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Applying Ethical Principles in Practice

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Submitted By chope1001
Words 1030
Pages 5
Running head: CONFIDENTIALITY

Applying Ethical Frameworks in Practice
Chandra H. Dillow
Grand Canyon University: NRS-437V
March 18, 2012

Applying Ethical Frameworks in Practice In the profession of nursing, there are many ethical principles which one must maintain as the basis for their nursing care. One of these principles is confidentiality, which requires nurses to preserve the privacy of one’s patients and ensure their autonomy. Maintaining confidentiality is essential in the nurse-patient relationship as it shows respect for the patients. Since the time the Nightingale Pledge was written, confidentiality has been one of the main standards to uphold as a nurse. The following will discuss ethical theories and the application of them when faced with dilemmas in the work setting.
Breach of Confidentiality Nurses and physicians alike are accountable for maintaining a patient’s confidentiality. Having a breach of confidentiality has the possibility of causing undue harm or the patient being averse to seeking medical care. Undue harm can be described as “embarrassment, ridicule, discrimination, deprivation of rights, physical or emotional harm and loss of roles or relationships” (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2008). One’s personal values and principles establish the foundation for ethical knowledge and decision making. There are instances, however, when breaching confidentiality is necessary to prevent harm to the patient or community.
Ethical Principles Ethical principles encompass autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, veracity, confidentiality, justice and fidelity (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2008). Nurses must be advocates for their patients which necessitates providing respect, honesty, loyalty, acting in the patient’s best interest and preventing undue harm. When one has self awareness of their own values, it helps to appreciate the

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