...Ethical and Legal issues in Nursing The nursing profession is very complex. Every day nurses deal with patients and medical care. There are some days when ethics and legal issues play a role. We were given examples of the legal complexities of nursing through two case studies we were to evaluate. For this paper we will discuss the legal responsibilities of nursing, how personal and societal values can influence ethical decision-making and how the ANA’s Code of Nursing Ethics would influence the final decisions. Legal Responsibilities of Nurses Nursing boards are governmental state agencies responsible for regulating the nursing practice. A nursing license obtained through state nursing boards validates that nurses have met standards for providing high quality care. Nurses are legally held accountable for administering medications accurately, educating patients and public on health issues, advocating for the patient regarding health care, and serving as a liaison between the patient and the physician. Professional standards are determined by Standards of Practice Acts and the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics. As professionals, nurses must also be familiar with ethical responsibilities and protect the rights of their patients and families. As the definition of liability has continued to expand through the judicial system, courts of laws have placed higher standards on the profession of nursing. Many times professional...
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...Personal Ethics Grand Canyon University NRS-437V Personal Ethics According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), the nursing code of ethics provides a framework for nurses to use as a guide to help them in ethical decision making (ANA, 2001, p. 3). There are many provisions to the nursing code of ethics, but the intent of the document remains consistent. Our own ethics, morals and values contribute to our personal philosophy of nursing and shape our nursing practice. There are often conflicts of a nurses own values, morals and ethics causing dilemmas within her, but referring back to the code of ethics can help guide her like a compass on the correct path for each patient. Morals are what dictate right and wrong to a person, including nurses. As a nurse, doing anything to harm a patient is immoral. Keeping that in mind when we talk to a patient or family, we do not want to cause any harm, be it physical, emotional or psychological. It is in this way that our moral compass guides our actions and words. As with morals, values also contribute to our decisions and philosophy of nursing. Moral values refer to thoughts and ideas which we hold dear, have meaning to us, or describe beliefs that guide us to make decisions in our person and professional lives. When we run into a dilemma with our morals, this is where ethics steps in. Ethics involves questioning our morals, and moral decisions in life and in our nursing practice. This questioning of moral decisions causes...
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...In nursing, many legal and ethical decisions must be made as part of the profession. There are many tools that nurses can use including the America Nursing Association (ANA) Code of Ethics. Nursing staff should listen to patient’s personal and societal values, and know the legal aspects and responsibilities that relate to this profession. In the first case study, a family has had a tragedy where the mother has had a hemorrhagic stroke, and her outcome looks bleak. As a nurse, first the first responsibility is to be empathetic during these tragic times. Then nursing staff needs to help the family unite on whatever their decision. Provision two of the ANA code of ethics state “The nurse's primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community.” (Silva, Sorrell, 2006). The family, if they have no medical background, has no clue the avenues of care the facility can take, so they need to be informed. The Code of Ethics in provision three says, “The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient.” (Silva, Sorrell, 2006). Many different personal values from different members of the family that need to be addressed so the decision can be made united. When faced with tough decisions, both our personal views and societies outlook can affect the decision making process. Our personal feelings or beliefs can cloud our mind from the big picture. Our heart may say, “Do the surgery!” but we may forget...
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...Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing NUR/391 Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing As nurses, it is our duty to advocate for our patients. At times, we are faced with personal and professional challenges that impact how and when we chose to advocate. It is imperative we have a healthy awareness of these potential challenges. Improvements in health care technology have provided patients with an array of treatment options as well as assumed or possible increased chance of survival. As a result, nurses are met with a rise in ethical decision making. This paper will discuss the legal, ethical, social, and personal factors that can impact our decision making process, with the focus on two specific case studies. American Nurses Association Code of Nursing Ethics Role in Practice The American Nursing Association (ANA) has created a set of ethical standards for the profession of nursing to abide by, which is entitled the ANA Nursing Code of Ethics. The ANA Code of Ethics states that collaboration is central to the care nurses deliver and to their ethical commitment to the patient (Garity, 2005). In the end-of-life case study, the nurse (she) has an unwritten obligation to the patient; the family appears to be in conflict with how to proceed with the patient's medical treatment. The medical team has an obligation to give the family all of their options and possible outcomes. If the family remains in conflict, it would then be appropriate for her to refer the family to...
