The Differences And Similarities Of Two Health Care Professionals Practice

1. Introduction

This report is about two different health care professions, occupational therapy and nursing. It will compare all aspects of training, registration, principles, codes of conduct, CPD, ethical issues and professional boundaries for both. Occupational therapists (OT's) work with people with varying physical or psychological illnesses and disabilities. Their role is to promote independence, through the use of assessment and implementation of aids to enable clients to maximise independence with activities of daily living. Nurses work to promote good health and all round well-being, helping people who are ill get well and who are well to stay well. Nurses work in a variety of clinical settings and can do specialist training in mental health, adult, learning disability and paediatrics. Having closely compared the two professions there are many similarities, however differences are also apparent and I have outlined these throughout this report in greater detail.

2. Professional Training and Registration

Both nurses and OT's are educated at university to degree level and take 3 years to complete their course. Entry qualifications are almost identical for both, needing five GCSE passes and at least two, A levels. Alternatives to A levels are also considered, such as an approved access course. For nursing" All applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of literacy, numeracy and good character." (NHS Careers 2011) Before being able to commence training both professions are required to have a Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme enhanced disclosure done, to ensure they are working within the Protecting Vulnerable Adults and Young Peoples Act (2007). (Disclosure Scotland 2011)

Both professions are governed by different councils which were set up by the government to set out codes and standards of conduct for each to follow, safeguarding the public and ensuring health professionals meet the correct standards. (NHS Careers 2011) Both must be registered with the governing body to be able to practice. Nurses must apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for a pin number that will be unique to them and registration must be renewed every three years with proof of continued training and education being shown to meet with the standard required by the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council 2010). Renewal of registration for OT's is done every two years through a revalidation process, where the OT must declare their fitness to practice (Health Professions Council n.d). If they are deemed unfit to practice then registration will be denied. For both professions continued professional development and on going training is essential to maintain registration.

3. Principles

Principles are an unspoken law, a rule of good conduct and the practical manifestation of values. Within occupational therapy and nursing, to provide a good service the principles of the profession must be adhered to. They have been set out to promote and maintain high standards of professional behaviour and practice.

The principles of nursing practice have been set out by The Royal College of Nursing and various other health related organisations (Royal College of Nursing 2007) and for OT's The College of Occupational Therapy put in place the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct which are the values and principles that OT's must follow to uphold professional practice. (College of Occupational Therapists 2011) The principles of both professions are very similar and are patient focused, by outlining what standards of care should be expected and giving a clear picture of appropriate professional practice. The principles are accessible to anyone via publications which can be downloaded online at the Royal College of Nursing website or the College of Occupational Therapy website respectively.

4. Codes of Conduct

Both professions are governed by a Code of Professional Conduct which serves to protect patients and

professionals. For nurses these codes are set out by the NMC and can be accessed on the NMC website and for OT's there are The Standards set out by the HPC and can be accessed on the HPC website. Both professions must follow the standards set by their governing body to remain registered within their profession and must continue to meet the standards that are set to determine their fitness to practice. (Health Professions Council n.d), (Nursing and Midwifery Council 2010).

The Codes/Standards of Conduct for nurses and OT's are almost identical and having read them myself, they set a very high level of accountability, competence, respect, confidentiality, conduct and personal development for both professions to follow. If these codes/standards are not met then their registration will be revoked. I note that one of the differences between the NMC and HPC codes are that the NMC guidelines appear to be centred towards the client but HPC leans towards the professional.

5. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

In both professions CPD allows the regulatory bodies to ensure registered practitioners are up to date

and working within guidelines, ensuring standards of care. All health care professionals must do this to be able to work as a registered professional. CPD is a way of supporting people to have an understanding of their work environment, job and how to improve it. Nurses "must maintain their registration by meeting post-registration education and practice (Prep) standards set by the NMC" (Nursing and Midwifery Council) and "All occupational therapists need to engage in lifelong learning, or continued professional development (CPD), to remain registered with the Health Professions Council and enable the profession to develop". (College of Occupational Therapists, 2011)

A Portfolio of Professional Development to document training, reflective accounts and courses completed is essential as both professions are required to present this to their governing body. For nursing this must also contain conformation they have fulfilled 450 hours of practice and five study days in each three year period to enable re-registration (Nursing and Midwifery Council) but for OT's there is no mandatory hours to fulfil but they must be allowed six days (45 hrs) given CPD time per year from their employer. (College of Occupational Therapists, 2011)

CPD is essential to ensure health professionals are up to date and working in a current manner seeking guidance from