Nursing Ethics and Professional Development

Study Notes

Values in nursing influence ethical decision-making and professional behavior.
Beliefs are personal interpretations accepted as truth; attitudes reflect feelings towards a subject.
Filipino culture promotes family solidarity across generations, defining dimensions such as structural, associational, and affectual solidarity.

Family values emphasize support, respect, independence, service, trust, communication, and gratitude.
Cultural practices impact health care, influenced by religion, customs, and social beliefs.

Ethics focuses on determining right and wrong, requiring accountability and responsible choices in patient care.
General ethical principles include autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, justice, fidelity, veracity, accountability, and responsibility.

Philippine Nursing Law (RA 9173) defines the scope of nursing practice, emphasizing patient-centered, collaborative care.
Ethical codes serve as guides for behavior in nursing, ensuring respect, confidentiality, and quality of practice.

National Nursing Core Competency Standards outline the essential skills and knowledge for nursing professionals.
The Patients Bill of Rights ensures patient autonomy and informed consent prior to treatments or procedures.
The Code of Ethics, established by the International Council for Nurses, is vital for ethical nursing practice globally.

Informed consent requires complete patient understanding of risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to treatment.
Types of consent include express (oral or written) and implied (nonverbal agreement).

Laws define the obligations and responsibilities of nurses, including aspects such as contract law, tort law, and administrative regulations.
Negligence can be classified into unintentional and intentional categories, impacting professional liabilities.

Nurses are expected to collaborate with health professionals, educate communities, and engage in research and health training.
The scope of nursing has expanded to include advanced practices like suturing and conducting examinations during labor.

Nurses face complex ethical issues, including end-of-life decisions, organ transplantation, and patient autonomy versus medical advice.
Active euthanasia and assisted suicide present moral dilemmas that involve balancing patient desires and professional ethics.

The Good Samaritan Act protects nurses providing emergency assistance from negligence claims unless gross negligence is proven.
Informed consent mandates that patients are knowledgeable and capable decision-makers, reinforcing their autonomy.

The Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 (RA 9173) replaced previous nursing regulations, modernizing nursing practice standards and emphasizing the welfare of patients and communities.### Legal Protections in Nursing Practice
Competent nursing care is essential to ensure patient safety and well-being.
Documentation serves as a legal document; the principle “not written, not done” underscores the importance of accurate records.
Incident reports document accidents or unusual occurrences, forming an essential part of agency records.

Patients are entitled to appropriate medical care and humane treatment.
Informed consent is a fundamental right, requiring clear communication about treatment.
Privacy and confidentiality must be upheld in healthcare settings.
Patients have the right to information, know their rights, and choose their healthcare providers and facilities.
Self-determination in healthcare decisions is recognized.
Patients have the right to access their medical records and respect for their religious beliefs.

Patients must provide accurate and complete information to healthcare providers.
They are responsible for reporting unexpected health changes.
Understanding the purpose and costs of treatment is essential.
Acceptance of consequences tied to informed consent is required.
Financial obligations must be settled by patients.

Patients have the right to quality public healthcare.
Healthy and safe workplaces contribute to overall well-being.
Prevention and education programs should be accessible.
Patients are encouraged to participate in policy decisions that affect their care.

RA 10912 (2016) mandates nurses to enhance knowledge and technical competencies to adapt to healthcare demands.
A total of 45 CPD units is required for renewal, of which 15 must be from accredited activities.
Acceptable CPD activities include seminars, workshops, higher academic qualifications, residency, fellowships, and self-directed training evaluated by CPD Councils.

Establishes a pathway for nurses from compliant to proficient status.
Aims to enhance nursing competencies through the development of educational programs and standards.

Empowers the protection of personal information while promoting innovation and growth.
Ensures that personal data in government and private sectors is secured and protected.

Dynamic leadership and operational excellence are crucial for achieving service excellence.
Emphasis on strategic partnerships and social responsibility reflects the commitment to the community.
Balanced perspectives are critical for growth, encompassing learning and growth, internal processes, customer relations, and financial sustainability.