ETHICAL THEORIES FOR NURSES

An ethical theory refers to the general judgments serving as justification for a person's
behavior or actions. Ethical principles in nursing serve as the foundation for nursing
actions. They define what is expected of nurses in terms of what is right and wrong, what
is good and bad, and what is correct and incorrect.

Ethical theories and models have provided a limited foundation for nurses and other
health professionals dealing with ethical situations in their everyday practice.

The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics is the source of ethical principles in
nursing. The Code of Ethics was established as a guide for carrying out nursing
responsibilities in ways consistent with the ethical obligations & promoting quality patient
care.

There are seven primary ethical principles of nursing:

 Accountability
 Justice
 Non-Maleficence
 Autonomy
 Beneficence
 Fidelity
 Veracity.

Reasons Why Ethical Theories Are So Important In Nursing

Ethical principles in nursing provide a framework for assessing the behavior of nurses in
practice.

1. Making ethical decisions the cornerstone of practice aids nurses in exercising sound
judgment.

2. In accordance with the rules governing nursing practices, nurses are guided by ethical
principles to deliver high-quality care.
3. By acting in each patient's best interest and adhering to ethical guidelines, nurses
support their emotional, physical, and mental health.

4. Patients who receive care from nurses who uphold high ethical standards are typically
more compliant than patients whose nurses act unethically. Patients' health outcomes
improve when they adhere to recommended nursing health care plans.

5. Ethical nursing procedures assist in lowering the dangers to patient and nurse safety.
Nurses who exhibit these behaviors play a critical role in lowering patient and staff safety
risks because the ethical principles of nursing place a strong emphasis on upholding ethical
standards and advancing the welfare of others.