way as does the book of Genesis. Passage that relate to it The first House [of worship] established on earth is indeed that at Bakka [Mecca], [set there] as a blessing and guidance for all peoples. In it are signs that give testimony. [In it is] the place where Abraham stood. Whoever enters it is secure from harm. The Pilgrimage to the House is a duty humankind owes to God. (Sura 3:96–97) Proclaim to humankind the Pilgrimage! They will come to you on foot, hey will come on every scrawny camel, they will come from every distant valley to behold the blessings prepared for them and recite the name of God on the appointed days, [as they sacrifice] the beasts and cattle He has provided for them. Then eat of these cattle, and feed the poor and destitute. (Sura 22:27–28) The ‘Five Pillars’ of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life: Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad; Establishment of the daily prayers; Concern for and almsgiving to the needy; Self-purification through fasting; and The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able. How to cite The Five Pillars of Islam – Shahadah, Essay examples

Registered Nurses and Accountability for Midwifery - myassignmenthelp

Question: Should Registered Nurses be Held Accountable for Their Own Practice? Answer: Introduction Accountability means being answerable, liable, blame worth as well as possibility of explaining about a certain action (Migrant, 2017). According to the definition by the American Nurses Associations code of ethics, accountability entails being answerable to ones own and others actions (Battie and Steelman, 2014). With regard to nurses, they may be held accountable legally, ethically, and professionally for their actions, including omissions and inactions. On the other hand, professional responsibility refers to the moral and ethical obligations that permeate the nursing profession (Reid, n.d.). Accountability mainly entails competency, maintenance, safeguarding of quality patient care, outcomes and heeding to profession standards at the same time being answerable to those that are affected by ones nursing actions (Ireland, 2017). In this regard, nursing accountability is a complex but vital concept. Currently, accountability is a principle relevant to all healthcare professionals. As the Royal College of Registered Nursing (n.d.) outlines, providers of health service are accountable to the criminal and civil courts. For RNS, they are accountable professionally to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). However, in many healthcare settings professional accountability has become an issue of concern. As Sherman (2013) claims, ethicists have observed as most healthcare aspects change, individuals willingness to accept accountability and responsibility has reduced. As such, the current paper seeks to explore the issue on whether RNs should be held accountable for their own practice. Evidently, RNs should be held accountable for their practice this keeps them in check to deliver quality care to patients, encourage them to meet the set standards of care. For an RN to be deemed accountable, they must depict various aspects. They must have the ability to carry out a certain intervention or activity, accept responsibility, and have the authority to perform it, through delegation, protocols, and policies of the organization (Royal College of Nursing, n.d.). According to the Australian Medicare Local Alliance (2013), RNs are accountable for their actions and care they provide. Additionally, they are accountable for the delegation of care decisions to another health care provider such as the EN. Also, RNs are accountable for arriving at professional judgments regarding when an activity goes beyond their scope of practice or their own capacity (Australian Medicare Local Alliance, 2013). Roles of Registered Nurses The role of a registered nurse ranges from performing physical examinations to taking health history of patients (Aurora University, 2017). Registered nurses also provide health promotion, counseling and education to clients (Charter College, 2017). Additionally, registered nurses have other roles in the hospital to deal with the patients. They administer medications, do wound care and other personalized interventions to clients (Aurora University, 2017).In order to know what is required of a particular client registered nurses interpret patient information while making critical decisions about the needed actions (Registered Nurses, 2017). The registered nurses are also in coordinating care in collaboration with other health care professionals like doctors and enrolled nurses. They do this in order to ensure smooth running of all the nursing activities in the particular health facilities. Apart from direct care for the patients activities, registered nurses also engage in other roles all of which contribute to the positive running of their overall responsibilities. For instance, the registered nurses are in charge of directing and supervising care delivered by other health care officers like nurse helps and other practical licenses nurses and supervises the less-skilled nurses or particular units (Charter College, 2017). The registered nurses also engage in conducting research for improved practice support and the betterment of the patient outcomes (Aurora University, 2017). Areas of Accountability There are several areas of accountability that RNs should be held accountable for. These include accountability to the patient, employer, profession, and to the union (Philips, n.d.). Foremost, RNs accountability is to the client where they hold out as individuals with special training, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide the best care. As such RNs have a duty to the client to offer standards of care that are reasonable and prudent. Compromising these standards would be detrimental to the patient and one should be answerable to the consequences. RNs accountability is also to their employer. As Philips (n.d.) outlines, as an employee, every nurse has a responsibility