10.2: Nursing Ethical Principles I
Ethical principles serve as the moral compass in the longstanding tradition of nursing, guiding healthcare professionals in their interactions with patients and families. These principles, namely autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and fidelity, provide a robust framework for navigating the ethical complexities of daily nursing practice.
Autonomy
Autonomy underscores the significance of a patient's self-determination and freedom from external control. In healthcare, respecting the rights of patients or their surrogates to make decisions is paramount. For instance, patients can refuse medical interventions, treatment, medications, or surgery, irrespective of their potential benefits.
Beneficence
Beneficence involves promoting good and acting in the patient's best interest. Nurses, as advocates for their patients, strive to promote well-being. It can be manifested through actions such as implementing fall precautions like keeping side rails up, providing assistance when needed, and ensuring adherence to medication rights during administration.
Non-maleficence
Non-maleficence emphasizes the duty to avoid causing harm. Nurses must deliver care that minimizes risks and considers potential consequences. It includes promptly discontinuing a medication that causes severe side effects and diligently avoiding negligence in patient care.
Justice
Justice centers around fairness, ensuring that patients receive fair and impartial treatment. This principle extends to equitable access to healthcare resources, regardless of economic status. Nurses play a crucial role in upholding justice by providing care without bias or discrimination.
Fidelity
Fidelity involves keeping promises and remaining faithful to professional commitments. Nurses exhibit fidelity by delivering competent, safe, and efficient patient care. It includes supporting patient decisions, upholding autonomy, and actively contributing to advancing the nursing profession, such as safeguarding patient confidentiality.
By upholding these ethical principles, nurses contribute to a healthcare environment grounded in trust, respect, and patient-centered care. Applying these principles ensures that nursing practice aligns with the highest standards of ethical conduct, fostering a compassionate and supportive relationship between healthcare professionals and those they serve.
