Nursing Code of Ethics.
The moment I opened my laptop, I typed the word "House" on the search engine. It is a medical drama series that revolves about a drug-addicted physician who does whatever it takes to solve the cases of his patients. This has been my favorite medical drama ever since I entered BS Nursing. It has taught me a lot regarding the diagnoses, interventions, and even the ethics that were being implemented. I then came to think how important ethics are in my profession.
The Code of Ethics guide you on "what is right" and "what is wrong" or better yet "what is legal" and "what is illegal". Before you go to duty, better familiarize the list of ethics that were implemented by your national government. It saves not only you from harm, but also your patient and co-workers. I know you do not want to lose your license just because you unintentionally violated the laws.
In the medical dictionary I read earlier, they defined Nursing Code of Ethics as the values or moral principles governing relationships between the nurse and patient, the patient's family, other members of the health professions, and the general public. The Nursing Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines for carrying out nursing responsibilities adopted by the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 1985. In 1994, the American Nurses Association determined that these guidelines were nonnegotiable and determined that each nurse had an obligation to adhere to the Code, and in 2001 a completely revised version of the Code of Ethics for Nurses was accepted by the ANA.
So here are the list of ethics implemented by American Nurses Association:
The Code of Ethics guide you on "what is right" and "what is wrong" or better yet "what is legal" and "what is illegal". Before you go to duty, better familiarize the list of ethics that were implemented by your national government. It saves not only you from harm, but also your patient and co-workers. I know you do not want to lose your license just because you unintentionally violated the laws.
In the medical dictionary I read earlier, they defined Nursing Code of Ethics as the values or moral principles governing relationships between the nurse and patient, the patient's family, other members of the health professions, and the general public. The Nursing Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines for carrying out nursing responsibilities adopted by the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 1985. In 1994, the American Nurses Association determined that these guidelines were nonnegotiable and determined that each nurse had an obligation to adhere to the Code, and in 2001 a completely revised version of the Code of Ethics for Nurses was accepted by the ANA.
So here are the list of ethics implemented by American Nurses Association:
Justice.
Justice simply means "fairness or equity".
In nursing, you must entertain your patients regardless of their status in life. You should and must treat them equally according to their needs. Justice is for all people.
"In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same."
-Mr. Albert Einstein
Autonomy.
Also known as "Self-determination". Autonomy in nursing means having the authority to make decisions and the freedom to act in accordance with one's professional knowledge base. You should always provide your patient an informed consent in any invasive procedure you do. The medical team must always consider and respect the patient's decision whether they like it or not.
"The patient's autonomy always, always should be respected, even if it is absolutely contrary - the decision is contrary to best medical advice and what the physician wants."
-Jack Kevorkian
Beneficence and Non-Maleficence.
Beneficence is action that is done for the benefit of others. Beneficent actions can be taken to help prevent or remove harms or to simply improve the situation of others. In short "Do good". In nursing, you consider and weigh what's best and good for the patient. You provide only what's beneficial to them.
Non-maleficence means to “Do no harm”. A nurse avoids any harm and any risks that may occur while doing a nursing intervention. The principle of non-maleficence implies that the harm should not be disproportionate to the benefit of the treatment. Harm must be avoided in any way a healthcare professional can.
Veracity.
Being truthful is the synonym of veracity. Veracity can refer to a person who manifests the qualities and
characteristics of truthfulness. It can also refer to an agreement,
report or documentation that clearly and accurately states all of the
related and relevant facts. The patient has the right to know his/her medical diagnosis and the treatments that will be implemented.
"Truth is by nature self-evident. As soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance that surround it, it shines clear."
-Mahatma Gandhi
"Truth is by nature self-evident. As soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance that surround it, it shines clear."
-Mahatma Gandhi
Fidelity.
Fidelity, or faithful devotion to duty, plays a major role in professional nursing. Nurses must always be answerable and accountable to these areas of responsibility. It is the concept of keeping a commitment. Once you have committed into something, you must be brave enough to do what's good and right to your patient. Finish what you have started.
With all the nursing ethics I have listed above, we now know what to in order for us to deliver a good, effective, and efficient care to our patients. Always consider their rights of our patients and the ethics our government has imposed and implemented to us.
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