UNIT :1 INTRODUCTION OF NURSING

ETHICS
UNIT OBJECTIVES:
By the completion of this unit ,learners will be able to :
1.Define the terms: Ethic ,Nursing ethics ,bio-ethics, value,
belief ,morals attitude conflict, dilemma, ethical dilemma.
2.Discuss importance of ethics in nursing .
3.Review criteria of a profession .
4.Develop Characteristic of a Professional nurses .
ETHICS:
Derived from the Greek word “ethos”, which means “way of living”, ethics is a branch of philosophy that is
concerned with human conduct, more specifically the behavior of individuals in society.
 In a broader sense, ethics reflects on human beings and their interaction with nature and with other humans, on
freedom, on responsibility and on justice.
One may also define ethics as a method, procedure, or perspective for deciding how to act and for analyzing
complex problems and issues.
Bioethics .
The study of ethics and values relevant to the conduct of clinical practice and research in medicine and
the life sciences.
Ethics applied to life. (e.g. Abortion, euthanasia)
Bioethics is commonly understood to refer to the ethical implications and applications of the health-
related life sciences.
Nursing ethics.
According to ANA : It is a succinct statement of the ethical obligations and duties of every individual who
enters the nursing profession.
Value.
In ethics and social sciences, value denotes the degree of importance of some thing or
action, with the aim of determining which actions are best to do or what way is best to
live,
 or to describe the significance of different actions.
BELIEF.
Interpretation or opinion that we accept as true.
It is based on faith not on fact.
Belief is judged as correct or incorrect.
A belief is an idea that a person holds as being true.
Morals.
Morals are the customs established by group of individuals whereas ethics defines the
character of an individual.
Morals are the beliefs of the individual or group as to what is right or wrong. Some
moral principles are:
• Do not cheat.
• Be loyal.
• Be patient.
• Always tell the truth.
ATTITUDE.
An attitude is “a relatively enduring organization of beliefs, feelings, and behavioral
tendencies towards socially significant objects, groups, events or symbols”
For example – what is your attitude towards Euthanasia (mercy killing)? Do you
think of it as right?
CONFLICT.
 Conflicts arise when there is no unity between the team members and shared ethical priorities.
 Mental struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs, wishes etc.
ETHICAL Dilemma.
An ethical dilemma results from conflict of competing values and requires a decision
to be made from equally desirable or undesirable options.
Reproduction Issues
• Abortion.
• Birth control methods.
• Alternative conception.
End-of-Life Issues
• Physician-assisted suicide.
• DNR.
Genetics.
• Stem cell research
• Cloning.
Organ transplantation.
 IMPORTANCE OF ETHICES IN NURSING
Ethics is very important for nurses Here are situations nurses face almost
every day:
Obtain informed consent. Unless the patient is unconscious, the nurse has a responsibility to obtain a
patient’s consent prior to any treatment or procedure.
Sometimes the patient will refuse treatment. Nurses ensure the staff follows the patient’s wishes.
Maintain patient confidentiality. While not everyone on the staff needs to know about the patient’s
history or situation, nurses must decide who needs to know without violating confidentiality .
Tell the truth. Most patients trust nurses, which is one of the reasons the profession has the highest rating
for ethics and honesty.
Nurses must remain truthful even when reporting news the patient does not want to hear.
They also depend on patients to share correct information about their medicines, conditions and other
issues.
Deal with beliefs that conflict with empirical knowledge. Patients and their
families may refuse standard treatment that has been proven effective.
For example, some religions forbid blood transfusions. Should the nurse explain the benefits
of the recommended treatment? Or should the nurse respect the patient’s decision?

Ethical guidelines help nurses work through difficult situations and provide them with a
moral compass to do their jobs fairly.
At the same time, these guidelines promote high levels of care and attention.
CRIRERIA FOR A PROFESSION
• Great responsibility. ...
• Accountability. ...
• Based on specialized, theoretical knowledge. ...
• Institutional preparation. ...
• Autonomy. ...
• Direct working relationships. ...
• Ethical constraints.
• Body of knowledge .
• Advancement of knowledge .
CHAREACHERISTIC OF PROFESSIONAL NURSE
• Caring
• Honest
• Faithful
• Patient
• Good listener
• Accountable
• Competent
• Confident
• Commitment
• Reflective
• Non judgmental
• Safe care provider
 CONT….
• Maintain ethical standards in practice.
• Encourage peer to follow the same.
• Follows policies and procedures defined by the institution.
• Maintains ethical conduct.
• Responsible.
• Communication Skills. ...
• Empathy. ...
• Attention to Detail. ...
• Problem Solving Skills. ...
• Stamina. ...
• Sense of Humor...
REFERNCESES.
• https://www.nursingworld.org/
• https://
www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/values-ethics/
code/what-is-ethics.html
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/ethics-philosophy
• https
://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/wha
t-is-ethics
/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics