Introduction
Ethics play a vital role in the healthcare industry, especially in nursing, where the care and well-being of patients are at the forefront of every decision made. The principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence serve as the foundation for ethical practice in nursing. In this essay, will be discussed how these principles are implemented in nursing practice and the impact of ignoring these principles on both patients and nurses.
Implication of the Principles
Autonomy
Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make decisions about their healthcare without coercion or influence from others. This principle is implemented in nursing practice by allowing patients to make informed decisions about their care, including choosing the treatments they want (Martin, 2020). An example of this principle in action would be a nurse who presents a patient with multiple treatment options and supports the patient in making decisions that align with their values and beliefs.
Beneficence
Beneficence refers to the nurse’s duty to respect the patient’s privacy and dignity. This principle is implemented in nursing by maintaining the confidentiality and protecting sensitive information (Keebler et al., 2022). For example, a nurse who follows this principle would only discuss the patient’s health status or treatment plans with those involved in their care, even if that person is a family member.
Non-Maleficence
Non-maleficence refers to the nurse’s duty not to harm the patient. This principle is implemented in nursing practice by avoiding actions or decisions that could harm the patient (Martin, 2020). A nurse who refuses to give a patient a medication that might interfere with other medications they are taking or who expresses concerns about a treatment plan that might be harmful to the patient are two examples of this principle in action.
Lack of Principles
In some cases, ethical principles may be ignored, leading to negative consequences for the patient and the nurse (Keebler et al., 2022). For example, a nurse who fails to maintain confidentiality by sharing sensitive information about a patient may be subjected to disciplinary action. In contrast, the patient may suffer harm to their reputation or privacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ethical principles play a critical role in nursing practice and are essential for ensuring quality patient care. Adherence to regulations such as autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence is necessary to maintain trust and confidence in the healthcare industry and ensure that patients are protected from harm. It is the responsibility of every nurse to be knowledgeable about these principles and to strive to uphold them in their daily practice.
References
Keebler, J. R., Lazzara, E. H., Blickensderfer, E., Looke, T., Rosemeier, F., Almon, B., Barr, L., & Kuhlman, J. (2022). Utilizing human factors to improve perioperative adverse event investigations: An integrated approach. Human Factors in Healthcare, 2. Web.
Martin, M. (2020). The ethics of Emergent Health Technologies: Implications of the 21st Century Cures Act for Nursing. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice, 21(4), 195–201. Web.