to carry out their duties in the scope of employment as the employer provides. As such, RNs are responsible for knowing their employment terms and work within them, and to know the procedures and policies that govern their employment scope. Failing to work within the defined scope may void the responsibility of the employer towards the RNs, thus leaving them to bear the liability cost of their activities Philips (n.d.). In addition to accountability to the client and employer, RNs are accountable to the profession where they are expected to meet their professions standards (Philips, n.d.). In this regard, RNs are required to carry out activities that are in the scope of their practice, and it is their responsibility to maintain as well as update the standards. With regard to accountability to the union, RNs should be aware of the unions policies and decisions that may affect them as members and also their responsibilities towards the union. Thus, RNs should be aware of the many accountability areas they should consider prior to engaging in any actions and activities related to their profession. Factors Affecting RNs Practice Different factors in the society affect the way RNs practice in varying ways. The culture and beliefs of the RN is one of the factors that may affect how these professionals carry out their roles and make decisions. Some cultural beliefs may contradict with the acceptable standards of care. For instance, an RNs culture may call for secrecy regarding revealing a patients serious condition. On the other hand, it is the right of the patients to be informed of their conditions and is supposed to make informed decisions. As such, if the RNs are unable to set aside their beliefs and act as per their professional standards they may be held accountable for their actions, similarly, personality of the RNs may impact on their practice in terms of the way they deal with human relations and their values and moral standpoints. As such, personality affects decision making and determines how health professionals react to issues. Additionally, RNs own experience may also impact on their practice. Mo re experienced nurses may be in a better position to address certain issues as opposed to newly recruited professionals. For instance, an experienced RN may be able to make a more accurate diagnosis. On the other hand, a nurse that is new in the profession may be at a better position to implement evidence-based practice as opposed to one that has been on the nursing industry for long. This is because it may take a while for the more experienced nurse to adopt to change and integrate the innovative practice in their nursing. Additionally, the one that has been in the nursing practice may be more experienced in other areas but may lack the evidence-based skills, knowledge, and experience. In this regard, it is important for RNs to be able to integrate values, ethics, and professionalism when making decisions and providing care, and be flexible. As such, different factors affect RNs practice. Benefits of Accountability Accountability of RNs presents with certain benefits. As Rachel (2012) states, accountability is an energizing drive in any organization that allows healthcare professionals to fulfill their goals easily. Every care provider builds credibility by holding each other accountable. On the contrary, where healthcare professionals lack accountability, they present excuses for not fulfilling their objectives (Rachel, 2012). Additionally, accountability of nurses allows for continuity of care. For instance, perioperative nurses are accountable when they provide care after surgery since hand overs are an important component of the safety of the patient that ensures that care givers are given sufficient information regarding the patient. As a consequence, patients receive high quality and safe care after surgery (Battie and Steelman, 2014). Accountability also ensures that nurses advocate for patients by acting on their behalf when they are incapable of communicating their needs. This ensures that patients are satisfied with the care they receive and they develop a sense of trust towards the care providers. What is more, it is through accountability that lifelong learning is exercised where nurses are accountable for learning continually on using best and current evidence in providing care. Lifelong learning thus allows utilization of evidence based care, which has been shown to improve patient outcomes and promote health (Battie and Steelman, 2014). These positive outcomes arise from the quality care offered by responsible nurses. Thus, accountability presents with many advantages that cannot be guaranteed in its absence. There are other advantages of accountability. As a nursing principle, accountability enhances performance and increases competency (OPM, n.d.). This occurs when clarity on how to accomplish tasks is offered to nurses and their roles and responsibilities are well defined. As Sherman (2013) states, professional accountability is achieved through making certain nurses professional responsibilities and roles, as well as clarity on how to accomplish tasks. Also, when nurses are provided with clear standards and metrics are set they guide the nurses actions, ensuring that their performance is improved. For accountability to be forged there are elements that should characterize RNs. Firstly, there should be clarity as outlined by Rachel (2012). Here, the RNs should be guided by clear and specific goals and expectations. The other element is commitment where an accountable RN not only gives orders to their juniors but also listens, understands, and commit to achieving the goal (Rachel, 2012). In this regard, RNs should be held accountable for their actions to ensure proper advocacy for patients, allowing for continuity of adequate care for patients through out. Shortcomings of Accountability The aspect of accountability does not present with positivity only as it presents with some shortcomings. For instance, RNs face the liability threat on a daily basis as they seek to be