Major Moral Principles

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Autonomy
Nonmaleficence
Beneficence
Justice
Fidelity
Veracity

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Autonomy
Right to make ones own decisions
Inward autonomy if individuals have
the ability to make choices
Outward autonomy if choices are not
limited or imposed by others

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Nonmaleficence
Duty to do no harm
Harm may intentional or
nonintentional

Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Moral Principles
Beneficence = doing good
Justice = fairness
Fidelity = faithful to agreements and
promises
Veracity = telling the truth

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Professional Codes of Ethics

Outline the major ethical
considerations of the profession
Provide ethical standards for
professional behavior
Guide the profession in self-regulation
Remind nurses of the special
responsibility assumed when caring for
the sick
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Purposes of Professional
Codes of Ethics
To inform the public about the
minimum standards of the profession
To help the public understand
professional nursing conduct
To provide a sign of the professions
commitment to the public

Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Common Ethical Issues

Issues in the care of HIV/AIDS clients
Abortions
Organ transplantation
End-of-life decisions
Cost-containment issues (resource
allocation)
Breaches of client confidentiality
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Enhancing Ethical
Decision-making
Becoming aware of personal values
and ethical aspects of nursing
Becoming familiar with nursing code
of ethics
Seeking continuing education to
remain knowledgeable about ethical
issues in nursing

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Enhancing Ethical
Decision-making
Respecting the values, opinions, and
responsibilities of other health care
professionals
Participating in or establishing ethic
rounds
Serving on institutional ethics
committees
Striving for collaborative practice
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What is an Advocate?

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Advocacy Role
What is
is the
the overall
overall goal
goal of
of
What
being aa clients
clients advocate?
advocate?
being

Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Values Basic to Advocacy

Client is a holistic, autonomous being
who has the right to make choices and
decisions
Clients have the right to expect a
nurse-client relationship that is based
on shared respect, trust, and
collaboration
It is the nurses responsibility to ensure
client has access to health care
services that meet health needs
Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Effective Client Advocates

Are assertive
Recognize the rights and values of clients and
families must take precedence when they
conflict with those of health care providers
Are aware that conflicts may arise over issues
Work with community agencies and lay
practitioners
Know that advocacy may require political
action

Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc.