Ethics and Legal Regulations in Nursing

Standards of moral judgment and professional conduct for nurses, holding accountability to patients, the public, employers, and the profession.

Nurses have primary duties like patient autonomy, confidentiality, and care to all patients, alongside principles of beneficence (acting in the best interest of the patient) and non-maleficence (avoiding harm).

Characterized by intensive study, standardized education, and control over practice in the nursing profession, built on specific knowledge.

Activities are intellectual, based on knowledge and teachable techniques. Internal organization and altruistic motivation (helping others) are crucial.

The ethical principle ensuring patients have the right to control their care and decisions.

Maintaining the privacy of patient information.

Acting in the best interest of the patient, doing good.

Avoiding harm to the patient.

The branch of philosophy dealing with standards of conduct and behaviour in nursing, concerned with right and wrong actions.

Guiding rules for ethical decision-making in nursing, focusing on patient well-being and fairness.

Providing healthcare services fairly and equally, independent of patient characteristics.

The selfless dedication of nurses to helping others, putting the needs of patients first, even when it comes at a personal cost.

A set of principles guiding ethical conduct and decision-making for nurses, emphasizing patient well-being and professional integrity.

A group that supports and promotes high standards of nursing practice by providing specialized resources, education, and advocacy for nurses.

The official authorization granted to qualified nurses by a regulatory body to practice legally and safely, ensuring public protection.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Botswana (NMCB) ensures quality nursing education, safe patient care, and public health protection through registration and licensing.

Profession focuses on theoretical knowledge and prolonged education, while occupation emphasizes manual labor with shorter training.

A professional duty becomes a legal duty when professional standards or policies are violated during service.

Special body of knowledge constantly growing through research.

Based on science and theory, rather than solely on experience.

Formal education, often in universities or colleges rather than directly on the job.

Ability to control the practice of the profession.

Important part of professional practice; guided by beliefs and principles.

Services vital for human welfare, incorporating caring actions.

A patient's voluntary agreement to a medical procedure, based on understanding its risks, benefits, and alternatives. It must be given freely, without coercion, and involve clear information shared in a way the patient can comprehend.

The legal and mental ability to understand medical information and make informed decisions about one's healthcare. This is usually determined by age (generally 18 years or older) and cognitive competence.

A patient's legal and ethical entitlement to decline medical procedures or interventions, even if recommended by healthcare professionals. This right is linked to the principle of self-determination.

Legal documents that allow individuals to make decisions about their future healthcare in advance, in case they become unable to make those decisions themselves.

Two common types of advance directives. A living will outlines your desired healthcare in specific situations, while a durable power of attorney appoints a proxy to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

Nurses are instructed to estimate patients' vital signs instead of accurately measuring them due to time constraints. This raises ethical concerns about patient safety and data accuracy.

The ethical principle of beneficence mandates nurses to act in the best interest of their patients. This principle is challenged by the directive to estimate vital signs, potentially harming patients by delaying or misdirecting treatment.

The ethical principle of non-maleficence obligates nurses to avoid harming patients. Estimating vital signs could lead to delayed or inappropriate treatment, ultimately harming the patient.

Nurses are accountable for providing accurate and timely care to patients. This responsibility includes ensuring accurate vital sign readings, as they provide crucial information for diagnosis and treatment.

Nurses face ethical dilemmas frequently, and must carefully consider ethical principles like beneficence, non-maleficence, and patient autonomy when making decisions about patient care.

Time pressure can lead to ethical compromises, as nurses may feel pressured to prioritize efficiency over patient well-being. Ethical dilemmas emerge when the pressure to meet deadlines conflicts with ethical obligations.

Nurses have an obligation to report ethical violations, such as neglecting to accurately measure vital signs. This ensures patient safety and accountability within the healthcare system.

Supervisors have a responsibility to create a work environment that supports ethical practices, including adequate staff ratios and prioritization of patient care over time constraints.