Erroyl Anthony L Punay

BSN 2-202

Virtue ethics, when applied in the context of bioethics and the nursing
profession, emphasizes the development and practice of virtuous traits that
guide ethical decision-making and conduct. Here are some virtue ethics
commonly applied in these domains along with their descriptions:

1. Compassion:
• Description: Compassion involves the ability to understand and
empathize with others, particularly patients who may be
experiencing pain, suffering, or vulnerability. It motivates nurses to
provide care with kindness, empathy, and sensitivity to the
emotional needs of patients and their families.

2. Integrity:
• Description: Integrity encompasses honesty, truthfulness, and
moral consistency in one's actions and decisions. Nurses with
integrity adhere to professional codes of conduct, maintain patient
confidentiality, and uphold ethical principles, even in challenging
situations.

3. Respect:
• Description: Respect involves recognizing the inherent dignity,
autonomy, and worth of every individual, regardless of their
background, beliefs, or health status. Nurses demonstrate respect
by actively listening to patients, involving them in decision-making,
and honoring their preferences and rights.

4. Empathy:
• Description: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the
feelings and perspectives of others. Nurses who are empathetic
establish trusting relationships with patients, validate their
experiences, and provide emotional support, which can enhance
patient satisfaction and healing outcomes.
5. Courage:
• Description: Courage entails the willingness to take ethical stands
and advocate for patients' well-being, even in the face of adversity or
professional challenges. Courageous nurses speak up against
injustices, address patient concerns, and champion ethical practices
within healthcare settings.

6. Wisdom:
• Description: Wisdom involves the practical application of
knowledge, experience, and ethical reasoning to navigate complex
healthcare situations effectively. Wise nurses consider the broader
implications of their actions, seek input from interdisciplinary teams,
and make decisions that align with patients' best interests and
ethical principles.

7. Patience:

• Description: Patience involves maintaining composure, tolerance,

and understanding, especially in demanding or stressful healthcare
environments. Patient nurses remain calm during crises,
communicate effectively with patients and families, and provide
support and reassurance throughout the care process.

8. Trustworthiness:
• Description: Trustworthiness encompasses reliability,
dependability, and consistency in fulfilling professional
responsibilities and commitments. Trustworthy nurses prioritize
patient safety, follow through on their obligations, and uphold the
trust placed in them by patients, families, and colleagues.

9. Justice:
• Description: Justice entails promoting fairness, equity, and
advocacy in healthcare delivery and decision-making processes.
Just nurses advocate for equal access to care, address disparities in
healthcare outcomes, and work to eliminate systemic barriers that
affect vulnerable populations.
10. Humility:
• Description: Humility involves recognizing one's limitations, being
open to learning, and acknowledging the contributions of others.
Humble nurses engage in self-reflection, seek feedback from peers
and mentors, and continuously strive to improve their practice and
ethical discernment.
2. Ethical principles serve as fundamental guidelines that inform ethical
decision-making and behavior across various professions and contexts.
Understanding these principles is crucial for professionals to navigate complex
ethical dilemmas effectively. Here are several ethical principles commonly
recognized and their definitions and significance:

1. Autonomy:
• Definition: Autonomy refers to the right of individuals to make their
own decisions and choices based on their personal values, beliefs,
and preferences. It emphasizes respecting the independence and
self-determination of individuals.
• Significance: Respecting autonomy is essential in healthcare and
other professions to ensure that individuals have control over their
own lives and healthcare decisions. It involves providing information,
obtaining informed consent, and honoring the choices made by
individuals, even if they differ from the preferences of healthcare
providers or others.

2. Beneficence:
• Definition: Beneficence is the principle of doing good and
promoting the well-being of others. It involves taking actions that
benefit individuals, prevent harm, and contribute to their overall
welfare.
• Significance: Beneficence guides professionals to prioritize the
interests and welfare of those they serve. In healthcare, it drives
healthcare providers to deliver high-quality care, alleviate suffering,
and promote health outcomes while considering the risks and
benefits of interventions.

3. Nonmaleficence:
• Definition: Nonmaleficence is the principle of avoiding harm and
minimizing the risk of causing harm to others. It emphasizes the
obligation to refrain from actions that could cause physical,
psychological, or emotional harm.
• Significance: Nonmaleficence is crucial in healthcare and other
professions to prioritize patient safety and well-being. It requires
healthcare providers to carefully assess risks, minimize potential
harms associated with interventions, and adhere to standards of
care to prevent harm to patients.

4. Justice:
• Definition: Justice involves the fair and equitable distribution of
resources, rights, and opportunities among individuals and groups. It
emphasizes treating all individuals fairly and impartially, regardless
 of factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, or health
status.
• Significance: Justice is essential for promoting fairness, equality,
and social welfare within society and institutions. In healthcare, it
guides the allocation of resources, access to healthcare services,
and decision-making processes to ensure that individuals receive
equitable treatment and opportunities for health.

5. Veracity:
• Definition: Veracity, or truthfulness, is the principle of honesty and
transparency in communication. It involves providing accurate and
complete information to individuals, maintaining trust, and avoiding
deception or misleading statements.
• Significance: Veracity is essential for building and maintaining trust
in professional relationships, particularly in healthcare and other
fields where trust is crucial. It enables individuals to make informed
decisions, fosters open communication, and strengthens the
integrity of professionals and institutions.

6. Fidelity:
• Definition: Fidelity, also known as loyalty or faithfulness, is the
principle of honoring commitments, obligations, and promises. It
involves being reliable, trustworthy, and accountable in professional
relationships and responsibilities.
• Significance: Fidelity is important for establishing and maintaining
trust between professionals and those they serve. It guides
professionals to uphold ethical standards, maintain confidentiality,
and prioritize the interests of individuals or groups they have
committed to serve.

7. Respect for Others:

• Definition: Respect for others entails recognizing the inherent
dignity, worth, and rights of all individuals. It involves treating others
with courtesy, consideration, and sensitivity to their cultural, religious,
and personal beliefs.
• Significance: Respect for others is fundamental in fostering
positive relationships, promoting inclusivity, and preventing
discrimination and bias. It encourages professionals to listen to
diverse perspectives, engage in collaborative decision-making, and
create environments that are welcoming and respectful to all.

These ethical principles provide a framework for ethical reasoning and

decision-making in various professions, guiding professionals to uphold moral
values, act ethically, and promote the well-being and rights of those they
serve.