...Professional Moral Compass Ethics, a branch of philosophy refers to the values for human conduct, considering the rightness and wrongness of actions and motives. As nursing profession is an integral part of the health care environment, the nursing ethics provides the insight to the values and ethical principles governing nursing practice, conduct, and relationships. The Code of Ethics for Nurses, adopted by the American Nurses' Association (ANA) is intended to provide definite standards of practice and conduct that are essential to the ethical discharge of the nurse's responsibility (American Nurses Association, 2012). A nurse cultivates personal ethics through personal, cultural and spiritual values which becomes a moral compass for their professional ethics. Personal ethics in combination with the code of ethics often assist the nurses in personal and social decision making during ethical dilemma. This ability prompts them to better respond to needs of the suffering patient and their own well-being. This paper will discuss the personal, cultural, and spiritual values contributing to nurses’ individual worldview and philosophy of nursing and the moral and ethical dilemma being faced in this profession. Values Contributing to Individual’s Worldview and Philosophy of Nursing Born in a Christian middle class South Indian family, the strict traditional values helped to embed the concept of service, trust, respect, integrity and responsibility through family, friends, education...
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...January 8, 2012 Professional Moral Compass Ethics, a branch of philosophy refers to the values for human conduct, considering the rightness and wrongness of actions and motives. As nursing profession is an integral part of the health care environment, the nursing ethics provides the insight to the values and ethical principles governing nursing practice, conduct, and relationships. The Code of Ethics for Nurses, adopted by the American Nurses' Association (ANA) is intended to provide definite standards of practice and conduct that are essential to the ethical discharge of the nurse's responsibility (American Nurses Association, 2012). A nurse cultivates personal ethics through personal, cultural and spiritual values which becomes a moral compass for their professional ethics. Personal ethics in combination with the code of ethics often assist the nurses in personal and social decision making during ethical dilemma. This ability prompts them to better respond to needs of the suffering patient and their own well-being. This paper will discuss the personal, cultural, and spiritual values contributing to nurses’ individual worldview and philosophy of nursing and the moral and ethical dilemma being faced in this profession. Values Contributing to Individual’s Worldview and Philosophy of Nursing Born in a Christian middle class South Indian family, the strict traditional values helped to embed the concept of service, trust, respect, integrity and responsibility through family...
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...also be said as personal. Discerning the right and wrong when facing dilemmas can be the simplest way of describing the ethics. Ethics begin with the moral reasoning of the individual and as the moral reasoning of the individual can be formed by the individual's cultural, religious, social and educational values and backgrounds. So the ethics can be personal to each individual and it may not be possible to have different individuals share identical ethical values although similarities could be possible. Like many professions, nursing also have the code of ethics to assist the professionals to resolve the dilemmas and discern between the accepted and non accepted practises. The nursing profession, like many other professions, has its own code of ethics to help the nurses to determine the acceptable and non acceptable situations and actions, the rights and responsibilities that are approved by the nursing board and society. (Garrett, Baillie, McGeehan, & Garret, 2010). The protection of individual’s rights is well defined in the code of ethics while it also set forth a standard of care for the patients under the professional care of the nurses. In this essay, the writer is attempting to discuss the impacts of one’s personal, spiritual and cultural aspects on the ethical situations of the professional nursing practice. Personal, cultural, and spiritual principles and outlook of the world and nursing philosophy. Principles or values are policies that the individuals use...
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...Introduction Ethics are the principles that guide an individual, group, or profession in conduct and also it is a theory that analyses the differences between right and wrong. Nurses are not only expected to comply to their professional morals and values, but are also encouraged to comply to their own personal ethics as well. The code of ethics (ANA 2001) advises nurses on ethical and legal responsibility to their own patients, as well as the community in which they serve. In today's health care system nurses are faced with many ethical issues in their daily task and they have to make clear and logical ethical choices of their own. These ethical choices are generally inspired by ethical doctrines that include beneficence, confidentiality, autonomy, fidelity, veracity, and other (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2008, p53). Nursing is a noble profession and I enjoy most about being a nurse is simply caring, helping and nurturing people. In addition, I also thank God for giving me this opportunity to make a difference in someone's life, whether that is done by providing care, teaching, or even supporting a family. Personal, cultural and spiritual Values According to the International Council of Nurses (ICN), a nurse's primary responsibility is to attend their patients, and be able to respect the patient's customs, values, beliefs, and rights. In addition, nurses should choose to extend their education because they are held accountable for their own practice. Nurses should practice cooperating...
