Introduction to ethics.. Lecture for BSN, RN

1. INTRODUCTION TO
ETHICS

2. OBJECTIVES
At the end of presentation learner will be able to,
 Define terms, ethics, nursing ethics, bioethics, value, belief, morals,
attitude, conflict, dilemma and ethical dilemma.
 Discuss ethics in nursing.
 Review criteria of a profession.
 Develop characteristics of a professional nurse.
introduction to ethics
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3. BELIEF, VALUE, ATTITUDE
BELIEF A belief is an internal feeling that something is true, even though
that belief may be unproven or irrational
e.g I believe that there is life after death
VALUE Value is a measure of the worth or importance a person
attaches to something; our values are often reflected in the way we
live our lives. e.g I value freedom of speech, or I value my family
ATTITUDE An attitude is the way a person expresses or
applies their beliefs and values, and is expressed through words
and behavior . e.g I hate school.
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4. ETHICS
Set of rules or principles that govern right conduct is deigned to protect
the rights of human beings.
(derived from Greek word ethos which means customs or guiding rules)
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5. NURSING ETHICS
Nursing ethics concerned with a professional conduct
and behavior that helps a nurse to carry out the nursing
care in a manner that result in good to the mankind and
community.
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6. BIOETHICS
“It is the study of ethical issues
and ethical judgments made
within biomedical sciences,
including the delivery of health
care”
ANA, 1985
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7. CONFLICT, MORALS, DILEMMA
• are principles and beliefs concerning
right and wrong behavior.
MORALS
• is serious disagreement and
argument about something important.
CONFLICT
•.
• is a difficult situation in which you have
to choose between two or more
alternatives
DILEMMA
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8. IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS IN
NURSING
 Protects the nurse from all legal and ethical issues.
 It helps the teacher to identify what needs to be taught
for nursing student.
 Helps the nurse to attain professional and personal
satisfaction.
 Ethical values help in better decision making and used
as a guide when legal action must be taken in lawsuit
 Ethics is a rule for right conduct of any human being.
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IMPORTANCE
OF ETHICS
NURSES
PATIENT
SOCIETY

9. CRITERIA OF PROFESSION
There are three main criteria of a profession,
 To provide a need service to the society.
 To advance knowledge in its field.
 To promote members and make it possible to practice
effectively
In 1915 Dr. Abraham Flexner delineated six criteria for a
profession,
 Professional activity is based on intellectual action along
with personal responsibility.
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10. CONT…
 The practice of profession is based on
knowledge. And not routine activities.
 There is practical application rather than just
theorizing.
 There are techniques that can be taught.
 A profession is organized internally.
 A profession is motivated by altruism, with
members working in some sense for the
good of society.
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11. CHARACTERISTIC OF A
PROFESSIONAL NURSE
 She is personally responsible and professionally accountable
for her actions.
 Should ensure that nursing practices meet the standards of
the professional and legislative requirements.
 Her practices should be
 Knowledge Based
 Ethical
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12. KNOWLEDGE BASED PRACTICE
Demonstrate
critical thinking in
performing
nursing care
Set priorities
to provide
care
Apply nursing
process
Exercise
reasonable
judgment in
practice
Support,
facilitate, and
participate in
research
Access
appropriate
informations to
enhance patient
care
Support
evidence
based
rationale
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Knowledge
based
practice

13. ETHICAL PRACTICE
Practice with honesty
Safe care
Advocate and protect
patient's rights
Ensure safe therapeutic
relationships
Report unskilled practice
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Ethical
practices

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