VALUES & ETHICS

lecture day: 09/08/2025

Definition of Values

Beliefs about the worth of something; act as standards to guide behavior.

Modes of Value Transmission

Modeling, moralizing, laissez-faire, rewarding/punishing, responsible-choice (ways values are learned).

Three Activities of the Valuing Process

Choosing (free choice after considering alternatives), 

Prizing (treasuring with pride/affirmation),

 Acting (consistently incorporating into behavior).

Professional Nursing Values

• Altruism,

• Autonomy,

• Human dignity,

• Integrity,

• Social justice.

Definition of Ethics

• Systematic study of principles of right/wrong,

• virtue/vice,

• good/evil in conduct and human flourishing.

Types of Ethics

Bioethics – life sciences issues; 

Nursing ethics – ethical issues in nursing practice; 

Feminist ethics – challenges oppression, esp. women/poor.

Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing

• Problems with >1 choice,

• conflicting values, '

• not solved by science alone,

• outcome affects patient profoundly

Action-Guiding Theories

Utilitarian – right/wrong depends on consequences; 

Deontologic – right/wrong independent of consequences.

Care-Based Approach to Ethics

• Focus on caring relationship,

• dignity/respect,

• individual details,

• responsiveness,

• redefining moral skills to include virtues.

Purposes of the Code of Ethics for Nurses

States obligations/duties of nurses,

sets nonnegotiable ethical standard,

expresses nursing’s commitment to society.

ICN Guidelines for Code of Ethics

• Promote quality care,

• respect human rights,

• ensure ethical practice environments globally.

Reasons for Decline in Quality of Care

Inadequate nursing staff, poor nurse satisfaction.

Bill of Rights for RNs – 7 Tenets (part 1)

• Practice fulfilling obligations,

• work in supportive/ethical environments,

• act within scope,

• freely advocate without retribution.

Bill of Rights for RNs – 7 Tenets (part 2)

• Fair compensation,

• safe work environment,

• negotiate employment conditions.

Moral Distress

Knowing the right thing to do but prevented by personal/institutional barriers

Moral Resilience

Capacity to respond well to moral distress and emerge stronger.

Ways to Develop Moral Resilience

Build good relationships, accept change, avoid viewing crises as insurmountable, nurture positive self-view, keep perspective.

Ethical Distress vs Ethical Dilemma

Distress = right action blocked;

Dilemma = conflicting moral principles, inconsistent actions

Examples of Ethical Problems

Paternalism, deception, privacy, confidentiality, scarce resources, consent/refusal, new tech conflicts, unprofessional/illegal practice, short staffing, whistleblowing, beginning/end-of-life issues.

Functions of Ethics Committees

Education, policy-making, case review, consultation, sometimes research.

Advocacy in Nursing

Primary commitment to patient;

prioritize patient’s good;

balance autonomy vs well-being.