Nursing values and ethics Flashcards
1
Q
Ethics
A
- The study of the philosophical ideals of right and wrong behaviour based on what you think you ought (or ought not) to do
- Reflects what matters to people
2
Q
Values
A
- A strong personal belief and an ideal that a person or group (such as nurses) believe to have merit
- Influence our behaviour
- Reflect all our influences
3
Q
Nursing ethics
A
- Focuses on the moral questions within the sphere of nursing practice, the nurse–patient or nurse–client relationship, the moral character of nurses, and the nurse as a moral agent
- Nurses in Canada are guided by the CNA Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses
- As a moral agent, we (nurses) do or direct our actions towards something good or positive
- Nurses do actions to lead to positive outcomes
4
Q
CNA code of ethics
A
- Nurses need to recognize that they are moral agents in providing care…they have a responsibility to conduct themselves ethically in what they do…this includes self-reflection and dialogue
- Self-reflections and dialogue is KEY
- Communication
- Self check
- With regards to any ethical issues
5
Q
CNA code of ethics for RNs (2017)
A
- Purpose is to serve as a foundation for nurses’ ethical practice
- Two (2) parts
Part I: Values and Ethical Responsibilities - Grounded in professional relationships we have
Part II: Ethical Endeavours r/t Broad Societal Issues
- Ways to address social inequities as part of ethical practice
- Address ways or actions that we an use to address social inequities
6
Q
Ethical problem
A
- Conflicts between one or more values and uncertainty about the correct course of action
- Questions about what is right or wrong
7
Q
Ethical dilemma
A
- When there are equally compelling reasons for and against one or more possible courses of action
- This is a type of ethical problem
- What makes it different; once you choose a course of actions you dismiss the other options
8
Q
Ethical (moral) distress
A
- Nurses know or believe they know the right thing to do, but do not or cannot take the right action
- Because of structural or systemic issues that inhibit them from doing the right thing
- Personal limitations; not having a strong enough ‘voice’
9
Q
Ethical residue
A
- What nurses experience when they seriously compromise themselves or allow themselves to be compromised
- Team meeting situation
- You didn’t say something and allowed your values to be compromised
10
Q
Ethical disengagement
A
- Can occur if nurses begin to see the disregard of their ethical commitment as normal
- Begin to feel or realize that their voice doesn’t matter
- Become disengaged
11
Q
Ethical courage
A
- Is exercised 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
- Standing firm in what they believe and insistent on their viewpoint
12
Q
Professional Standards: “ethics” (CNO) - how a nurse demonstrates the standard
A
A nurse demonstrates the standard by:
- Identifying ethical issues and communicating them to the health care team;
- Identifying options to resolve ethical issues;
- Evaluating the effectiveness of the actions taken to resolve ethical issues; and
- Identifying personal values and ensuring they do not conflict with professional practice
13
Q
CNO ETP #80 (ethical practice)
A
80. Demonstrates knowledge of the difference between ethical and legal considerations and their relevance when providing nursing care
14
Q
CNO ETP #84 (ethical practice)
A
#84. Respects and preserves clients’ choices based on an ethical framework - Important because we are advocating for the client
15
Q
CNO ETP #85 (ethical practice)
A
85. Uses an ethical framework and evidence informed decision-making process to address situations of ethical distress and dilemmas
16
Q
Ethical considerations in relationships with students: nurses
A
Nurses:
- Recognize power differentials and treat each other, colleagues and students in a respectful manner
- Share knowledge, provide feedback, and guidance for the professional development of the student
