Importance of Nursing Ethics in Licensed Practical Nursing Schools

Every day, nurses perform hundreds of tasks that are critical to the healthcare system in a medical facility. Some decisions that nurse practitioners must make will test both their professional and moral values. The nursing code learned at practical nurse school helps nursing students and caregivers maintain a safe environment for recovery and consider patient needs from multiple perspectives.

The ethical guidelines remind caregivers that they must treat everyone equally and individually while also protecting their privacy rights in ways that may not be obvious during their patient care clinical experience. They also urge them to accept full responsibility for their nursing work in healthcare services.

What Are the Nursing Ethics?

Sometimes, professional nurses and healthcare providers are faced with situations in clinical settings at work that test their nursing ethics. Morally courageous healthcare professionals find a way, even when they’re alone, to make ethical choices with critical thinking skills. The nurses who have this ability will behave in accordance with the nursing code, regardless of any negative outcomes. The outcomes can include a damaged reputation, embarrassment or anxiety, rejection by others, a career setback, employer or colleague backlash, and a tainted image.

Nurses take action when unforeseen danger occurs to protect both patients and themselves. In addition, they express empathy with words and actions while building strong relationships with their patients during clinical rotations.

The code of ethics for nurses encourages healthcare professionals in their personal lives to follow these moral guidelines. The American Nurses Association states that common issues covered by nursing ethics include:

• End-of-life issues
• Bioethics
• Advocacy
• Caregiving
• Moral courage, moral distress, and moral resilience

Cultural Competency for Nursing

Cultural awareness is an important aspect of nursing ethics. Nursing is increasingly dealing with patients of different cultures and languages, as well as different religious beliefs. These patients depend on nurses to make ethical decisions that are culturally appropriate regarding their care. 

The code of ethics helps nurses to remember that every patient is unique and has unique needs. Nurses can also improve their cultural competence by communicating openly, refraining from judgment, normalizing differences in culture, and examining biases.

Cultural competence allows nurses to serve the individual and community’s interests by working towards the best health outcomes.

Read More:- How Do You Choose Between Practical Nursing School and Medical School?

Ethics in Nursing 

The following are some examples of nursing ethics.

Confidentiality

HIPAA prohibits nurses from disclosing sensitive patient information. The nursing code of ethics also stresses the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of patient information as medical professionals. This code goes beyond ensuring that unauthorized individuals do not have access to personal records. This code encourages caregivers not to discuss cases with others unless they are present or unable to hear them.

Accountability

They take full responsibility for the actions they perform. They are morally upright and uphold high standards of ethics in clinical facilities. Ethical nurses will never provide services that are beyond their competence and will do everything they can to ensure the safety of their patients.

Valuing Individual Patients

In addition to encouraging their coworkers to do the same, carers educate themselves about the people and communities they serve. Nurses should also treat everyone with respect and keep professional boundaries. The best nursing schools in Illinois help students understand this aspect in nursing.

Holistic Approach

Nurses are responsible to do all the things that they can promote holistic care, which takes into consideration the physical, mental, and spiritual health of patients. The nurses work with other professionals in the healthcare field to achieve and implement this goal as widely as possible. They work to minimize threats to responsible, holistic care, such as public health initiatives that are not aligned with the needs of communities.

Advocating for Patients

Nurses should be patient advocates and ensure that every patient’s needs and preferences are taken into account. The code of ethics for nurses states that patients have the right to decide how they wish to be treated and that information about treatment should be given in a way that suits their preferences. However, it is crucial that the patient is in a mental state to make such decisions. Nurses must assist them in making decisions if they are not mentally fit.

Promoting Equality

The code of ethics for nurses promotes the fair treatment of all people and condemns discrimination, no matter what its cause. It is important to distribute healthcare resources according to need. Caregivers can build trust with clients by treating them fairly.

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Conclusion

This education today in licensed practical nursing schools is marked by cutting-edge courses taught by experienced professors who are committed to helping individuals pursue a nursing program.

Consider earning an LPN from Verve College if you’re passionate about caring for others and want to demonstrate the importance of nursing ethics.