What it means
Key ethical principles in nursing are autonomyaw-TON-uh-meeA person's right to make their own choices about their body and their care.Full entry (respecting the client's choices), beneficence (doing good), nonmaleficence (doing no harm), justice (fairness), fidelity (keeping promises) and veracity (telling the truth). The ANA Code of Ethics guides nurses. An ethical dilemma is a choice in which principles conflict.
For the nurse
When you face an ethical concern, speak up through your chain of command or ask for an ethics committee consult.
At a glance
| Spanish | ético |
|---|---|
| Also written | ethically |
Related terms
American Nurses Association
The professional organization for registered nurses in the United States.
informed consent
A person's agreement to a treatment or procedure, given freely after the risks, benefits and other choices have been explained to them.
advocate
To speak up and act for a client's rights, safety and wishes; also, a person who does this.
autonomy
A person's right to make their own choices about their body and their care.