Patient Rights
The process by which patients are given information about a medical procedure or treatment, including the risks and benefits, so that they can make an informed decision about whether to undergo the procedure or treatment.
Informed Consent
The Center is committed to addressing the complex ethical and human rights issues confronting nurses and designing activities and programs to increase the ethical competence and human rights sensitivity of nurses.
Who is the ANA center for ethics and human rights
These people must recognize healthcare dilemmas, make good judgments and decisions based on their values while keeping within the laws that govern them.
Nurses
What are some signs of a toxic workplace culture for nurses?
High rates of burnout, low morale, lack of trust among colleagues, poor communication, and a lack of support and resources.
This is the study of conduct and character. It is concerned with determining what is good or valuable for individuals and society at large
Ethics
If a patient refuses a recommended procedure, the nurse should
Respect the patient's decision
A nurse has discovered that a colleague is diverting medication from patients for their own personal use. What should the nurse do?
The nurse has a professional obligation to report the colleague's behavior to their supervisor or to the appropriate regulatory authorities.
What is the term for the ethical principle that requires nurses to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of patient information?
Confidentiality
What are some of the effects of a toxic workplace culture on nurses and patient care?
A toxic workplace culture can lead to decreased job satisfaction, increased turnover, decreased quality of patient care, increased medical errors, and increased patient dissatisfaction.
This is the duty to “do Good”
Beneficence
What is the term for a patient's right to receive medical care that is free from discrimination or bias?
Right to non-discrimination?
A patient has asked a nurse to help them end their own life. What should the nurse do?
The nurse should listen to the patient's concerns and offer emotional support, but should not assist in the patient's suicide.
You forgot to count the respiration for a patient. It's been a long day, and it's almost time to go home, what do you do?
Go back and record them.
What are some examples of toxic behaviors that nurses may encounter in a toxic workplace culture?
Examples of toxic behaviors that nurses may encounter in a toxic workplace culture include workplace bullying, micromanagement, withholding information or resources, discrimination, and unrealistic workload expectations.
What is the ethical principle that requires nurses to prioritize the well-being and safety of their patients above all else?
Non-Maleficience
This federal law was enacted in 1996 to protect patients' privacy and security of their health information.
HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
A patient has requested that the nurse provide them with illegal drugs during their hospital stay. What should the nurse do?
The nurse should explain to the patient why their request cannot be granted, and offer appropriate medical treatment and support.
A nurse is caring for a patient who has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The patient has stopped breathing, but the nurse is unsure whether to initiate CPR. What should the nurse do?
If the patient's DNR order is valid and current, the nurse should respect the patient's wishes and refrain from initiating CPR.
What are some strategies that nurses can use to promote a healthy workplace culture?
Strategies that nurses can use to promote a healthy workplace culture include practicing open and respectful communication, advocating for patient safety and rights, promoting teamwork and collaboration, practicing self-care, and seeking support and mentorship from colleagues and leaders.
What is the ethical principle that requires nurses to treat all patients fairly, without prejudice or discrimination?
Justice
What is the term for a patient's right to receive medical care that is respectful of their cultural, religious, and personal beliefs and practices?
Cultural competence
A child has requested to have their blood drawn by a nurse dressed in a clown costume. What should the nurse do?
If the request is not harmful and does not violate professional boundaries, the nurse may comply with the patient's wishes.
What is the ethical principle that requires nurses to be honest and truthful in their professional interactions with patients and colleagues?
Veracity
How can nurses address and overcome a toxic workplace culture?
Promoting open communication, practicing good self-care, seeking support from colleagues and mentors, reporting workplace harassment or discrimination, and advocating for change through professional organizations and unions.
What is the ethical principle that requires nurses to respect their patients' right to make decisions about their own care?
Autonomy