Core Concepts Exam One Flashcards
ANA
is the largest professional nursing association in the US, and here to support and protect you (advance/protect the profession)
What is a profession?
Education, regulation, code of ethics, professional organization, commitment
Aspects of professional nursing behavior
appearance, demeanor, competence, integrity, compassion
Morals, Values, and Ethics
- These are often considered interchangeable terms and are closely related but do have slight differences
- Morals are personal beliefs of right or wrong for one’s own self
- Values are closely aligned with morals but can also be larger than self (professional, societal)
- Ethical principles are far-reaching and can be considered as “absolute” values
Autonomy
- the right to make one’s own decisions
- confidentiality and informed consent fall under autonomy
Beneficence
to do good
Fidelity
to keep one’s promise
Justice
fairness to all
Nonmaleficence
do no harm
Veracity
tell the truth
Ethical principles general
autonomy, beneficence, fidelity, justice, nonmaleficence, veracity
Ethical Dilemmas
- The interpretation and application of ethical principles is not an absolute – “it depends”!
- Ethical dilemmas occur when an ethical principle and the application of the ethical principle differ.
- Ethical decision-making often means striking a balance between science, ethics and personal moral values.
Self-awareness
- Self-awareness is a deep understanding, gained over time, of what is important to you personally.
- Self-reflection is the first step in developing true self-awareness.
- Self-awareness is crucial when faced with ethical dilemmas: knowing yourself, what is important to you, how you may react in certain situations and where the potential for conflict may occur.
A profession has certain elements in common
education requirements, regulation, code of ethics, professional organization, commitment of service
Professionalism
the overt action of a professional nurse engaged in the furtherance of his/her profession: appearance, demeanor, competence, integrity, and compassion
Behaviors that reflect professional decorum
be prompt, be organized, be prepared, be actively present, be respectful, acknowledge the value of time, be aware
Ethics
the study of conduct and character
Ethical principles definition
- the way one “ought to act”
- can be considered absolute values, but the interpretation of ethical principles is not absolute (how you apply ethical principles changes according to the situation presented)
-the nurse is obligated by the profession of nursing to understand and apply ethical principles and the profession’s moral norms, as well as his/her own moral values in the pursuit of integrity, accountability, responsibility, and professionalism
Morals
- values and beliefs that guide behavior and decision making
- not the same as ethical principles (they are more personal and aligned with one’s own personal beliefs)
Caring
- the BASIS of the nursing profession
- not an ethical principle, but it is one of the most important moral values that a nurse can posses
Kindness
- the overt expression of caring
- the most helpful virtue when in dealing with people, whether it is yourself, patients, families, or fellow healthcare providers
ANA Code of Ethics
- KNOW the difference between ethical (out to act) and moral values (own personal beliefs)
- accountability, advocate, autonomy, assault,battery, beneficence, fidelity, integrity, justice, non-maleficence, paternalism, patient, practice, respect, responsibility, values, veracity
Accountability
being answerable for one’s own choices, decisions, and actions
Advocate
to support (nurses are patient advocates)