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Chamberlain University
NR-222 Health & Wellness
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Nursing ethics encompasses the moral judgments and standards that guide professional conduct in healthcare. Various ethical principles must be adhered to by nurses in all situations to ensure patients’ safety and well-being. These principles are vital in promoting effective healthcare delivery and ensuring that the rights of the patients are respected. Below are some of the key ethical principles of nursing, along with examples to illustrate their application.
The principle of non-maleficence refers to the obligation to avoid causing harm. Nurses are expected to act competently in their field and prevent any potential injury or harm to the patient. Additionally, any suspected abuse or incompetent care must be reported immediately to protect the patient.
Example: If a nurse observes that a healthcare provider is chemically impaired or incompetent in their duties, the nurse must report the situation to safeguard the patient.
Beneficence requires nurses to advocate for the well-being of their patients. This principle emphasizes the importance of acting in the patient’s best interests, even when the patient may not fully understand the situation.
Example: If a patient is unsure or confused about a medical procedure but feels uncomfortable asking questions, the nurse should step in to ensure the patient’s concerns are addressed and that they understand the information being provided.
The principle of autonomy emphasizes the right of patients to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare. Nurses must respect the patient’s independence and self-direction, ensuring that their choices are honored.
Example: The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 requires healthcare providers to respect advance directives, such as living wills and durable powers of attorney, that outline the patient’s preferences for medical care.
Justice in healthcare refers to the fair and equal treatment of all patients. Nurses must provide unbiased care and avoid favoritism or discrimination, especially when resources are limited.
Example: If a healthcare provider has the ability to offer free cleft palate surgeries to five children in a low-income area, the challenge lies in determining how to choose which children will receive the surgery.
Fidelity requires nurses to be loyal, honest, and fair to their patients. Nurses should maintain confidentiality and trust while providing truthful information when appropriate.
Example: If a patient receives a serious diagnosis but wishes to keep it private from their partner, the nurse must respect the patient’s request and maintain confidentiality.
Paternalism occurs when healthcare providers make decisions on behalf of the patient, believing it to be in their best interest. Nurses must balance this principle carefully, ensuring that they act with the patient’s well-being in mind while also respecting their autonomy.
Example: A patient undergoing chemotherapy may question whether the treatment’s benefits outweigh the severe side effects. In such cases, healthcare providers might guide the patient in making the best decision for their health without undermining their autonomy.
This principle refers to the need to consider the entire person, including their physical, emotional, and social needs, when developing a plan of care. Nurses must ensure that they provide holistic care that addresses all aspects of the patient’s well-being.
Example: Before establishing a care plan, nurses assess not only the medical needs of the patient but also their psychological, social, and emotional conditions to ensure comprehensive care.
American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/
| Ethical Principle | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Maleficence | Avoiding harm and ensuring competence in care. | Reporting an impaired or incompetent nurse to protect patient safety. |
| Beneficence | Acting in the best interests of the patient. | Advocating for a patient who feels uncomfortable asking questions about a medical procedure. |
| Autonomy | Respecting the patient’s right to self-determination and decision-making. | Following the Patient Self-Determination Act and respecting advance directives and durable power of attorney. |
| Justice | Treating patients fairly and equally, regardless of circumstances. | Deciding how to allocate limited resources, such as free surgeries, among patients in a low-income community. |
| Fidelity | Being loyal, truthful, and fair while maintaining patient confidentiality. | Keeping a patient’s diagnosis confidential, even when requested not to share the information with family members. |
| Paternalism | Making decisions for the patient when it is believed to be in their best interest. | Balancing the benefits and side effects of chemotherapy when a patient is uncertain about continuing treatment. |
| Principles of Totality and Integrity | Considering the patient’s overall needs—physical, emotional, and social—when planning care. | Taking into account a patient’s holistic needs (physical, emotional, social) before establishing a care plan. |
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