CNA Code of Ethics Flashcards
List the Nursing Values and Ethical Responsibilities
A. Providing Safe, Compassionate, Competent and Ethical Care
B. Promoting Health and Well-Being
C. Promoting and Respecting Informed Decision-Making
D. Honouring Dignity
E. Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality
F. Promoting Justice
G. Being Accountable
ethical (or moral) agent
Someone who has the capacity to direct their actions to some ethical end, for example, good outcomes for patients. Exercising that capacity would be ethical (or moral) agency.
ethical (or moral) courage
When nurses stand firm on a point of moral principle or a particular decision about something in the face of overwhelming fear or threat to themselves
ethical (or moral) dilemmas
Arise when there are equally compelling reasons for and against two or more possible courses of action, and where choosing one course of action means that something else is relinquished or let go. An ethical dilemma is a particular type of ethical problem
ethical (or moral) disengagement
Can occur when nurses normalize the disregard of their ethical commitments. A nurse may then become apathetic or disengaged to the point of being unkind, non-compassionate or even cruel to other health-care providers and persons receiving care.
ethical (or moral) distress
“Arises when nurses are unable to act according to their moral judgment” . They feel they know the right thing to do, but system structures or personal limitations make it nearly impossible to pursue the right course of action.
Moral distress can lead to negative consequences such as feelings of anger, frustration and guilt, yet it can also be a catalyst for self-reflection, growth and advocacy
ethical (or moral) indifference
“Implies a failure to assume the ethical responsibilities of the profession, leaving one in a passive state that calls into question the moral integrity of the [nurse] as well as imperiling the obligation to protect the vulnerable patient”
ethical (or moral) problem
A situation where there are conflicts between one or more values and uncertainty about the correct course of action. Ethical problems involve questions about what is right or good to do at individual, interpersonal, organizational and societal levels
ethical (or moral) residue
What each of us carries with us from times in our lives when, in the face of morally distressing situations, we have been seriously compromised. These instances leave lasting and powerful impressions in our thoughts that persist over time; hence the term moral residue
ethical (or moral) resilience
The capacity of an individual to sustain or restore their integrity in response to moral complexity, confusion, distress or setbacks
ethical (or moral) violations
Involve actions or failures to act that breach fundamental duties to the persons receiving care or to colleagues and other health- care providers.
ethical (or moral) well-being
Congruence between thought and action that results from nurses having the necessary mechanisms and resources in place to optimally resolve ethical conflicts
Examples of ethical responsibilities for A. Providing Safe, Compassionate, Competent and Ethical Care
Nurses conduct themselves according to the ethical responsibilities in how they interact with others
Engage in compassion
Build trustworthy relationships with conscious effort
Question, intervene, report and address unsafe, non-compassionate, unethical or incompetent practice or conditions
Honest and take necessary actions to prevent or minimize patient safety incidents
Practice within their own level of competence
Examples of ethical responsibilities for B. Promoting Health and Well-Being
Provide care directed toward health and well-being
Explore range of health-care choices available to patient
Use and advocate for the use of least restrictive measures
Collaborate with other health-care providers to maximize health benefits
Examples of ethical responsibilities for C. Promoting and Respecting Informed Decision-Making
Provide patient with info needed to make informed and autonomous decisions
Respect wishes of capable persons receiving care to decline
Ensure nursing care is provided with consent
Assist families who disagree with patient’s choices to gain understanding
Respect the law on capacity assessment and substitute decision-making when patient is incapable of consent