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...Personal Ethics Development Paper Treviño and Nelson (2011) define ethics as “the principles, norms, and standards of conduct governing an individual or organization ethics form the basis for determining the correct action, or moral behavior, in a particular situation” (p. 17). Ethical principles grow and develop throughout life and are influenced by family, religion, culture, society, and life experiences. These principles form our basis of morality. Our ethical system comprises the underlying ethical principles, which we use to make decisions. It also directs our conduct and behavior. Character is the total of an individual’s moral qualities: is she a good person or bad person, is he worthy of trust and admiration or not (Josephson, 2011). Common traits used to describe a person’s character are courage, compassion, honesty, integrity, and respectful. Personal behavior and conduct are a reflection of a person’s character. Key events in my life contributed to the formation of my ethics and value systems. These core values serve as a framework and provide tools that I use for identifying, pursuing, and achieving goals. These ethical principles are advantageous when faced with ethical dilemmas allowing me to engage the principles of creative thinking, conflict resolution, problem solving, and the decision-making process in my personal and professional lives. I began my secondary education uncertain of what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. My decision to enter...
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...reflection on morality (Purtilo). It assists individuals to differentiate between choices given in a situation. The author of this paper will examine how her personal, cultural, and spiritual values contribute to worldview and philosophy of nursing, how these values shape or influence nursing practice, how they conflicts with obligation to practice, while defining values, moral and ethics. Many individuals go through life looking for answers; some answers are easy and well defined, while some poses a challenge to comprehend. As nurse I am called upon to provide answers, but these answers and gestures are guided by my learnt behavior and inner moral values. Values is the language that has evolved to identify intrinsic things a person, group, or society holds dear while moral values are character traits of persons or societies (Purtilo,2011.p. 6). To be responsible, honest and caring in all my actions are hallmarks of my cultural and spiritual value, hence, to date I hold this during the practice of my profession. Practicing responsibility, honesty and offer care to individuals who are ill has assisted me in creating my worldview and philosophy of nursing. I take responsibility for all my actions while practicing my profession seeks not to blame others for my shortcoming while exercising my duties. Attending work as schedule, administering medications timely as ordered, offering accurate information are all parts of my call to be a responsible professional. Reporting...
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...Applying Ethical Frameworks in Practice Soniya , RN Grand Canyon University: NRS 437V Professor: Teresa Ortner, RNC, MSNEd December 11, 2012 Applying Ethical Frameworks in Practice When patient seeks for assist and care, professional-patient relationship is established and the promise of confidentiality is incriminated automatically. Respecting confidentiality is the professional commitment. Yet occasionally unavoidable situations bring health care profession to face nothing but the alternative choices which ends up breaching the confidentiality. The author would like to discuss one’s professional position regarding the ethical implications of a breach of confidentiality, ethical theories and principles, identify alternatives, and ethics committee’s approach in resolving ethical dilemma. Ethical Implications of a Breach of Confidentiality The medical profession has an obligation to live up to the patient's expectations of privacy and to earn the trust. By breaching confidentiality, patients no longer disclose honest and full information to medical professionals, or even initiate avoidance of seeking future care. Without trusting medical professionals, it is hard to expect for patients to reveal private and intimate nature of the information which could be vital in treatment decision. It means breaching confidentiality not only denies individual privacy but also prevents the autonomy of patient (Nathanson, 2000). Who would volunteer the info when he or she sees it...
