Ethics is the systematic exploration of questions about what is morally right and morally wrong… as nurses, we have the opportunity to defend and protect patient rights, to promote compassionate care, and to enhance the dignity and autonomy of our patients or clients (Keatings & Smith, 2000). It is critical that nurses continuously expand their knowledge and skill in ensuring the provision of safe and ethical care for clients. While there are very few absolute rules and directives, there are guidelines and tools to assist nurses is making ethical decisions.
Explore ethical theories and principles.
Examine CNA Code of Ethics and CNO Values.
Begin to identify situations that cause ethical/moral distress within your own practice.
Consider others’ experiences and potential diversity in perspective.
Reading Assignment:
Keatings, M., & Smith, O. (2010). Ethical theoretical perspectives. In, Ethical and Legal Issues in Canadian Nursing. (2nd ed.). Toronto, ON: Saunders.
CNO Compendium – Practice Standard –ETHICS
https://www.cno.org/Global/docs/prac/41034_Ethics.pdf
Canadian Nurses Association. (2008). “Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses” at:
https://www.cna-nurses.ca/CNA/documents/pdf/publications/ Code_of_Ethics_2008_e.pdf
“CNO Learning module: Ethics” at: https://www.cno.org/en/learn-about-standards-guidelines/educational-tools/learning-modules/ethics/
As you read make note of the following:
How do the theories differ in their approach?
What evidence of the ethical principles and theories do you see in the CNO Practice Standards?