Ethics and Values in Nursing Care

Introduction

Ethical dilemmas are common in nursing practice.
Discuss the differences between values, morals, and ethics.
- Values: Personal principles that determine right and wrong.
- Morals: Beliefs formed from core values influencing behavior.
- Ethics: Moral principles guiding application of morals.

The A.A. Code of Ethics provides a framework for guiding nurses through ethical dilemmas.
Important nursing attributes to keep ethics at the forefront:
- Commitment to the Client: Avoid letting personal values impede client needs.
- Advocacy: Promote health and wellness; crucial for ethical dilemmas.
- Responsibility and Accountability: For all care given.
- Advancing Nursing Practice: Stay updated with current practice and education.
- Holistic Nursing: Recognize dignity and uniqueness of individuals.
- Collaboration: Work with healthcare teams to promote wellness.

Quality of Life:
- Includes end-of-life care, cancer therapy, physician-assisted suicide, DNR orders.
- Nurses must advocate for patient decisions against potential family opposition.
Genetic Screening:
- Detecting genes without symptoms or cure, relevant in maternal nursing.
End of Life Care:
- Consideration of invasive interventions and their impact on quality of life.
Access to Healthcare:
- Ensure everyone has the right to healthcare resources.

Occurs when unable to act according to personal values.
Alleviation methods:
- Interdisciplinary Ethics Education: Enhance preparedness.
- Sharing Professional Perspectives: Increase collaborative practices.
- Addressing Clinical Situations: Discuss common dilemmas in advance.
- Engage in Constructive Conversations: With peers or trusted individuals.