The Concept of Ethics

Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning Copyright © 2015, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Volume Two, Second Edition All Rights Reserved
 The Concept of Ethics

• Ethics
 System of moral principles or standards
governing behaviors and relationships
 Standards of right and wrong
• Morality
 Private, personal standards of right and
wrong
• Laws reflect moral values of society
• Nurses have ethical responsibility to be
client advocates
Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning Copyright © 2015, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Volume Two, Second Edition All Rights Reserved
 Values

• Values
 Personal beliefs about truth and worth of
behaviors, thought, objects
• Beliefs
 Interpretations or conclusion that one
accepts as true
• Personal values develop from:
 Individual observation and experience
 Social traditions and cultural, ethnic,
religious norms
Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning Copyright © 2015, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Volume Two, Second Edition All Rights Reserved
 Concepts Related to Ethics

• Comfort
• Teaching and Learning
• Communication
• Advocacy

Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning Copyright © 2015, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Volume Two, Second Edition All Rights Reserved
 Clarifying Clients' Values

• Purpose
 Client's values influence, relate to problem
• Processes
 List alternatives
 Examine possible consequences of choices
 Choose freely; feel good about choice
 Affirm choice
 Act on choice
 Act with pattern

Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning Copyright © 2015, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Volume Two, Second Edition All Rights Reserved
 Patients’ rights

• Patient rights
 Right to informed consent guaranteed by
federal law
 States have additional laws protecting
clients
 Health care facilities' patient bill of rights
 ANA Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics
 Joint Commission standards for
accreditation
• Speak Up program

Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning Copyright © 2015, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Volume Two, Second Edition All Rights Reserved
 Protecting Clients' Rights

• Client advocates
• Many states help with rights in long-term
care
• State regulations for nursing homes,
homes for frail older adults, facilities for
people with disabilities
• American Hospital Association (AHA)
 List of rights, patient responsibility

Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning Copyright © 2015, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Volume Two, Second Edition All Rights Reserved
 Ethical dilemma

Two or more conflicting rights, values,

obligations, or responsibilities

Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning Copyright © 2015, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Volume Two, Second Edition All Rights Reserved
 Principles of Ethical
Decision Making
• Autonomy
• Beneficence
 Nonmaleficence
• Justice
• Veracity

Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning Copyright © 2015, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Volume Two, Second Edition All Rights Reserved
 Nursing Codes of Ethics

• General codes of ethics

 Guide for a profession's membership, social
contract with public that it serves
• American Nurses Association (ANA) Code
of Ethics for Nurses
• International Council of Nurses (ICN) Code
of Ethics

Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning Copyright © 2015, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Volume Two, Second Edition All Rights Reserved
 Academic Dishonesty

• Cheating
• Plagiarism
• Failure to follow academic policies

Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning Copyright © 2015, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Volume Two, Second Edition All Rights Reserved
 Strategies to Enhance Ethical
Decisions and Practice
• Strategies to help nurses
 Becoming aware of own values, ethical
aspects of nursing
 Becoming familiar with nursing codes of
ethics
 Seeking opportunities for education
 Respecting values, opinions, responsibilities

Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning Copyright © 2015, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Volume Two, Second Edition All Rights Reserved