Applying the Four Fundamental Nursing Ethical Principles in Clinical Setting

1. Introduction:

Nurses are constantly exposed to ethical dilemmas in their daily practice. To deal with these dilemmas, nurses need to have a sound understanding of the fundamental nursing ethical principles. The four fundamental ethical principles are autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.

In this essay, I will discuss how these four ethical principles can be applied in clinical setting. I will also discuss how the organizational culture affects ethical decision-making in healthcare organizations.

2. The Four Fundamental Nursing Ethical Principles:

The four fundamental nursing ethical principles are autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. These principles provide a framework for nurses to make ethical decisions in their daily practice (Daly, 2010).

Autonomy is the principle of self-determination. It gives patients the right to make decisions about their own care, free from coercion or manipulation (Daly, 2010). Beneficence is the principle of doing good. It requires nurses to promote the well-being of their patients and protect them from harm (Daly, 2010). Non-maleficence is the principle of do no harm. It requires nurses to avoid causing harm to their patients (Daly, 2010). Justice is the principle of fairness and equity. It requires nurses to treat all patients fairly and equitably, without discrimination (Daly, 2010).

3. Applying the Ethical Principles in Clinical Setting:

The four ethical principles can be applied in clinical setting to guide nurses in their decision-making process. In this section, I will discuss how each of the four ethical principles can be applied in clinical setting.

3. 1 Principle of Autonomy:

The principle of autonomy can be applied in clinical setting to respect patients’ rights and give them control over their care. Nurses should respect patients’ right to make decisions about their own care and treatment (Daly, 2010). They should also provide patients with information about their condition and available treatment options so that they can make informed decisions about their care (Daly, 2010). In some cases, patients may not be able to make decisions about their own care due to cognitive impairment or mental illness. In these cases, nurses should consult with patients’ family members or surrogate decision-makers to ensure that patients’ rights are respected and that their best interests are taken into account (Daly, 2010).

3. 2 Principle of Beneficence:

The principle of beneficence can be applied in clinical setting to promote patients’ well-being and protect them from harm. Nurses should take measures to protect their patients from avoidable harms such as infections, medication errors, and Falls (Daly, 2010). They should also promote their patients’ well-being by providing them with necessary medical treatments and services (Daly, 2010). In some cases, beneficence may conflict with autonomy when patients refuse treatment that is necessary for their well-being. In these cases, nurses should consult with other members of the healthcare team to determine whether or not treatment should be forced on the patient against their wishes (Daly, 2010).

3. 3 Principle of Non-maleficence:

The principle of non-maleficence can be applied in clinical setting to avoid causing harm to patients. Nurses should take measures to prevent or minimize the risks of harm to their patients (Daly, 2010). They should also ensure that any treatments or procedures they perform are necessary and evidence-based. In some cases, the benefits of a treatment may outweigh the risks of harm. In these cases, nurses should weigh the risks and benefits of the treatment before deciding whether or not to proceed with it (Daly, 2010).

3. 4 Principle of Justice:

The principle of justice can be applied in clinical setting to treat all patients fairly and equitably. Nurses should treat all patients equally, without discrimination (Daly, 2010). They should also allocate resources fairly and equitably, taking into account the needs of all patients (Daly, 2010). In some cases, justice may conflict with beneficence when scarce resources need to be rationed. In these cases, nurses should consult with other members of the healthcare team to determine how to allocate resources in a way that is fair and equitable (Daly, 2010).

4. Organizational Culture and Ethical Decision-making:

The organizational culture of a healthcare organization can affect ethical decision-making in several ways. First, the culture can influence what ethical principles are emphasized by the organization. For example, an organization that values autonomy may give more weight to the principle of autonomy than the principle of beneficence when making ethical decisions. Second, the culture can influence how ethical dilemmas are resolved. For example, an organization that emphasizes individual rights may be more likely to respect patients’ wishes even when they conflict with what is best for the patient. Finally, the culture can influence how ethical decisions are made. For example, an organization that emphasizes hierarchy may require nurses to consult with their supervisors before making decisions about patient care.

5. Conclusion:

In conclusion, nurses need to have a sound understanding of the four fundamental nursing ethical principles – autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. These principles provide a framework for nurses to make ethical decisions in their daily practice. Each of these principles can be applied in clinical setting to guide nurses in their decision-making process. The organizational culture of a healthcare organization can affect ethical decision-making in several ways.

FAQ

More Related papers

• The Science of Mind: How the Study of Mind Can Help Us Better Understand Human Activity
• The Negative Impact of Laws, Policies and Reforms on Minority Groups in the USA
• The Keys to Success in College
• The Pros and Cons of Governmental and Independent Hospital Accreditation in the United States
• Experiential pharmacy rotations in Australia: an overview