Duty of care--(1).

This series of articles seeks to examine three issues of current importance to nurses: Firstly the duty of care which nurses are legally bound to observe. Secondly the ways in which nurses may enhance their confidence in their ability to advocate on behalf of their patients/clients, thus attaining competence. Thirdly, the effects upon individuals who do speak out in obedience to the code of practice as laid down by the United Kingdom Central Council for Nurses, Health Visitors, and Midwives. The articles are adapted from a lecture given by the writer at the annual NATN conference in Harrogate in October 1994, entitled "Are Nurses the Patients' Advocates?".