Ethical Principles in Nursing

Overview

• Discussion on ethical principles commonly tested on the NCLEX and in nursing fundamental courses.
• Focus on seven key ethical principles that guide nursing practice.

Seven Ethical Principles

1. Autonomy

• Definition: Respecting a patient's values and beliefs.
• Key Idea: Patients have the right to make their own healthcare decisions.
• Memory Trick: "Autonomy = All by myself"
• Example: A patient refusing treatment while medically stable.

2. Beneficence

• Definition: Always doing good for the patient and acting with compassion.
• Memory Trick: "Beneficence = Benefit"
• Example: Holding a patient's hand in hospice care.

3. Fidelity

• Definition: Remaining loyal and faithful in actions and care.
• Memory Trick: "Fidelity = Faithful"
• Example: Fulfilling a promise to a patient to assist them at a specific time.

4. Accountability

• Definition: Taking responsibility for all actions.
• Memory Trick: "Accountability = I am accountable for my actions"
• Example: Owning up to a medication error.

5. Justice

• Definition: Fair and equal care for all patients.
• Memory Trick: "I just want fair care for all"
• Example: Providing equal care irrespective of personal background.

6. Non-Maleficence

• Definition: Do no harm, including avoiding both intentional and unintentional harm.
• Memory Trick: "None means none; Mal means bad"
• Example: Stopping a harmful medication or avoiding giving a known allergen.

7. Veracity

• Definition: Being honest with the patient at all times.
• Memory Trick: "Veracity = Very honest"
• Example: Informing a patient honestly about medication side effects.

Practice Question Discussion

• Clarification on correct understanding of ethical principles:
  • Justice: Not about truth-telling; related to fairness.
  • Autonomy: Requiring an advanced directive is not autonomy.
  • Fidelity: Staying with a patient as promised aligns with fidelity.
  • Beneficence: Not hiding diagnoses from patients, as it affects autonomy.

Review of Ethical Principles

• Autonomy: Right to self-decision.
• Beneficence: Doing good.
• Fidelity: Loyalty and faithfulness.
• Accountability: Responsibility for actions.
• Justice: Equal care for all.
• Non-Maleficence: Do no harm.
• Veracity: Honesty in all patient interactions.

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding these principles for the NCLEX and nursing practice.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more educational content for nursing students.

Happy studying, future nurses!