Assessing Nursing Staff's Information of the Legal Responsibility Associated with the Nursing Profession

Abstract

Introduction: Hospitals are subject to laws, which are of great importance in the work environment. All individuals working in the hospital have legal responsibilities that define and regulate the work mechanism. Therefore, a lack of information regarding legal responsibilities may expose nurses to illegal situations while practicing nursing.

Objective: assess nurses' knowledge of the legal responsibilities associated with the nursing profession.

Research materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on a convenience sample of 420 nurses at Latakia University Hospital in Latakia, during the period from August 1, 2024, to December 1, 2024. A structured questionnaire consisting of two parts was used: demographic data and a form to assess information about the legal responsibilities associated with the nursing profession.

Results: The results showed that approximately three-quarters of the nurses had information about the laws and legal responsibilities, and more than half of the nurses had good knowledge of the Medical Professions Practice Law and the Labor Law in Syria.

Recommendations: The current study recommended holding ongoing seminars or workshops to familiarize students with laws related to the profession and legal responsibilities, in addition to conducting more studies that shed light on legal responsibilities and laws related to healthcare provision in general and nursing in particular.