Raymund Christopher R. dela Peña, RN, RM

Clinical FacultyUNP-College of Nursing

NURSING ETHICS

ETHICS- study of the norm of human acts as guided by human reason.

BIOETHICS- is the study of human conduct in

the area of the life sciences and health care using moral values and principles.

PRINCIPLES IN BIOETHICS

BENEFICENCE- means to do good and not to do harm.

NON- MALEFICENCE- one ought not to inflict evil or harm.

AUTONOMY- means self-determination

JUSTICE- refers to the obligation to be fair to other people.

FIDELITY- refers to the obligation to be faithful to the agreements, commitments and responsibilities that one has made to oneself and others

VERACITY- refers to telling the truth or not intentionally deceiving or misleading patients

CODE OF ETHICS FOR REGISTERED

NURSES

Four basic ethical principles:

1. Fundamental responsibility of the nurse is four fold

2. Nurse renders service regardless of race, creed, nationality or political belief.

3. Nurse protects life and respects the dignity of man.

4. Nurse works in collaboration with members of the health team

REGISTERED NURSES AND PEOPLE

Ethical Principles:1.Values, customs and spiritual beliefs

shall be respected2.Individual freedom to make decisions3.Personal information acquired must

be held in confidence

Guidelines to be observed:a.individuality and totality of patientsb.respectc.uphold the rights of individualsd.take into consideration culture and

values- in the event of conflict, welfare and safety take precedence

REGISTERED NURSES AND PRACTICE

Ethical Principles:a.Human life is inviolableb.Quality and excellence in the care of

patientsc.Accurate documentation- nursing

accountability

Guidelines to be observed:a.know the definition and scope of

nursing practiceb.be aware of duties and

responsibilitiesc.acquire and develop competence

in knowledge, skills and attitude

d.optimum standard of safe nursing practice

e.be morally and legally responsible

f.patient’s records considered confidential

REGISTERED NURSES AND CO-WORKERS

Ethical Principles:1.work in solidarity with other

members of the health team2.maintains collegial and collaborative

working relationships

Guidelines to be observed:a.maintain professional identityb.conform with group activitiesc.contribute to professional growthd.actively participate in prof

organizationse.respect rights of co-workers

REGISTERED NURSES, SOCIETY AND ENVIRONMENT

Ethical Principles:1.preservation of life, respect for

human rights and promotion of a healthy environment

2.establishment of linkages

Guidelines to be observed:a.be conscious of obligations as citizensb.equipped with knowledge of health

resources within the communityc.actively participate in programs,

projects and activities d.right conduct and proper decorume.project image that will uplift nursing

profession

REGISTERED NURSES AND THE PROFESSION

Ethical Principles:1.maintain loyalty2.compliance with by laws of accredited prof

organizations3.commitment to continual learning4.contribute to the improvement of the socio-

economic conditions and welfare of nurses

PATIENT’S BILL OF RIGHTS

1. Right to considerate and respectful care

- nurse avoids discriminating acts that tends to bring the appearance of favoritism

- “ tender loving care attitude”

2. Right to information about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis

3. Right to informed consent - refers to the capacity of the patient to

accept or refuse treatment options offered by the health care provider.

Elements: Voluntariness Information Capacity

6. Right to confidentiality - all records and communications

held in confidencewhen to divulge information: 1. patient placed in serious danger 2. public welfare 3. legal proceeding

7. Right to go over records8. Right to services and to

transfer - referrals9. Right to know relationship with

other health care and educational institutions

10. Right not to be subjects of research or experimentation

11. Right to expect reasonable continuity of care

- follow up consultations12. Right to examine and receive

an explanation of his bill, Right to know what hospital rules and regulations apply to his conduct as a patient

PATIENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES:1. Providing information2. Complying with instructions3. Informing the physician of

refusal to treatment4. Paying hospital charges5. Following hospital rules and

regulations6. Showing respect and

consideration