Untitled Flashcard Set

Ethics

The philosophical study of morality using logic for decision-making.

Values

Ideals of significant importance, which can be personal, professional, or organizational.

Value Clarification

Increasing self-awareness to assist in decision-making and resolving ethical dilemmas.

Ethical Problem

Conflict between values with uncertainty about the action.

Ethical Dilemma

Choice between two equally compelling but conflicting courses of action.

Moral Distress

Psychological pain when institutional constraints prevent doing what is known to be right.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory focusing on outcomes; producing the most benefit for the most people.

Deontology

Duty-based ethics where actions are judged by principles, such as the Categorical Imperative.

Ethic of Care

A feminist perspective focusing on relationships and empathy rather than just rules.

Public Law

Governs relationships between individuals and society, including Criminal and Constitutional law.

Private Law

Governs disputes between individuals, such as Property, Family, and Torts.

Torts

Civil wrongs causing injury, including both intentional (e.g., Battery) and non-intentional acts (e.g., Negligence/Malpractice).

Liability

Professional responsibility; vicarious liability means employers can be held responsible for employee actions.

Informed Consent

Requires disclosure of the nature, benefits, risks, and alternatives, governed by the Health Care Consent Act.

Substitute Decision Makers (SDM)

Individuals who decide for incapable persons under the Substitute Decisions Act.

Privacy (PHIPA)

Governs personal health information with provisions for implied consent and patient-restricted access.

RHPA (1991)

Umbrella law for all health professions that defines controlled acts.

Nursing Act (1991)

Establishes the mandate of the College of Nurses of Ontario and defines the nursing scope of practice.

CNO vs. RNAO

The CNO protects the public while the RNAO advocates for nurses.

Controlled Acts

Specific procedures that nurses are authorized to perform, such as injections.

Authorizing Mechanisms

Includes Direct Orders, Directives (group orders), and Delegation (transfer of authority).

Unregulated Care Providers (UCPs)

Individuals who may assist but the nurse remains accountable for the decisions.

Just Culture

A safety culture that balances system flaws and individual accountability.

Legislation (QCIPA & ECFAA)

Laws related to confidential quality reviews and mandatory reporting of critical incidents.

Disclosure

Communicating harmful incidents to patients and families, including a sincere apology.

Boundary Drift

Fantasizing or considering crossing a line in professional relationships.

Boundary Crossing

Minor excursions across professional lines.

Boundary Violation

Harmful or exploitative crossings of professional boundaries.

Burnout

Exhaustion and cynicism resulting from chronic stressors.

Violence/Incivility

Includes Horizontal (peer-to-peer), Vertical (power imbalance), and Bullying requiring de-escalation and reporting.

Structural Empowerment

Access to information, support, and resources needed for meaningful work.