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...genes but whom we are is greatly influenced by our physical surroundings, our parents or family, and our cultural and spiritual beliefs. I have been fortunate enough to be born in the United States, which has provided me with many riches in life to include education. This education provides me with the resources necessary to make sound clinical decisions about my nursing practice. My morality is based on guidelines that have become a natural language and behavior that has instilled how things ought to be and society has accepted. (Purtilo & Doherty, 11/2010, p. 6) I am a practicing Catholic, which deeply influences how I respect life and how I contribute to the community in which I live. Christian values and morals are guiding principles, which help us lead our community and make it strong. As stated in the Bible, “In order for God’s word to take root, believers must do more than merely listen to it. They must act upon it.” (King James, 1:17-18) Simple guiding principles such as these lead us in life, community and our professions. When we provide care we are not only using our clinical skills we are using moral ethical thought to assist us in what is right or wrong for our patients. Has the physician really listened to what the patient is stating their desires are? We are with our patients continuously listening and adapting the care we provide. Secondly, God has provided the gift to conceive and ending life during development prior to birth is a well-known societal controversy...
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...beliefs. This paper will explicate the ethics, virtues and moral values of my commitment to nursing profession. It will also manifest the ethical nursing responsibility consistent with nursing quality of care, ethical dilemmas and how it impacts my life in making decisions. Nursing practice is influenced by a person’s cultural, spiritual and personal values. Personal values represent importance, advantage or significance, it has a strong impact on the lives of people in the way they live and the decisions made. Values are thought to be the basis of the decisions made; it is developed as a child when they start interacting with their families, society, community or religious organizations. My personal ethics are sincerity, truthfulness, being empathetic and courteous, prompt and to respect other human beings with dignity. I was born and raised in a Christian family with strong Christian values, that every human being is god’s creation and Christianity teaches us to love the creator and his creations. I as a nurse consider nursing as a blessed and noble profession, by which I am able to practice with self-respect and empathy, treating each person as unique by preserving their dignity and rights. Nursing profession and its practices are based on the philosophical theory of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, veracity, confidentiality, justice and fidelity. These ethical principles help a nurse to build up a philosophically reliable structure by which a base...
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...Analysis of an Ethical Dilemma Grand Canyon University Analysis of an Ethical Dilemma Euthanasia is considered “assisted suicide” (Ethical key issues- Euthanasia., 2011). Terminally ill, old age, and poor disease prognosis’s are some population of patients that research euthanasia. Euthanasia is currently illegal due to many ethical implications. Euthanasia is an ongoing ethical dilemma that affects nursing as a profession, has legal implications, and stirs up ethical debates over social values, morals, and norms. “Standard 7, under the heading “Standards of Professional Performance,” reiterates the moral obligation of the nurse to practice ethically and to provide care “in a manner that preserves and protects healthcare consumer autonomy, dignity, rights, values, and beliefs” and “assists healthcare consumers in self determination and informed decision-making”” (ANA position statement, 2013). Nurses in all healthcare related settings play a key role in patient care at end-of –life. Nurses’ care for the physical and spiritual needs of patients and their families while, also collaborating with all members of the interprofessional healthcare team. Nurses witness the devastating effects of life-threatening diseases. It is difficult to balance amongst saving a life and the enabling of a dignified death. Nurses need to keep their own feelings in check because they could have an influence on clinical decision making. “It is within the framework of the Code for Nurses and...
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...The foundation of nursing is molded by ethics and values. Nurses provide nursing care for the sick and suffering. Nurses are highly efficient in planning; implementing and evaluating the nursing care for the patient. They are efficient in decision-making and have adequate technical skills. Nurses provide compassionate care for the patient and families during the time of treatment. Nurses are very cautious while assessing their patient to assure that they get the accurate treatment, and to avoid unwanted treatment leading to suffering. Nurses provide safe environment for the patient, family and protect the patient privacy. Nurses must advance the knowledge of profession by education, and they implement these knowledge in planning, implementing and evaluating the patient care. They are able to collaborate with other health care professionals in promoting health and welfare of the individual, families, communities, nation and world to bring a social change by extending towards health related socio- cultural issues (The American Nurses Association, 2010). My philosophy of nursing has derived from what I believe to be a core nursing characteristics. The concept of my personal philosophy-nursing carrier was derived from the value system, and the influence of academic and clinical instructors of my profession. The principles of my philosophy are, reverence, awareness, compassion, morality, encouragement, holism, critical thinking...
