NURSING ETHICS

Raymund Christopher R. dela Pea, RN,

RM
Clinical Faculty
UNP-College of Nursing

ETHICS
- study of the norm of human
acts as guided by human
reason.

BIOETHICS
- is the study of human conduct in
the area of the life sciences and
health care using moral values
and principles.

PRINCIPLES IN BIOETHICS
BENEFICENCE- means to do good
and not to do harm.
NON- MALEFICENCE- one ought
not to inflict evil or harm.
AUTONOMY- means selfdetermination

JUSTICE- refers to the obligation to be fair

to other people.
FIDELITY- refers to the obligation to be
faithful to the agreements, commitments
and responsibilities that one has made to
oneself and others
VERACITY- refers to telling the truth or
not intentionally deceiving or misleading
patients

Four basic ethical principles:

1. Fundamental responsibility of the
nurse is four fold
2. Nurse renders service regardless of
race, creed, nationality or political
belief.
3. Nurse protects life and respects the
dignity of man.
4. Nurse works in collaboration with
members of the health team

REGISTERED NURSES AND

PEOPLE
Ethical Principles:
1.Values, customs and spiritual beliefs
shall be respected
2.Individual freedom to make decisions
3.Personal information acquired must
be held in confidence

Guidelines to be observed:
a.individuality and totality of patients
b.respect
c.uphold the rights of individuals
d.take into consideration culture and
values
in the event of conflict, welfare
and safety take precedence

REGISTERED NURSES AND

PRACTICE
Ethical Principles:
a.Human life is inviolable
b.Quality and excellence in the care of
patients
c.Accurate documentation- nursing
accountability

Guidelines to be observed:
a.know the definition and scope of
nursing practice
b.be aware of duties and
responsibilities
c.acquire and develop competence
in knowledge, skills and attitude

d.optimum standard of safe

nursing practice
e.be morally and legally
responsible
f.patients records considered
confidential

REGISTERED NURSES AND COWORKERS

Ethical Principles:
1.work in solidarity with other
members of the health team
2.maintains collegial and collaborative
working relationships

Guidelines to be observed:

a.maintain professional identity

b.conform with group activities
c.contribute to professional growth
d.actively participate in prof
organizations
e.respect rights of co-workers

REGISTERED NURSES, SOCIETY

AND ENVIRONMENT
Ethical Principles:
1.preservation of life, respect for
human rights and promotion of a
healthy environment
2.establishment of linkages

Guidelines to be observed:

a.be conscious of obligations as citizens

b.equipped with knowledge of health
resources within the community
c.actively participate in programs,
projects and activities
d.right conduct and proper decorum
e.project image that will uplift nursing
profession

REGISTERED NURSES AND

THE PROFESSION

Ethical Principles:

1.maintain loyalty
2.compliance with by laws of accredited prof
organizations
3.commitment to continual learning
4.contribute to the improvement of the socioeconomic conditions and welfare of nurses

PATIENTS BILL OF
RIGHTS
1. Right to considerate and
respectful care
- nurse avoids discriminating acts
that tends to bring the appearance of
favoritism
- tender loving care attitude

2. Right to information about diagnosis,

treatment and prognosis
3. Right to informed consent
- refers to the capacity of the patient to
accept or refuse treatment options offered by
the health care provider.
Elements:
Voluntariness
Information
Capacity

6. Right to confidentiality

- all records and communications

held in confidence
when to divulge information:

1. patient placed in serious danger

2. public welfare

3. legal proceeding

7. Right to go over records

8. Right to services and to
transfer

- referrals
9. Right to know relationship with
other health care and
educational institutions
10. Right not to be subjects of
research or experimentation

11. Right to expect reasonable

continuity of care

- follow up consultations
12. Right to examine and receive
an explanation of his bill, Right
to know what hospital rules and
regulations apply to his conduct
as a patient

PATIENTS RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Providing information
2. Complying with instructions
3. Informing the physician of
refusal to treatment
4. Paying hospital charges
5. Following hospital rules and
regulations
6. Showing respect and
consideration