Ethics in Nursing

Ethics in Nursing

1. confidentiality

   • personal information told on a 'need to know' basis
     • not all staff told everything
     • private information discussed in private environment
       • no danger of being overheard
   • Patients not discussed as gossip
   • Family members only informed if requested by patient
   • Privacy Act
     • Adhered to
   • Mandatory reporting
     • Report information they are legally required to
       • Suspecting on reasonable grounds; child abuse.
   • If Patient is to be used for teaching purposes
     • Steps taken to protect
       • autonomy
       • anonymity
       • privacy
   • Records protected
     • paper
     • Electronic

2. consent

   • Informed
     • Understanding
       • Patient knows why it will be happening
         • Patient feels comfortable
           • consenting
           • Refusing
         • Patient is able to have any questions answered
           • Patients Views considered
       • access to translator
     • Patient is explained what will be happening
       • Patient is informed of risks
       • explained why this is the best option
   • implied consent
     • body language
   • Health care Proxy

3. Care for everyone

   • equal quality of care
     • Regardless of, but with respect to
       • Sexuality
         • homosexual
         • hetrosexual
         • Other
       • Race
         • cultural beliefs considered
           • included in treatment
             • eg. presence of priest etc
       • Gender
         • Male
         • Female
         • Other
           • Ask how they would like to be referred to
             • eg. her, him
       • Religious beliefs
         • Beliefs respected, not disputed
           • eg. blood transfusion for Jehovah's witness'
       • isolation
         • Patient not avoided
       • lifestyle choices
         • not blamed for illness
           • eg. lung cancer for smokers
       • Mental illness
         • vulnerable group
       • Disabilities
         • vulnerable group
       • Age
       • Social Status

4. Safety

   • not endangered by
     • each other
     • Environment
       • Sterile
   • Staff
     • Identify risks
       • Prevent
       • Monitor
     • access to security
     • incident reports
     • Right to refuse
     • hygeine
       • hand washing
     • Training
       • Manual handling
     • Protective equptment
       • gloves
       • gowns
       • Masks
     • record keeping
   • Patients
     • Put own Safety first
     • follow Rules