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 –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 –Client’s 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