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...Personal Nursing Ethics Grand Canyon University NRS-437V Personal Nursing Ethics The American Nurses Association relates as part of its Code of Ethics that “The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems” (ANA, 2010). Given this, all nurses should be practicing their profession equally regardless of their own beliefs, values, or morals. As nurses come from many backgrounds and view each situation differently, that is not always a possibility. Such things as gender, religion, culture, traditions, and family are integral in shaping a system of beliefs or values that influence morality (Navran, 2010) and thus influences how nurses practice their profession. In accepting nursing as a profession, nurses vow to make the patient their chief commitment and must honor that commitment by giving unbiased care that is not influenced by personal values, morals, or beliefs. Personal Moral Compass There are many variables guiding a nurse in his or her everyday practice. Whether one is aware of the constant weighing of values and beliefs through critical thinking as they complete each shift or not, those intrinsic basics for their morality are what is guiding them to make these ethical decisions. The groundwork for the standards of professional behavior were laid in nursing...
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...head: MY NURSING ETHICS PAPER My Nursing Ethics Paper Grand Canyon University Course Instructor Date My Nursing Ethics Paper Professional Moral Compass A moral compass is the one that serves to direct a person to make a choice based on morals and virtues, or at times, character. There are four essential aspects of professional moral compass, they are; integrity, responsibility, compassion, and forgiveness (Kiel & lennick, 2006). Integrity means speaking the truth, standing up for rights, and keeping up with promises, being consistent with general philosophy, individual values, and beliefs. Integrity demonstrates nursing’s ethical commitment to providing compassionate care. The nurse recognizes the worth and privacy of each individual and therefore acts in a manner to respect the privacy and values of the patient. A nurse who practices integrity acts in a way that is consistent with what they understand will be the right thing to do. They possess a strong sense of themselves. Nurses accept the patients as social beings who must respect and engage with the moral position of others. Integrity is a rich and complex social virtue through which the individual is able to demonstrate their relationship with the values and customs of the communities of which they are members. Be responsible and accept the mistakes you have made and forgive others when they do the same. Compassion is viewed as a nurse’s most valuable quality. It is an essential element of nursing care and...
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...experiences people have had and the books people have read. This paper is going to explain about professional moral compass which helps to guide an individual's decisions based on virtues or morals. Most profession has a professional code of ethics. Nurses follow the code of ethics which is ensuring that their practice adheres to the ethical guidelines established by their peers. The American Nurses Association (ANA) developed Code of Ethics for nurses as a guide to execute nursing responsibilities in a way coherent with nursing care quality and profession’s ethical obligations (American Nurses Association, 2010). Personal, cultural and spiritual values influence nursing practice a lot. Value means relative worth, merit, or importance. Individual’s values have a very strong effect on the way people live and the choices they make. These values are considered as the cornerstone of their decisions. The development of personal values and beliefs start in childhood when people interact with families, educational and religious institutions, and caregivers. My personal values are honesty, compassionate, respectful, punctual, true love, and humanity towards other people. This was rooted in me from my family upbringing. I am from a Christian family and Indian culture. Nursing is a sacred profession in Indian culture. I believe in God Almighty and wish to obey his commandments and carryout what I consider to be...
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...The two principles that are in focus are beneficence and non-maleficence. Both beneficence and non-maleficence have played a fundamental historical role in medical ethics (Beauchamp &ump; Childress, 2009). Non-maleficence is often paired with beneficence, but there is a difference between these two principles (Rich, 2008). According to Beauchamp and Childress (2009) conflating beneficence and non-maleficence into a single principle obscures important distinctions. In addition, both of these ethical principles beneficence and non-maleficence are strengthened by state nursing practice acts, which mandate that nurses are legally obligated to safeguard patients and the profession (Bjarnason &ump; LaSala, 2011). Furthermore, it is with great purpose that we discuss the two principles beneficence and non-maleficence and their importance to the nursing profession. The principle of beneficence is concerned with a moral obligation to act for the benefits of others (Kennedy, 2004). Additionally, beneficence is the principle consisting of deeds such as mercy, kindness, and charity (Rich, 2008). There are other forms of beneficence including altruism, love, and humanity (Beauchamp &ump; Childress, 2009). We use beneficence in order to cover beneficent actions more broadly, so that it includes all forms of action to benefit other persons (Beauchamp &ump; Childress, 2009). Overall, beneficence implies that an individual takes action to do good by benefiting others and facilitating...
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