Ethics

Making decisions, choosing right from wrong, acting within one’s individual values—each person has their own set of personal ethics and morals.

Ethical Principles

• Autonomy: The right of individuals to make their own decisions.
• Beneficence: Acting with kindness and compassion, aiming to do good.
• Veracity: Commitment to telling the truth.
• Fidelity: Keeping promises and commitments made to others.
• Justice: Ensuring actions are fair and equitable to all involved.

Values in Nursing

Personal and Client Values: Understanding both the nurse’s and the client’s values is crucial in providing ethical care. Values guide behavior and decision-making in nursing practice.

Altruism

Acting selflessly for the benefit of others, often at a personal cost.

Dignity

Human Dignity: All individuals, regardless of their background or identity, have inherent value and should be respected equally.

Integrity

Moral Uprightness: Nurses must demonstrate honesty and adhere to strong moral principles in their professional conduct.

Social Justice

Health Care Equity: Every person, irrespective of their societal status, has the right to quality health care. This concept is also referred to as distributive justice.

Malpractice

Professional Negligence: When a nurse’s actions deviate from accepted standards of practice and result in harm to a client, they may be liable for malpractice