UNIT I:
INTRODUCTION TO
NURSING ETHICS
By: Farzana Kausar Khattak
Lecturer
KMU-INS
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the session learner will be able to :
Define the terms: ethics, nursing ethics and bio-ethics,
value, belief, moral, attitude, conflict, dilemma, ethical
dilemma.
Discuss the importance of ethic in nursing
Review criteria of a profession.
Develop characteristics of a professional Nurse.
Farzana Khattak 09/10/24
ETHICS
Derived from the Greek word “ethos”, which means
“way of living”.
Branch of philosophy that is concerned with human
conduct, more specifically the behavior of individuals in
society.
Ethics examines the rational justification for our moral
judgments; it studies what is morally right or wrong.
Farzana Khattak 09/10/24
ETHICS
It also refers to the method of inquiry that deals
with conduct which is the guiding principles for
good or bad.
Usually refers to the practices, beliefs, and
standards of behavior of a particular group
such as nurses.
Farzana Khattak 09/10/24
NURSING ETHICS
Nursing ethics is a branch of applied ethics that
concerns itself with activities in the field of nursing.
The values or moral principles governing relationships
between the nurse and patient, the patient's family, other
members of the health professions, and the general
public.
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BIOETHICS
Bioethics is a multidisciplinary field that explores the
ethical implications of advances in biology, medicine, and
healthcare, focusing on making moral decisions in these
fields while considering the well-being of individuals and
society.
Genetic Testing
End of life care
Abortion
Farzana Khattak 09/10/24
VALUE
Something of worth; enduring beliefs or attitudes about
the worth of a person, object, idea, or action.
The value is a personal belief about the worth you hold
for an idea, a custom, or an object.
I value freedom of speech.
I value my family.
Farzana Khattak 09/10/24
BELIEF
Belief is when you think something is true or real, even
if you can't prove it.
For example, believing in luck or fate means you think
these things influence your life, even though you can't
see them.
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MORAL
Concerned with the principles of right and wrong
behavior.
Concerned with the judgment of the goodness or
badness of human action and character.
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ATTITUDE
Attitude is our presumed way of thinking about,. feeling
toward or responding to a person, thing or concept.
Attitude is mental position or feelings towards a person,
object or idea (compassion, acceptance).
Some clients may feel strongly about their need of
privacy, where as others may dismiss it as unimportant.
Farzana Khattak 09/10/24
CONFLICT
Conflict occurs when two or more people oppose one
another because their needs, wants, goals, or standards
are different.
A conflict is a clash of interest, opinion, or even
principles.
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DILEMMA
The definition of a dilemma is a situation where there is
no clear easy choice or answer.
It is a situation in which we have to choose between two
equal unsatisfactory alternatives.
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ETHICAL DILEMMA
Ethical dilemma, also known as a moral dilemma, is a situation in
which there is a choice to be made between two options, neither of
which resolves the situation in an ethically acceptable fashion.
Euthanasia
Abortion
Confidentiality
Truth-telling
End-of-life
Informed consent
Farzana Khattak 09/10/24
IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS IN
NURSING
Ethics is important in nursing because it sets forth a
series of actions and decisions that are in the best
interests of a patient and dictate what must be done.
Ethics ensure that every person is given the greatest level
of attention and care possible.
It is a moral compass that pushes nurses to administer
services fairly and in a timely fashion.
Protecting the privacy rights of patients.
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CRITERIA OF A
PROFESSION
Education and Training: Ensuring nurses have the
necessary education and training to provide competent
care.
Ethical Standards: Upholding ethical principles and
codes of conduct in patient interactions.
Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to licensure and
regulatory requirements for nursing practice.
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CRITERIA OF A
PROFESSION
Quality of Care: Providing high-quality patient care through
best practices.
Patient Rights: Respecting patient rights, including
confidentiality and informed consent.
Professionalism: Demonstrating professionalism, integrity,
and accountability in nursing practice.
Continuing Education: Committing to ongoing
professional development and staying current in the field.
Farzana Khattak 09/10/24
CRITERIA OF A
PROFESSION
Safety: Ensuring patient safety and well-being in
nursing care.
Cultural Competence: Recognizing and addressing
diverse patient needs.
Community Engagement: Contributing to the
advancement of the nursing profession and community
health.
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CHARACTERISTIC OF
PROFESSIONAL NURSE
Empathy: Professional nurses demonstrate empathy by understanding and
caring about the emotional and physical well-being of their patients.
Clinical Competence: They possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and
expertise to provide safe and effective patient care.
Ethical Integrity: Professional nurses adhere to ethical standards and
maintain the highest level of integrity in their practice, including respecting
patient confidentiality and rights.
Advocacy: Professional nurses advocate for their patients, ensuring their
needs and preferences are heard and respected within the healthcare system.
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CHARACTERISTIC OF
PROFESSIONAL NURSE
Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in
nursing, and professionals excel in conveying information
clearly and compassionately to patients and their families.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning: They continuously seek
opportunities for education and professional development to
stay up-to-date with advancements in healthcare and nursing
practice.
Teamwork: They collaborate effectively with other healthcare
professionals, recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary
teamwork to provide comprehensive and holistic patient care.
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REFERENCES
American Counseling Association (2005). ACA code of ethics.
Alexandria, VA: Author.
Kushner, H. S. (2001). Living a life that matters. NY: Anchor
Books
National Association of School Nurses (2010). Code of ethics.
Author.
www.google.com
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