Ethics in Nursing and Patient Care

Ethics Definition

• Ethics is the systematic study of what a person's conduct and actions should be regarding themselves, other individuals, and the environment.
• It involves justifying what is right or good and examining how a person's life and relationships should be.

Nursing Ethical Dilemmas

• Moral Indifference: An individual questions the necessity of morality in practice.
• Moral Uncertainty/Conflict: An individual is unsure which moral principles or values apply, possibly uncertain about the moral problem itself.
• Moral Distress: An individual knows the right action but organizational constraints hinder them from taking that course.
• Moral Outrage: An individual witnesses another's immoral act but feels powerless to stop it.

Patient Refusal to Sign Consent

• Address the patient's concerns and provide them with all necessary information.
• Maintain open communication, show empathy, and respect the patient's autonomy.
• Help the patient explore other options.

Ethical Terms

• Autonomy: Promotes the right to self-determination and freedom of choice.
• Beneficence: Actions taken to promote good.
• Justice: Treating equals equally and unequals according to their differences.
• Nonmaleficence: Actions taken to avoid harm.
• Confidentiality: Keeping privileged information private.

ANA Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements

• Outlines the important general values, duties, and responsibilities that come with being a nurse.
• Serves as a guide for carrying out nursing responsibilities in a way that aligns with quality nursing care and the ethical obligations of the profession.
• It's not legally binding but functions as a guide for the highest ethical practice standards in nursing and aids in moral thinking.

Purpose of Healthcare Laws and Regulations

• Primarily to protect the patient and the nurse.
• Define the scope of acceptable practice and protect individual rights.
• Nurses who understand their legal rights and duties can better shield themselves from liability or loss of professional licensure.

TN State Nurse Practice Act

• An example of a statute (rule, law, and regulation).

Types of Law

• Civil Law: Deals with legal issues between individuals, like malpractice or negligence. Consequences include monetary damages.
• Criminal Law: Involves actions considered offenses against the state or public. Consequences include incarceration, probation, and fines.
• Federal/Administrative Law: Rules and regulations issued by local, state, and federal governments.

Example of a Civil Act

• A nurse violates a patient's rights and must pay compensation.

Example of a Criminal Act

• Intentionally administering a fatal dose of medication.

Key Fact: Federal Law

• Includes nationwide rules like patient privacy (HIPAA), anti-discrimination (ADA), and workforce safety.