Introduction to Nursing Ethics

Introduction to Nursing Ethics

• The subject is Introduction to Nursing Ethics
• Presented by Khozima Mohammed
• From the Department of Fundamental Nursing
• Faculty of Nursing Sciences
• Alneelain University

Objectives

• To understand the concept of ethics and professional values
• To explore the importance of nursing ethics in practice
• To differentiate between ethics and law
• To provide a brief overview of the history of nursing ethics

Background

• The primary commitment (promise) of a nurse is to the patient (individual, family, group, or community).
• Nurses promote, advocate for, and strive to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient

Early Nursing

• Early nursing ethics was practiced in medieval nunneries and church-run hospitals.
• Nuns depended on Christian ethics to guide their practice

Early Modern Nursing

• In the early 20th century, nurses fought for recognition as professionals, not just assistants to physicians.
• Nursing ethics became patient-centered, teaching patients self-care whether their condition could be cured or not.

Transition of Nursing

• During the 1960s and 1970s, nursing evolved from a job to a profession distinct from other healthcare fields
• Nursing ethics focused on advocating for patient needs

Introduction to Ethics

• Patient care should be based on sound judgment (evidence-based practice).
• Ethical judgment involves understanding right and wrong.
• Nurses need a strong sense of what to do and what not to do, and their priorities.

What is an Ethical Issue?

• Judging right versus wrong
• Choosing between options
• Deciding whether to act or not
• Weighing the potential impact of decisions/actions
• Ethical dilemmas are difficult choices

History of Nursing Ethics

• Early Foundations:
  • Florence Nightingale's influence
  • Establishment of nursing codes of ethics
• Modern Developments:
  • Introduction of ethical frameworks (e.g., ANA Code of Ethics)
  • Evolving role of ethics in response to healthcare challenges

The History of Nursing Ethics

• Nursing ethics primarily focuses on patient health, unlike medicine, which focuses on cures.
• This makes nursing ethics unique in the field, emphasizing the whole patient over the disease.

Nursing Ethics Today

• Today, nurses are often independent primary caregivers, not just subordinates to physicians
• Modern ethicists focus on holistic treatment, patient rights, and the status of nurses as healthcare professionals.

Definition of Ethics

• Ethics are principles governing behavior or conduct.

Key Concepts

• Morality vs. ethics
• Personal and professional ethics
• Importance in healthcare

Definition of Nursing Ethics

• A system of principles governing a nurse's conduct.
• It involves relationships with patients, their families, colleagues, and society.

Definition of Professional Values in Nursing

• Compassion
• Integrity
• Respect
• Advocacy
• Accountability

Importance of Nursing Ethics

• Ensures patient safety by protecting rights and dignity
• Guides clinical decision-making with integrity
• Promotes trust between nurses, patients, and families
• Maintains professionalism by upholding standards

Difference Between Ethics and Law

• Ethics: Principles of right and wrong behavior (moral obligations and values)
• Law: System of rules enforced by institutions (legal obligations and rules)
• Example: Maintaining patient confidentiality (ethics) vs. HIPAA regulations (law)

Summary

• Ethics and professional values are crucial to nursing.
• Nursing ethics ensures quality care and patient trust.
• Differentiating between ethics and law is essential in practice.