Outline Definition of ethics Definition of nursing ethics Professional values Code of nursing ethics Legal aspects of nursing practice Illegal aspects.

Ethics in nursing practice

Outline

• Definition of ethics

• Definition of nursing ethics

• Professional values

• Code of nursing ethics

• Legal aspects of nursing practice

• Illegal aspects of nursing practice

Ethics is defined as the study of

principles that govern human

behavior in our social world. It is

defining what is right or wrong.

Nursing Ethics It is the branch of ethics that provide

professional standards for nursing

activities, these standards protect

both the nurse and the patient

Professional values/ principles

Clinical nursing practice must be

based on universal values which

includes:

1. Respect for individuals

2. Autonomy “self-determination”

3. Beneficence “ doing good”

4. Non maleficent “ avoiding harm”

5. Veracity “ telling

truth”

6. Justice “treating

people fairly”

7. Fidelity “keeping

promises”

8. Maintain privacy &

confidentiality

Definition of code of ethics

• It is a guidelines for carrying out

nursing responsibilities in manner

consistent with quality in nursing

care and the ethical obligations of

the profession

Purpose of code of ethics

• To identify the fundamental ethical

standards and values

• To guide ethical decision-making and

practice,

• To indicate to the community the ethical

values it can expect nurses to maintain.

American nurses’ association code

for nurses

1. The nurse provides services with

respect for human dignity and

uniqueness of every individual,

unrestricted by considerations of social

or economic status, personal attributes,

or the nature of health problems.

1. The nurse provides services with

respect for human dignity and

uniqueness of every individual,

unrestricted by considerations of social

or economic status, personal attributes,

or the nature of health problems.

2. The nurse collaborates with other

health professionals and the public in

promoting community, national and

international efforts to meet health

needs

3. The nurse participates in the

improvement of the profession through

contributions to practice, education,

administration, and knowledge

development

4. The nurse participates in

establishing, maintaining, and

improving health care environments

and conditions of employment

conducive to the provision of high

quality nursing care

5. The nurse participates in the

profession’s effort to protect the public

from misinformation and

misrepresentation to maintain the

integrity of nursing

6. The nurse's primary commitment is

to the patient, whether an individual,

family, group, or community.

7. The nurse maintains competence in

nursing and to continue personal and

professional growth

8. The nurse promote and advocates to

protect the health, safety, and rights of

the patient

9. The nurse is responsible and

accountable for individual nursing

practice and judgments

Legal aspects in nursing practice

1. Informed consent

It is n agreement by patient to accept

a course of treatment or procedure

after receiving complete information

Nurse’s responsibilities:

A. Witness the giving of informed consent

B. Witness the exchange between the

patient and physician

C. Witness the patient’s signature

D. Establishing that patient really did

understand

1. Informed consent

The patient’s medical record is a legal

document and can be used in court as

evidence.

Therefore, nurse need to keep accurate

and complete records of all care and

treatment provided to patient

2. Record keeping

They are kept in securely locked drawers or

cupboards and only authorized personnel

have access to them.

Nurse should be familiar with correct

dosages and potential complications

Misuse of controlled substance such as

narcotics leads to criminal punishments

3. Controlled substances

• While administering medication The

health care provider should be know the

following:

A. Nature of medication and side effects

B. If you have a question or a concern, you

should always stop and call for help

4. Medication

C. Medication rights

1. Right Patient

A. Always check patient’s

identification band.

B. Ask patient to state their

name and birth date.

4. Medication

2. Right MedicationA. Always check the medication

label with the physician’s orders.

B. Never administer medication prepared by another person

C. Never administer medication that is not labeled

3. Right Dose

4. Right time

5. Right route

6. Right educationA. Inform patient of medication

being administeredB. Inform patient of side

effects of medication

7. Right to Refuse

8. Right documentation• Never document before medication is

administered.• DocumentA. Medication nameB. DosageC. RouteD. Date and TimeE. Signature

• Nurses should follow written orderly

only

• Nurses have responsibility to seek

clarification of some orders to

protect patients & themselves

5. Physician's orders

Forms of illegal medical practice

Illegal practice

Negligence Malpractice Defamation

1. Negligence

• It is the failure to perform one’s duty in

manner expected by a similar health care

provider in similar circumstances

• It is considered as a harmful conduct

• E.g: a. wrong medication or dose or route

b. Nurse does not carry out sterile technique

2. Malpractice

• It is professional misconduct,

unreasonable lack of skills in

performing professional duties

2 .Malpractice

• It is considered as professional and

Intentional negligence whereby the

health or life of a patient is endangered

• Examples: - Postoperative complications

such as patient with internal bleeding

3 .Defamation

• It is a spoken or written statement

that tends to expose another person

to hazard

Thank You