Choose two of the Nine Tenets of the Code of Ethics for Nurses and describe how you will personally apply each tenet in the practice setting with your patients. Describe in detail the purpose of the tenet and provide examples of the tenet applied in practice. Explain why it is important to uphold the tenet in maximizing the quality of patient care, and identify how it enhances your own practice as a nurse.
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Introduction:
As a medical professor responsible for creating assignments for medical college students, it is important to not only provide theoretical knowledge but also emphasize the application of ethical principles in practice. The Code of Ethics for Nurses provides a comprehensive framework for ethical decision-making and professional behavior. In this response, I will personally apply two tenets of the Code of Ethics in the practice setting with patients, describe their purpose, provide examples, explain their importance in maximizing the quality of patient care, and outline how they enhance my own practice as a nurse.
Tenet 1: Respect for Autonomy
The tenet of Respect for Autonomy emphasizes the nurse’s obligation to honor and respect the patient’s right to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare. As a nurse, I will personally apply this principle by actively involving patients in their care, seeking their input and preferences, and ensuring informed consent before any procedures or treatments.
In practice, a patient may have the right to refuse certain medications or treatments due to personal beliefs or concerns about potential side effects. By respecting their autonomy, I would engage in a collaborative conversation with the patient, explaining the risks and benefits of the proposed treatment while actively listening to their concerns. This would allow the patient to make an informed decision that aligns with their values and preferences.
Upholding the tenet of Respect for Autonomy is crucial for maximizing the quality of patient care. It recognizes the individuality of patients and promotes patient-centered care. By involving patients in decision-making, they feel empowered and more likely to comply with treatment plans. This tenet also enhances my own practice as a nurse by fostering trust and building a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. When patients feel respected and included in their care, they are more likely to actively participate in their healing process.
Tenet 2: Beneficence
The tenet of Beneficence requires nurses to actively promote and prioritize the well-being of their patients. Personally applying this principle involves striving to improve patient outcomes, ensuring their safety, and advocating for their best interests. This includes thorough assessments, early intervention, and provision of evidence-based care.
In practice, a nurse may encounter a patient who requires pain management. By promoting beneficence, I would assess the patient’s pain level regularly, provide appropriate analgesics, and monitor their response. Additionally, I would advocate for the patient by communicating their needs to the interdisciplinary team and ensuring their pain is adequately addressed.
Upholding the tenet of Beneficence is essential in maximizing the quality of patient care as it focuses on positive outcomes and patient well-being. It emphasizes the importance of delivering care that is not only safe but also effective in meeting patient needs. By prioritizing beneficence, patient trust and satisfaction also increase, as they perceive receiving care that genuinely aims to improve their health.
From a personal standpoint, adhering to the tenet of Beneficence enhances my own practice by promoting professional growth and job satisfaction. It validates the fundamental reason for choosing a career in healthcare – to make a positive difference in patients’ lives. Knowing that I have actively contributed to improving health outcomes reinforces my dedication to nursing and motivates me to continue providing compassionate, evidence-based care.
Conclusion:
Applying ethical principles in nursing practice is paramount for delivering comprehensive and patient-centered care. By personally applying the tenets of Respect for Autonomy and Beneficence, I strive to create an environment that respects patient autonomy, promotes positive outcomes, and fosters a strong nurse-patient relationship. Upholding these ethical tenets plays a significant role in maximizing the quality of patient care and enhancing my own professional practice as a nurse.