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...Code of Ethics Code of Ethics Assignment In accordance to the Code of Ethics group assignment, the selected situation discussed is scenario one, the “high profile” patient. The patient is famous and constantly overseen for their activities. As this patient’s nurse, we have been approached by People magazine and asked to serve as an informer. The magazine is offering a substantial amount of money for the patient’s information. However, using the ANA Code of Ethics, we have identified Provision Three as the best ethical approach to the scenario. Part Two Ethics is an integral part to the foundation of nursing. Historically, nursing care is vital for the welfare of the sick, injured, vulnerable, and for social justice. This concern is embodied in the provision of nursing care to individuals and the community. Nursing encompasses the prevention of illness and the alleviation of suffering. Nurses provide the protection, promotion, and restoration of health in the care of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Individuals who become nurses are expected not only to adhere to the ideals and moral norms of the profession, but also to embrace the part of what defines a nurse. The Code of Ethics for Nurses developed by the American Nurses Association explicitly states the primary goals, values, and obligations of the profession. Part Three According to the American Nurses Association’s Guide to the Code of Ethics for Nurses Interpretation and Application, Provision Three...
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...study is to, work according to the Maryland state regulations and nursing standards; But as per Maryland nursing standards, she is not working as an advocate for her patient, Mr. E at this situation (Code of Ethics - the Division of State Documents, 10.27.19.02). The patient already signed advanced directive against life saving measures almost seven years ago, at the time of admission to a nursing home, with the help of patient advocate; but Dr G. is planning patient care in opposition to Mr.E’s active advance directive and his expressed objections to the medical care. There are numerous issues to consider in this case study. The nurse has to review her professional role according to code of ethics and nursing standards in relation to advance directives and medical power of attorney. The nurse also has to consider the patient’s right to privacy and confidentiality according to HIPPA Policy. The issues in contemporary healthcare facilities are sometimes the statues can be vague, and issues can be in conflict with own personal beliefs in most areas. A) State Regulations and Nursing Standards of practice There are specific Maryland state regulations and nursing standards regarding patient rights in this case study. However, the most relevant regulation is that, the nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient (Nursing code of Ethics: Interpretation and Application, ©2010 Provision 3) 1. Health care...
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...Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia Developed under the auspices of Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council, Australian College of Nursing, Australian Nursing Federation Introduction This Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia has been developed for the nursing profession in Australia. It is relevant to all nurses at all levels and areas of practice including those encompassing clinical, management,education and research 1 domains. This Code is framed by the principles and standards set forth in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the World Health Organization’s Constitution and publication series entitled Health and Human Rights; and the United Nations Development Programme Human Development Report 2 2004: Cultural liberty in today’s diverse world. In considering this Code and its companion, the Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses in Australia, it should be borne in mind that they are designed for multiple audiences: nurses; nursing students; people requiring or receiving nursing care; the community generally; employers of nurses; nursing regulatory authorities; and consumer protection agencies. It is also noteworthy that the concepts of ‘ethics’ and ‘morality’ are substantially the same and have been used interchangeably throughout this Code. This Code outlines the nursing profession’s commitment to respect, promote, protect...
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...Personal Ethics Development Paper Debra Barnett UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX Ethics in Management PHL323 Cassandra Giles, MAOM May 11, 2013 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...
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...of Nursing NUR 391 September 19, 2011 Ethical and Legal Aspects of Nursing Nursing is an ever-changing profession that responds to diverse and complex issues of health maintenance, protection of patient safety, human rights, and dignity. Professional nurses are in a unique position as patient advocates, regardless of practice setting. Nurse’s face inherent ethical decisions making, and they are frequently involved in the ethical decisions both personally and professionally when ethical reason both for and against the choice are both equally desirable (Pierce, 1997). The ANA Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements offers a statement for every professional nurse’s ethical obligations and duties, ethical standard, and commitment to society (ANA, 2001). Nurse must continuously meet standards of care and the ANA Code of Ethics and uphold fundamental legalities. Taking a closer look into the nurses ethical responsibility and fundamental legalities associated with direct patient care and as it would apply in the case study case study of patient Marianne, a 79 year-old female, who is admitted to the emergency department with hemorrhagic stroke, a grave prognosis of recovery and no advance directive. This paper will discuss legal responsibilities of the registered nurse as witness in a malpractice case of a nurse colleague found negligent in following standards of nursing practice. “The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient who is the recipient of nursing care...
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...Nursing Ethics Shannon Gonnelly Grand Canyon University: NRS-437V July 02, 2016 Nursing Ethics Numerous individuals see the nursing profession as an honorable profession with high ethical standards. When a nurse graduates from college they take the Florence Nightingale Pledge, which implies they have a moral obligation to their patients (American Nurses Association, 2015). Nurses additionally take after a Code of Ethics that gives them a guide to what their obligations are in providing quality of care to patients and what their ethical commitments are (American Nurses Association, 2015). Despite the fact that there is a Code of Ethics, nurses still face numerous predicaments when caring for their patients. This paper will examine the author's moral compass, nursing philosophy, and ethical dilemmas. Author’s Moral Compass The author's moral compass has high confidence in God and follows the Nurses Code of Ethics. The author's energy to be a nurse began at just ten years old. The author has always wanted to take care of the elderly and trusts that nobody should have to die alone. The author believes that nursing was a calling from God, and this is what spurred the author to become a nurse. The author had difficulties becoming a nurse due to already having one child while being pregnant with another. However, the calling to be a nurse was sufficiently high enough to overcome the difficulties. For instance, the author had a four-year-old daughter and had only four weeks...
