The document outlines the code of ethics for nursing which includes seven core principles: accountability, justice, nonmaleficence, autonomy, beneficence, fidelity, and veracity. It emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making in nursing, especially in complex care situations, and how these principles guide nurses to provide safe and high-quality patient care. The outline serves as a foundation for nurses to maintain trust and adhere to their professional responsibilities while addressing patient needs.

1. The Principles &
practice of Nursing
(Code of Ethics )
By Mr. J. Kevin Adede,RN,OR
Registered Nurse, Operating Room
The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi

2. The Code of Ethics
All nurses, regardless of practice area, make decisions in the course of
their daily duties that require ethical consideration. But as any nurse will
tell you, these decisions can weigh heavily on a person’s shoulders. A
core set of ethical principles in nursing offers a solid foundation that
nurses can rely on to help them make sound decisions. Ethics refers to
how people think and conduct themselves in terms of right and wrong.
The concept of nursing ethics began to develop in the late 19th century.
At the time, ethics in nursing referred to certain character traits like
obedience, physician loyalty, and high moral character.

3. • As the world and the healthcare industry evolves, so too must nursing
ethics themselves. Nurses face increasingly complex ethical and
human rights issues. It acts as a social contract between nurses and
the general public, helping people understand the commitment all
nurses make to providing safe, evidence-based, high-quality care.
• Each member of the profession adheres to a set of core ethical
principles in nursing. These principles help nurses make good
judgment calls, provide high-quality care, and support patients and
their loved ones emotionally, physically, and mentally. Let’s take a
deeper look at each of the ethics in nursing.

4. The 7 Principles in Nursing
• Accountability
• Justice
• Nonmaleficence
• Autonomy
• Beneficence
• Fidelity
• Veracity

5. 1. Accountability
Accountability is chief among the ethical principles in nursing. Each nurse
must be responsible for his or her own choices and actions in the course
of patient care. Nurses who hold themselves accountable often provide
higher-quality patient care. They are more likely to build stronger
relationships with patients, thanks to increased trust. Accountable nurses
adhere to their scope of practice and, in many cases, are
greatly appreciated by their colleagues and patients.

6. 2. Justice
• Every nurse has a responsibility to make care decisions that are based only
on the facts, not on other factors like the patient’s
 age
 ethnicity
 religion
 socioeconomic status
• To uphold the justice ethical principle, nurses should act as fair and impartial
care givers, which can help patients feel more valued. Treating each patient
fairly, regardless of their circumstances, is essential for helping patients
accept and participate in their own care; this, in turn, often leads to better
patient outcomes

7. 3. Nonmaleficence
You’ve likely already heard of this ethical principle, which is to do no
harm. Nursing nonmaleficence echoes exactly that. Nurses have a
critical responsibility to prevent further harm from coming to all their
patients. Each nurse must take action to prevent harm. Nonmaleficence
in nursing is essential to safe, effective patient care that is delivered to
the best of a nurse’s ability.

8. 4. Autonomy
The autonomy ethical principle requires each nurse be able to perform
their duties using their own knowledge and professional judgement
appropriate for each unique patient interaction. To uphold a code of
ethics in nursing, nurses must act only within their scope of practice, yet
continue to provide full, high-quality care. Autonomy is an essential part
of all aspects of nursing practice, helping nurses make appropriate
decisions based on critical thinking. The autonomy ethical principle goes
hand in hand with accountability.

9. 5. Beneficence
Beneficence in nursing can be defined as the charity and kindness
nurses offer to other people, which is demonstrated by their actions in the
medical setting. Beneficence means that nurses perform actions
intended to benefit others; they act with the patient’s best interests in
mind. In order to act with beneficence in nursing, each nurse must
approach each patient as a unique individual with their own life
circumstances, opinions, and experiences. Beneficence also means that
nurses must put aside their own personal feelings to provide care to the
best of their abilities.

10. 6. Fidelity
People want to know they can count on nurses, no matter what. The
fidelity ethical principle can best be described by keeping your word to
patients. Nurses should be honest and loyal to each patient, as this helps
the nurse gain trust and fulfill their professional commitment. Without
fidelity, more trusting relationships cannot be formed, which leads to less
positive patient outcomes and less trust in professional relationships.
The moral obligation to be faithful to your core responsibilities to the
patient.

11. 7. Veracity
• Working in healthcare is challenging for many reasons, and in some
cases, nurses must communicate unpleasant information to a patient.
Veracity in nursing is the ethical principle of being completely open and
honest with patients, even if the truth causes distress. While being
completely truthful can be daunting, especially in certain patient care
circumstances, veracity in nursing is important for establishing trust
and strengthening the nurse-patient relationship. Veracity also helps
patients become more autonomous, making decisions for their care
based on all relevant, factual information.

12. END OF SLIDE
BYE!!
PRACTICE SAFE !!
STAY SAFE !!
SAVE & BETTER LIVES!!