Nursing Lesson 3: Values, Ethics, and Laws

Values, Ethics, and Laws in Nursing

• Values are enduring beliefs or attitudes about the worth of a person, object, idea, or action.
• A value set is a small group of values held by an individual.
• Beliefs are interpretations or conclusions that people accept as true.
• Attitudes are mental positions or feelings toward a person, object, or idea.

Essential Nursing Values

• Altruism: concern for the welfare and well-being of others.
• Autonomy: right to self-determination and respecting patients' rights to make decisions about healthcare.
• Human dignity: respect for inherent worth and uniqueness of individuals and populations.
• Integrity: acting in accordance with an appropriate code of ethics and accepted standards of practice.

Morality and Ethics

• Ethics: method of inquiry that helps people understand morality, practices, or beliefs of a certain group, and expected standard of moral behavior.
• Bioethics: ethics applied to human life or health.
• Nursing ethics: refers to ethical issues that occur in nursing practice.

Principles of Nursing Ethics

• Beneficence and non-maleficence: doing or promoting good, avoiding harm or removing harm, and preventing harm.
• Respect for autonomy: independence and ability to be self-directed, respecting clients' right to self-determination.

Codes of Ethics

• The Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses: promotes ethical behavior and guides nurse professionals in their daily practice.
• Code of Good Governance: promotes good professional and ethical principles.

General Principles

• Service to others
• Integrity and objectivity
• Professional competence
• Solidarity and teamwork
• Social responsibilities
• Global competitiveness
• Equality of all professions

Laws Governing the Practice of Nursing

• Philippine Nursing Law: Act No. 2493, RA 877, RA 7164, RA 1080, RA 6511, and RA 9173
• Other laws related to nursing practice: RA 2644, PD 541, RA 6425, Act 3573, RA 4073, PD 996, PD 825, PD 856, PD 148, PD 166, RA 4226, PD 442, PD 603, PD 651, RA 6675, RA 6173, RA 7160, RA 7600, and RA 7432

This quiz covers the fundamentals of values, ethics, and laws in nursing, including enduring beliefs, attitudes, and beliefs. It's an essential lesson for nursing students to understand the principles of nursing practice.