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What are the 7 Ethical Principles in Nursing?
Learn the 7 Ethical Principles of Nursing with NCLEX ® Prep Tutoring!
Nursing is a noble profession with high ethical standards and principles. Nursing professionals have an essential role in the healthcare sector, and the welfare of patients depends on their actions and decisions. This is why ethical principles play a crucial role in nursing, ensuring that nurses provide quality care and follow the highest standards of practice. Ready to Pass has the proper NCLEX ® prep tutoring from knowledgeable certified nursing experts that can help you achieve these principles.
What are the 7 Ethical Principles of Nursing and Why Do I Need Them for NCLEX ® Prep?
The 7 ethical principles of nursing come from the Code of Ethics for Nurses, which was created by the American Nursing Association (ANA).
They are:
- Autonomy
- Beneficence
- Non-maleficence
- Justice
- Fidelity
- Veracity
- Confidentiality
Each of these principles requires specific techniques and methods to ensure their proper application. Learning these methods will help you learn the skills needed to pass the NCLEX ® and become a nurse.
Respect for Autonomy
Respect for patients’ autonomy is one of the most critical ethical principles of nursing. It requires nurses to respect the patient’s right to make decisions regarding their health and treatment. This principle also entails obtaining informed consent from patients, ensuring they understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and risks and benefits.
Autonomy requires appropriate techniques and strategies for engaging patients in decision-making processes. You need specific skills to communicate with your patients while considering their right to autonomy.
Beneficence
Beneficence is the principle that requires nurses to act in their patients’ best interest. It involves promoting the health and well-being of patients by providing competent and compassionate care. The focus is on doing good, and nurses must balance the risks of their interventions with the potential benefits.
Non-Maleficence
The principle of non-maleficence requires nurses to do no harm to their patients. This principle emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions or omissions that can harm the patient. It involves recognizing potential risks and complications and taking actionable steps to prevent or reduce them.
Nurses need to know how to identify common risks and complications, the proper techniques to mitigate them, and how to address any issues that arise during their practice.
Justice
Justice requires the equitable and fair distribution of healthcare resources. This principle entails treating all patients fairly and providing care based on the patient’s need regardless of factors such as socioeconomic status, race, gender, or ethnicity.
Fidelity
The principle of fidelity emphasizes the importance of keeping promises and being accountable. It involves honesty, integrity, and maintaining ethical practices. Nurses must remain committed to their patients, honor their commitments, and maintain patient confidentiality. With the right preparation and training, nurses can learn how to maintain ethical standards and remain accountable in their practice.
Veracity
Veracity is the principle of truthfulness. It requires nurses to provide truthful information to their patients, colleagues, and employers. This principle involves ensuring patients have accurate information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and health status. Nurses need to learn how to communicate effectively and provide accurate information to patients, promoting trust and building rapport.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is the principle of protecting patients’ private information. It involves safeguarding patient information and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to it. Nurses must maintain confidentiality to protect the patient’s dignity, privacy, and reputation. Nurses must learn the proper techniques for safeguarding patient information and handling confidential data.
Learn the Principles of Nursing with NCLEX® Prep Tutoring from Ready to Pass!
The 7 ethical principles of nursing are critical to providing quality care and ensuring the welfare of patients. Familiarizing yourself with these principles and how to apply them will help you pass the NCLEX ® and become a certified nurse. NCLEX ® preparation courses from Ready to Pass will teach you the skills you need to become a nurse, which will help you pass the NCLEX ® and become a competent nurse. Call us at (516) 408-3696 or contact us online to get started today!
