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Bioethics - Virtues

This document provides definitions and examples of 8 virtues that are important in nursing practice: fidelity, honesty, integrity, humility, respect, compassion, prudence, and courage. Fidelity involves maintaining trust and dedication to patient well-being. Honesty requires truthfulness in all aspects of care. Integrity means being trustworthy and following moral principles. Humility is recognizing one's limitations. Respect involves valuing patient dignity and autonomy. Compassion means understanding and responding to patient suffering. Prudence is using sound judgment. Courage enables withstanding difficult situations.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
244 views5 pages

Bioethics - Virtues

This document provides definitions and examples of 8 virtues that are important in nursing practice: fidelity, honesty, integrity, humility, respect, compassion, prudence, and courage. Fidelity involves maintaining trust and dedication to patient well-being. Honesty requires truthfulness in all aspects of care. Integrity means being trustworthy and following moral principles. Humility is recognizing one's limitations. Respect involves valuing patient dignity and autonomy. Compassion means understanding and responding to patient suffering. Prudence is using sound judgment. Courage enables withstanding difficult situations.

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PMG Bright
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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College of Nursing

MICROBIOLOGY &
PARASITOLOGY (Lab)

GROUP 4 Year and Section BSN -2B-C

NAMES: Date Submitted: 10/11/23


DE GUZMAN, Shawne Professor: Florida O. Cariño
GARPIDA, Heartlee Score:
GUADILLA, JOSANA
GUZMAN, Phoebe
HADSAN, Aeryka
LABI, Shandy Hygeia
MANANTAN, Alexander Dale
NGALES, Senley

VIRTUES
1. Fidelity

Definition: Fidelity in nursing practice refers to the ethical principle of faithfulness,


loyalty, and keeping promises when providing care to patients. It encompasses
not only the commitment to fulfilling professional responsibilities but also
advocating for the patient's best interests, respecting their autonomy, and
ensuring that their values and preferences are honored. In essence, fidelity
involves nurses maintaining trust, transparency, and dedication to the well-being
of their patients, even in the face of challenges or obstacles.

Examples

❖ A Nurse's Fidelity in Advocacy


● Imagine a scenario in which a patient, Mr. P, has been diagnosed
with a terminal illness and expresses a strong desire to spend his
remaining days at home, surrounded by his family. However, the
medical team believes that Mr.P would receive better medical
care in a hospice facility due to the complexity of his condition.
● A nurse discovers a medication error made by another nurse that
could potentially harm a patient. The other nurse is hesitant to
report the error, fearing disciplinary action.

2. Honesty

Definition: Honesty refers to the ethical principle of truthfulness and transparency


in all aspects of nursing practice, patient care, and communication. It is also
known as veracity or the nurses’ obligation to tell the truth which involves being
honest and straightforward with their patients. It is a fundamental value in
healthcare ethics that is closely related to several other bioethical principles,
including autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence.
Examples

● Identifying and disclosing a medication error or other nursing error you


committed during clinical practice.
● Telling a competent patient that they’re free to refuse or leave medical
care, even when you fear they may suffer harm if they do so.

3. Integrity

Definition: Integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that


one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge. Having
integrity means that you are honest, ethical, and follow defined moral principles.
And at work it is about even more than honesty and respect.

Integrity in nursing practice means keeping confidence, practicing


forthrightness, and having an overall sense of trustworthiness. Integrity is
important in nursing practice for a number of reasons. It helps to build trust
between nurses and their patients, ensure that nurses are acting in the best
interests of their patients, and lastly, to promote a positive work environment for
nurses.

Examples

● Being honest with patients and their families about their condition and
treatment options. This also includes being honest about the risks and
benefits of treatment, as well as the potential side effects.
● Protecting patient confidentiality. This means keeping patients’ personal
information private, and only sharing it with other healthcare professionals
when it is necessary to provide their care.

4. Humility

Definition: Humility means “The state of being Humble'' and originated in latin
word “Humilis” meaning “low”, Humility is the quality of being modest and it
involves a recognition of one’s limitations and willingness to acknowledge and
learn from others. It is also important in nursing practices specially in student
nurses to realistically look at their strengths,weakness,knowledge and abilities.

Examples

● A student nurse encounters a challenging situation with a patient who is


not responding well to treatment,instead of insisting on a predetermined
course of action a humble approach might involve consulting with
colleagues or seeking advice from a senior staff and being open to
alternative perspective.
● A nurse encountered a difficulty in inserting an IV line for a patient, Instead
of persisting independently, a humble approach could involve reaching
out to more skilled colleague for some assistance.