accountable for all the four entities. Therefore, the aspect of accountability may add pressure to the RNs as they try to act with accountability to the patients, employers, unions, and their profession. Additionally, as stated by Savage and Moore, (2014), as nurses try to act with accountability, they may feel pressured as they take on tasks such as documentation of their activities, some of which take their time away from making it a priority to offer direct care to patients. What is more, pressure to act according to certain terms may increase errors and inaccuracies and decrease the RNs level of competency (Savage and Moore, 2014). In addition to the accountability pressure that nurses have to put up with, there are other situations that make it difficult for nurses to act with accountability. For instance, if a nurse is working in a rural or remote area where the hospital fails to provide the necessary equipments that meet the standards of care, nurses may face a dilemma as to whether to compromise the set standards by the entities they are responsible for. In such a case, the issue of accountability poses questions such as whether the nurse should be held accountable for not providing care as per the set standards even when they are not provided with the necessary facilities. Another controversial issue regarding accountability may arise from nurses collaborative relationships with physicians and doctors. For instance, a nurse may receive erroneous directions from the doctors or physician in charge regarding the type of medication to offer a patient. Without their knowledge they may follow these orders and continue offering the wrong medication to a patient. As such, questions as to whether this nurse should be held accountable may arise. Notably, it is not the responsibility of a nurse to prescribe medication. Additionally, RNs may find themselves acting in contrary to defined roles. For example, as already stated, it is not up to nurses to make prescriptions. However, situations may force them to intervene when doctors are not in the hospital and prescribe medications in case of an emergency. Again, should they be held accountable for such acts even if they intervened to reduce risks to a patient? As such, there are other such factors that may compromis e RNs ability to implement the accountability principle when they have to deal with issues such as understaffing, unqualified college staff, inadequate equipment and resources, and security and safety. However, nurses should be able to uphold standards before acting while prioritizing accountability. For instance, to avoid situations where the RNs will not meet the necessary standards of their profession they can refuse to participate in such tasks. Rejecting such tasks will reduce chances of uncertainties to the RNs thus maintaining the standards of their profession and concerns relating to accountability. As a result, this will influence the wider health system to maintain high standards of care. Conclusion Thus, accountability in nursing has become an issue of concern especially with the changing healthcare world. However, it still remains to be an integral element of nursing practice and helps to improve patient care, life-long learning, advocating for patients, and continuity of care. As An preoperative RN, accountability may be advantageous since it ensures that patients are prepared efficiently for operations, leading to smooth surgery process. I should be held accountable for my actions since it will foster and motivate me to offer quality services. Accountability in nursing has been shown to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes. Additionally, it is through accountability as a principle that RNs are provided with guidelines through which they can prioritize and ensure that patients well-being is prioritized and the standards of care provided are acceptable. However, it also presents with detrimental impacts where it adds pressure on RNs, decreasing the time they spend directly caring for the patients as they act with accountability to other entities such as employers, and unions. Additionally, the aspect of accountability exposes RNs to liability threat in their day-to-day activities as they have to consider the entities they have to be accountable to, limiting the RNs competency and accuracy. However, the benefits of accountability seem to outweigh the shortcomings. In this regard, RNs should be held accountable for their own practice. References Aurora University. (2017). Responsibilities and duties of a registered nurse. Retrieved from https://online.aurora.edu/responsibilities-and-duties-of-a-registered-nurse/ Australian Medicare Local Alliance (2013). Clarifying the roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of Nursing Professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners in primary care, including general practice. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/url?sa=trct=jq=esrc=ssource=webcd=11cad=rjauact=8ved=0ahUKEwis3ZbglN7WAhXT0RoKHeeHDo4QFghWMAourl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ants.org.au%2Fants%2Fpluginfile.php%2F11%2Fmod_forum%2Fattachment%2F1437%2F20130620_doc_rolesandresponsibilitiesv1.pdfusg=AOvVaw1PcrTOcm-J55-X1iFgEKZ3 Battie, R. Steelman, V.M. (2014). Accountability in nursing practice: why it is important for patient care. AORN Journal. 100(5), 538=541. Charter College. (2017). Registered Nurse. Retrieved from https://nursingschool.chartercollege.edu/ Migrant Month. (2017). Accountability in nursing profession. Retrieved from www.migrantmonth.com/the-means-of-accountability-in-nursing-profession-essay-example Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. (n.d.). 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Interpreting accountability. RCN Institute. Retrieved from https://my.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/78605/002249.pdf Sherman, R. (2013). 5 ways to promote professional accountability in nursing. Emerging RN Leader. Retrieved from https://www.emergingrnleader.com/professional-accountability-in-nursing/