Values, Morals, and Ethics in Nursing

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to values, morals, ethics, professional conduct, ethical theories, principles, and common issues in nursing practice, based on lecture notes.

Values, Morals, Ethics

Choosing to do what's right or not do what's wrong, based on society's interpretation of good versus bad, or personal feelings and ideals of right versus wrong. These concepts are moldable and change as one grows.

Value

A belief about the worth of something; a standard that influences thoughts on human needs, illness, death, relationships, and health behavior.

Modeling (Value Transmission)

Shaping one's thoughts, ideas, and interpretations, akin to shaping clay.

Moralizing (Value Transmission)

Helps decipher between what one feels is right and what one feels is wrong.

Laissez-faire Mode (Value Transmission)

Taking direction based on one's current mood or inclination.

Responsible Choice (Value Transmission)

Making the right decision based on society's views of that value.

Altruism (Professional Value)

Being true to the profession, demonstrating concern and caring for others, and adhering to the code of ethics.

Autonomy (Professional Value)

The right to choose between right and wrong and face the consequences; making decisions based on one's own judgment.

Human Dignity (Professional Value)

Having respect for other people, their bodies, their healthcare needs, and their uniqueness, treating everyone the same.

Integrity (Professional Value)

Doing the right thing when nobody else is looking and taking ownership of one's actions.

Social Justice (Professional Value)

Adhering to society's views of right or wrong, following laws derived from the public.

Choosing (Valuing Process Activity)

Having the autonomy to select actions based on potential consequences.

Prizing or Treasuring (Valuing Process Activity)

Involves internal emotions and feelings such as happiness and pride, and internalizing care for others.

Acting (Valuing Process Activity)

Putting behaviors into action, considering the value of one's own feelings and those of others.

Ethics

The study of the principles that make things either right or wrong.

Bioethics

A field that prompts questions about expected duties and obligations, especially towards the public.

Nursing Ethics

A subset of bioethics, specific to the nursing profession.

Ethics Committee / Bioethics Committee

A committee found in every facility that helps answer ethical questions and make decisions to support nursing staff.

Morals

More focused on internal and personal feelings of right versus wrong.

Deontology (Ethical Theory)

An action is right or wrong not based on its consequences; focused on the good of one individual, disregarding societal views.

Utilitarianism (Ethical Theory)

Actions depend on society's view and the consequences of the action; aims for the greater good of many.

Autonomy (Ethical Principle)

Granting individuals the right to make their own decisions about treatment.

Nonmaleficence (Ethical Principle)

The principle of doing no harm.

Beneficence (Ethical Principle)

Actions that ultimately benefit the patient, even if initially uncomfortable.

Justice (Ethical Principle)

Treating everybody the same, regardless of their background or status.

Fidelity (Ethical Principle)

Being honest, keeping one's word, and maintaining confidentiality within a relationship.

Veracity (Ethical Principle)

Being truthful and honest, especially when informing patients about procedures or potential discomfort.

Accountability (Ethical Principle)

Acknowledging one's actions and taking ownership of mistakes.

Privacy / Confidentiality (Ethical Principle)

Not sharing patient information unless on a strict need-to-know basis.

Advocacy (Ethical Principle)

Speaking on behalf of someone else who is unable to do so themselves.

Responsibility (Ethical Principle)

Performing expected duties, such as assessing patients, following orders, arriving on time, and documenting properly.

Civility (Ethical Principle)

Being nice and respectful to everyone, including patients, coworkers, and administration.

Care-Based Approach

An approach in healthcare centered on a caring relationship, promoting dignity and respect, treating patients as individuals, cultivating responsiveness, and redefining moral skills to include virtues.

Ethical Conduct

Cultivating nursing virtues, understanding ethical theories and principles, and being familiar with the Code of Ethics to dictate and justify professional actions.

Code of Ethics

A written document from the ANA that lists all standards expected of a professional nurse, both at and outside of work; it is non-negotiable.

Moral Agency

The capacity to be ethical and do the right thing for the right reasons, influenced by societal views and a caring nature specific to professional nursing.

Nurses' Virtues

Confidence, compassion, self-effacement, trustworthiness, conscientiousness, intelligence, practical wisdom (common sense), humility, courage, and integrity.

Nurses' Rights

To practice with autonomy (within scope), work in an ethically supportive environment, advocate for oneself, get paid, work in a safe environment, and negotiate employment conditions.

Just Culture

A work environment where individuals feel safe to speak up about problems without fear of retaliation or negative consequences.

Moral Distress

Occurs when expected actions go against one's personal feelings or morals, leading to internal struggle and potentially affecting job performance.

Building Resilience

Cultivating good relationships, accepting change, viewing crises as manageable, nurturing a positive self-view, self-care, and maintaining perspective.

Nursing Process for Ethical Decisions

A five-step process: assessing the situation, identifying problems, planning goals and alternatives, implementing the plan, and evaluating the decision and consequences.

Paternalism (Ethical Problem)

Deciding for the patient, potentially overriding their autonomy.

Deception (Ethical Problem)

Dishonesty or lack of truthfulness with patients regarding diagnoses or interventions.

Allocation of Resources (Ethical Problem)

Ethical challenges related to the fair distribution and avoidance of waste of resources.

Conflicts concerning New Technologies (Ethical Problem)

Issues arising from technology malfunction, potential for harm, or improper information dissemination.

P.O.A. (Power of Attorney)

An individual designated to make financial and, sometimes, healthcare decisions for another person, typically when that person is no longer able to do so.

Healthcare Proxy

An individual specifically designated to make health-related decisions on behalf of another person, often carrying more weight for healthcare matters than a general POA.

Informed Consent

Obtaining a patient's permission or agreement for procedures, medications, or care, which can be both written and verbal after full explanation.