Essay on Nursing Ethics - 977 Words

Ethics in Nursing Overview According to Aiken (2004) â€Å"Ethics is the discipline that deals with rightness and wrongness of actions†. The goal is similar to that of the legal system except that in most cases there is no system of enforcement or ethical penalties. â€Å"General ethics is the consideration of the morality of human acts in general†. (Fitzpatrick 2002) In nursing, ethical issues arise daily. There are issues such as death, dying, birth, abortion, genetics, quality of life, and general human rights. The legal system and ethical system overlap in most situations. Every patient contact can produce a legal or ethical situation. Ethics is an area that changes with time. As our earth continues to evolve new†¦show more content†¦In deontology â€Å"The ends can never justify the means†. (Kay 1997) This form of ethical thinking was formalized by Immanuel Kant in the 1700’s, according to his thoughts â€Å"Always act in such a way that you can also wi ll that the maxim of your action should become a universal law†. (Kay 1997) Utilitarianism This form of ethical thinking believes that a moral is the action that results in the greater amount of happiness for the great number of people. Everyone is considered equal. According to 19th century philosopher John Stuart Mill â€Å"An action is right if it tends to promote happiness and wrong if it tends to produce the reverse of happiness, not just the happiness of the performer of the action, but also everyone affected by it.† (West 2008) Commonalities When examining these two ethical views you notice that both deal with universal laws and ethical issues. They both look at morality and make it objective, scientific and rational. Deontology and Utilitarianism both include the nature of right and wrong, and human nature and choice. Advantages/Disadvantages When you look at Deontology, this ethical vision looks out for each individual. Every on treated exactly the same, regardless of circumstances. Each ethical law is absolute and can be looked at in one way. The advantage I see is that no one can read into or change ethical laws to suit them; the disadvantage I see is the same. There are issues inShow MoreRelatedThe Ethics Of Nursing Ethics1540 Words   |  7 Pagesand respirators are terms typically appalling and scary to society. In the nursing profession, it is often that nurses will deal with these two appalling terms. A case involving these two terms has been analyzed in regards to nursing ethics. Nursing ethics involves several different complex ideas and with the aid of the four way method one is able to analyze and make a decision in regards to controversial and difficult nursing situations. The four way method helped analyze a fourteen year old boys,Read MoreNursing ethics2164 Words   |  9 PagesFor the purpose of this assignment, ethics in relation to nursing will be discussed. Ethics; A code of principles governing correct behaviour, which in the nursing profession includes behaviour towards patients and their families, visitorsand colleagues (Oxford Dictionary of Nursing 2004). This assignment will consider autonomy as identified in a practice placement, but will also look briefly at the ethical principle of non-malefience that is relevant in this assignment. It will also closely lookRead More Nursing Ethics Essay838 Words   |  4 Pageswhen deterioration of health has become irreversible. 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For the nurses to do this, they must understand ethics and ways in which to utilize this knowledge in a constructive andRead MoreCodes of Ethics in Nursing3690 Words   |  15 PagesCODE OF ETHICS IN NURSING * The fundamental responsibility of the nurse is fourfold: to promote health, to prevent illness, to restore health and to alleviate suffering. * The need for nursing is universal. Inherent in nursing is respect for life, dignity and the rights of man. It is unrestricted by consideration of nationality, race, creed, color, age sex, politics, or social status. * Nurses render health services to the individual, the family and the community and coordinate theirRead MoreThe Nursing Ethics Of Advocacy919 Words   |  4 Pagesmoral dilemma, a competent nurse incorporates ethical, bioethical and legal considerations. In the proposed story, incorporating the nursing ethics of advocacy, beneficence, nonmaleficence and collaboration will guide the nurse towards an appropriate and legal course of action. Primary Ethical Principle: Advocacy Advocacy is a fundamental responsibility in nursing because patients are inherently vulnerable (Creasia Friberg, 2011). The scenario presented is challenging because, although the nurseRead MoreReviewing The Ethics Of Nursing1711 Words   |  7 Pages Reviewing the Ethics of Nursing In this paper I will explore an ethical dilemma that may arise within my nursing practice. I have presented a narrative, from the article â€Å"A Dilemma in the Emergency Room†, that portrays an ethical situation involving patient confidentiality. I will focus on Standard IV: Ethical Practice of the College of Registered Nurses of British (CRNBC) as well as the other (CRNBC) Standards of Practice to further evolve my understanding of ethics from what I have learnt