Lesson 3 - Ethics and professional conduct (1)

HLTENN036 & HLTENN041 Overview

The content focuses on the application of communication skills and the legal and ethical parameters in nursing practice. It emphasizes the significance of ethics and professional conduct within the nursing profession, serving as a foundation for ethical decision-making and patient care.

Codes of Ethics and Conduct

Comparison

• Code of Ethics: This is an aspirational document issued by the governing body, containing core ethical values and principles guiding nurse judgment. It is broad in scope, influencing general decision-making without specifying actions.

• Code of Conduct: This directional document provides specific behaviors that nurses are expected to follow. It is narrower in scope, focusing more on compliance and rules, providing detailed regulations on conduct.

Key Differences

• Nature: Ethics is general and aspirational, while conduct is specific and actionable.

• Length: Ethics documents are typically shorter compared to the more extensive Code of Conduct.

• Disclosure: Codes of ethics are publicly disclosed, while codes of conduct are typically for internal employees.

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Code of Conduct

The NMBA Code outlines legal requirements and professional behavior expectations for nurses across all practice settings in Australia. It establishes principles for professional conduct that ensure safe nursing practice while emphasizing a nurse's duty to prioritize patients' interests and safety.

Personal Beliefs vs. Professional Standards

While individual nurses may have diverse personal beliefs and values, adherence to the NMBA Code is essential to maintain standards and societal trust in the nursing profession. This code ensures all nursing students and professionals are aware of the expected conduct and the principles guiding their practice.

Principles of Conduct

The NMBA Code includes seven principles grouped into domains, each supported with explanatory value statements and practical guidance designed to promote appropriate application in nursing practice. These principles set the expectations for the exercise of professional judgment in delivering optimal patient outcomes.

Code of Conduct Applicability

The principles within the NMBA Code are applicable to all forms of nursing practice and settings, including clinical and non-clinical roles. This range encompasses responsibilities in education, administration, research, and other sectors, ensuring consistent adherence across the entire profession.

Implementation and Consequences

The NMBA Code is utilized as a framework for promoting safe nursing practices, guiding public expectations from nursing professionals, and protecting public safety. Nurses whose professional conduct significantly deviates from the code may face consequences affecting their professional registration due to misconduct or unsatisfactory performance, underscoring the importance of compliance.

Ethical Definitions and Concepts

Ethics Explained

Ethics is defined as a branch of philosophy concerned with moral principles, distinguishing between right and wrong. It involves critically reflecting on personal actions and societal norms to determine the best course of action in various situations.

Differentiating Legal Issues from Ethical Dilemmas

Legal actions offer clear pathways dictated by laws, while ethical issues often involve subjective judgment without set rules, leading to complex decision-making scenarios.

Bioethics and Nursing Ethics

Bioethics

Focuses on moral and ethical issues stemming from clinical practice and health policies. It primarily addresses rights, obligations, and ethical frameworks relevant to both patients and healthcare providers.

Nursing Ethics

Nursing ethics emphasizes ethical guidelines tailored to the nursing profession, protecting its integrity from external influences while providing a moral compass for practitioners.

Ethical Principles

Autonomy

• Acknowledges the right of individuals to make personal choices and exercise self-determination

• Nurses must empower patients to express their autonomy and respect their decisions, needing to balance these with considerations of law and ethical impacts on others.

Justice

• Focuses on fairness and equity in healthcare delivery, ensuring that services meet the needs of all individuals without discrimination.

• Advocacy for those with greater health needs takes precedence in resource allocation.

Beneficence

• Emphasizes the moral obligation to act in the best interests of patients, providing care with empathy and kindness while balancing potential harms against benefits.

Nonmaleficence

• Encompasses the principle of "do no harm," requiring nurses to protect clients from potential harm while providing care, including acknowledging situations where harm may occur for a broader benefit.

Veracity

• Stresses the importance of honesty and trustworthiness in nurse-patient interactions. It is crucial for informed consent and a trust-based healing environment, recognizing that truthful communication underpins effective care.

Ethical Decision-Making Tools

Nurses may utilize various tools and frameworks to navigate ethical dilemmas, enhancing moral reasoning and comprehensive situational analysis.

Open Disclosure Guidelines

These guidelines emphasize the necessity for transparent communication following healthcare incidents involving adverse events. Health services are mandated legally and ethically to inform affected patients and manage incidents respectfully.

Ethical Concerns in Nursing Practice

• Nurses must consistently uphold patients’ rights, navigate ethical dilemmas involving health risks, and balance personal beliefs with professional obligations.

• Engaging with ethical dilemmas and navigating complex scenarios enhances nursing practice and reinforces the critical importance of adhering to ethical standards in healthcare.