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...Ethics was derived from the Greek word meaning customs or character. Personal beliefs or ethics are linked to the ways people are brought up, it also relates to their religious and cultural 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...
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...Ethical and Legal Aspects of Nursing Nursing is an ever-changing profession that responds to diverse and complex issues of health maintenance, protection of patient safety, human rights, and dignity. Professional nurses are in a unique position as patient advocates, regardless of practice setting. Nurse’s face inherent ethical decisions making, and they are frequently involved in the ethical decisions both personally and professionally when ethical reason both for and against the choice are both equally desirable (Pierce, 1997). The ANA Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements offers a statement for every professional nurse’s ethical obligations and duties, ethical standard, and commitment to society (ANA, 2001). Nurse must continuously meet standards of care and the ANA Code of Ethics and uphold fundamental legalities. Taking a closer look into the nurses ethical responsibility and fundamental legalities associated with direct patient care and as it would apply in the case study case study of patient Marianne, a 79 year-old female, who is admitted to the emergency department with hemorrhagic stroke, a grave prognosis of recovery and no advance directive. This paper will discuss legal responsibilities of the registered nurse as witness in a malpractice case of a nurse colleague found negligent in following standards of nursing practice. “The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient who is the recipient of nursing care,” (Rushton, Dixon, & Wavra, 2005, p. 6). This...
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...examination of the professional roles of the author, highlighting the thoughts, processes, nursing concepts, and theories of his nursing practice. We will examine here some of the concepts necessary for the professional practice of nursing, together with examples and implementation from the author’s practice. These will combine to show the Professional Nursing Mission Statement of the author. In reading this paper, please understand that author practices nursing in several different types of clinical settings. . Functional Differences Between Regulatory Agencies and Professional Organizations The author currently practices nursing in the state of California. Registered Nursing in the State of California is governed by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The Board of Registered Nursing is a division of the Division of Consumer Affairs. By its own definition the BRN “ protects and advocates for the health and safety of the public by ensuring the highest quality registered nurses in the state of California.”(State of California) Registered nursing is authorized and regulated by title 16 of the California Code of Regulations.(State of California ) This section of the code is also known as the California Nursing Practice Act. The responsibilities of the California Board of Nursing include, but are not limited to: setting educational standards, approving California nursing programs, evaluating licensure applications, issuing and renewing licenses, issuing certificates...
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...Violation of The Honor Code and Ethical Practice in Nursing ECPI University Abstract This paper explores the effects of academic dishonesty and violations of the Honor Code in Nursing School, and the importance of ethics and ethical behavior in the nursing field. This will include a review of the Honor Code, and a discussion of why it is important. It will also take a look at the Code of Ethics and will cover problems that may arise when violations of the Honor Code and unethical behavior occur, the responsibilities of ethical behavior, and ways of staying on track with ensuring ethical behavior and practices are promoted in the Nursing Field. Violation of the Honor Code and Ethical Practices in Nursing The field of nursing is a highly critical field that requires the upholding of a strict code of ethics to ensure the safety and well being of doctors, nurses, and patients alike. Predominately, nursing is a career field that has associates that need to be immensely trusted by patients. Among any teaching, unethical academic behaviors may link in with a student’s future practice as a professional. Therefore, it is important that students of this profession be held to high standards and have rules that are set in place that obligates one to manage themselves ethically. Health Sciences, specifically nursing, deals with other people’s lives, every decision made has an impact on the patients outcome. Teaching and guiding students to think and behave in an ethical way will...
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...Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing Nursing as a profession, holds itself to a standard of practice and a code of ethics that governs this discipline. It was well put by Nicholson (2012), “Nonprofessionals cannot be held to the standards of the medical professions, but persons who have been specially trained, educated and licensed are accountable for performance that deviates from the customs of their field.” To function effectively, nurses need to be aware of their contents and incorporate them as a guide for their professional decisions. “A wise nurse who is aware of deep personal values and moral standards will make decisions regarding practice setting so that the nurse’s own personal integrity remains intact, while putting patients and their needs first” (Chitty & Black, 2010, p. 101). A person’s value system is initiated by the beliefs held by his or her family, and as growing occurs the person is exposed to other cultures, belief systems, peers, and societal norms, that may be incorporated into his or her value system. A nurse is expected to make ethical decisions. Having the ability to make ethical and responsible reasoning, involves rational thinking. It is also systematic and based on ethical principles and civil law. Ethical decision making can’t be based on emotions, intuition, fixed policy, or an earlier occurrence. (Blias & Harris, 2011, p. 61). A nurse is not exempt from developing values, and belief systems that shape how they may view their patient...
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