5. Respect
Definition: Respect is a foundational social and moral concept, involving the
recognition and valuing of the worth, rights, feelings, and boundaries of
individuals and groups. It requires treating them with courtesy, consideration, and
deference, while refraining from actions that could harm or demean them. This
principle is essential for healthy relationships and societal harmony. In the nursing
practice, respect means recognizing and honoring the inherent worth, dignity,
and autonomy of each patient. This entails kindness, active listening, involving
patients in decisions, safeguarding their privacy, and providing culturally sensitive
care, forming the bedrock of nursing ethics and trust-building in patient
relationships.

Examples

● Informed Consent: Nurses respect patients' autonomy by ensuring they


fully understand the risks and benefits of medical procedures or
treatments. They provide all necessary information, answer questions, and
seek patients' consent before any intervention. This respects the patient's
right to make informed choices about their healthcare.
● Cultural Sensitivity: Nurses respect cultural diversity by acknowledging
and accommodating patients' cultural beliefs and practices. They tailor
care plans to align with a patient's cultural preferences, such as dietary
restrictions or traditional healing practices. This demonstrates respect for
the patient's cultural background and values, promoting trust and
effective care delivery.

6. Compassion

Definition: Compassion plays a pivotal role, particularly within the realm of


nursing practice. It refers to the ethical principle and practice of understanding,
empathizing with, and responding to the suffering and needs of patients in a
caring and empathetic manner. It involves a deep sense of concern for the well-
being and dignity of the patient and is an essential aspect of providing dignity,
respect, and patient-centered care.

Examples

● End-of-Life Care:

In situations where patients are nearing the end of their lives, nurses often
play a critical role in ensuring their comfort and dignity. Compassion in this
context involves actively listening to patients and their families, addressing
their fears and concerns, and providing emotional support.

● Pediatric Nursing:

Pediatric nurses frequently encounter children who are experiencing pain,


fear, and anxiety due to illness or medical procedures. Compassion in
pediatric nursing involves using child-friendly communication,
acknowledging the child's emotions, and providing comfort. For instance,
a pediatric nurse may use distraction techniques, such as storytelling or
play, to alleviate a child's anxiety before a vaccination. By demonstrating
compassion, nurses create a safe and trusting environment that eases the
child's distress and fosters a positive healthcare experience.

7. Prudence
Definition: The ability to think carefully and make wise decisions, especially when
it comes to matters of personal finance, safety, or general judgment. It involves
using sound judgment and foresight to avoid unnecessary risks, make responsible
choices, and consider the potential consequences of one's actions. One fact is
that prudence is one of the four cardinal virtues in classical philosophy, alongside
justice, temperance, and courage. These virtues were considered essential for
leading a virtuous and morally upright life. In leadership and decision-making,
prudence is a valued trait. Leaders who exercise prudence are more likely to
make informed and strategic decisions that benefit their organizations and
stakeholders.

Examples

● Medication Administration: Nurses must exercise prudence when


administering medications to patients. They carefully verify the patient's
identity, check for allergies or potential drug interactions, and ensure the
correct dosage and route of administration. This prudence helps prevent
medication errors that could harm patients.
● Emergency Response: In emergency situations, nurses must make quick
but prudent decisions. They prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and
provide life-saving interventions while keeping patient safety at the
forefront.

Overall, nurses in a hospital setting demonstrate prudence by making informed


and careful decisions that prioritize patient safety, well-being, and the efficient
delivery of healthcare services.

8. Courage

Definition: Courage is the mental or moral strength to persevere, confront, and


withstand difficult situations, adversity, or fear. It involves the willingness to take
risks, face challenges, and act in the face of uncertainty or danger, even when
one may feel anxious or apprehensive. Courage is not the absence of fear, but
rather the ability to overcome it and act in alignment with one's convictions and
values. It can manifest in various forms, including physical bravery, moral
courage, intellectual courage, and emotional resilience. Courage is often
regarded as a virtuous quality, as it empowers individuals to make principled
decisions and navigate complex situations, ultimately leading to personal growth
and positive societal impact.

Examples

● Addressing Discrimination: If you observe a fellow healthcare provider


displaying bias towards a patient based on their background, you
courageously address the issue, emphasizing the importance of treating
all patients with respect and dignity. Addressing discrimination or
prejudice is a crucial aspect of demonstrating courage as a nurse. It
involves standing up against any form of bias that compromises the
quality of care or undermines a patient's well-being. This not only ensures
fair and equitable care but also fosters a culture of inclusivity and
compassion within the healthcare setting. It's a powerful demonstration of
advocacy for patient rights and the promotion of ethical healthcare
practices.
● Reporting suspected abuse or neglect is an essential act of courage in
nursing practice. It involves prioritizing the safety and well-being of the
patient above all else, even if it means confronting a difficult and
uncomfortable situation. By promptly reporting such concerns to the
appropriate authorities, you are advocating for the rights and protection
of the patient, potentially saving them from further harm. This act reflects
a commitment to ethical principles and a dedication to providing high-
quality and compassionate care. It also demonstrates a willingness to take
a stand against injustice and ensure that every patient receives the care
and support they deserve.

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