Ethics & Values

NRS 101

About Ethics
Ethics System of moral principles governing behaviors and relationships Standards of right and wrong Morality Private, personal standards of right and wrong Laws reflect moral values of society Nurses have ethical responsibility to be client advocates

Values
Values
Personal beliefs about truth and worth of behaviors, thought, objects

Beliefs
Interpretations or conclusion that one accepts as true

Values
Personal values develop from Individual social traditions Cultural, ethnic religious norms Professional values develop from Socialization into nursing profession Established code of ethics Faculty and other nurses Clinical and life experiences Values clarification

Professional Values
Altruism Autonomy Human dignity Integrity Social justice

Clarifying Client Values

Purpose
Clients values influence, relate to problem

Processes
List alternatives Examine possible consequences of choices Choose freely; feel good about choice Affirm choice; act on choice Act with pattern

Principles of Ethical Decision Making

Autonomy Beneficence - Nonmaleficence Justice Veracity

Nursing Codes of Ethics

General codes of ethics American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses International Council of Nurses Code of Ethics

Models of Ethical Decision Making

Responsible decision making
Rational Systematic Based on ethical principles and codes

Ethical obligations to clients, agency, primary care provider First step: determine whether moral dilemma exists

Figure 42-1 When there is a need for ethical decisions of client advocacy, many different people contribute to the final outcome. A. Ramsey/PhotoEdit

Strategies
Strategies to help nurses National Guideline Clearinghouse Joint Commission