assignment professional ethics

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How to Develop a Strong Work Ethic

• Tutti Taygerly

Hiring managers want to see your motivation, can-do attitude, and dedication.

In our early career years, it can be challenging to figure out what behaviors are and are not acceptable in different professional environments. Employers are now expecting more of entry-level workers and they want to see that you have good work ethic. So what is work ethic?

• Work ethic refers to a set of moral principles, values, and attitudes around how to act at work. It often surrounds what behaviors are commonly acceptable and appropriate (or not).
• Qualities like reliability, productivity, ownership and team support all demonstrate professional integrity, or a strong commitment to ethical behavior at work. In contrast, low-quality work, tardiness, or lack of attention to details demonstrates bad work ethic.
• If you’re new to the workplace, a good way to start is by observing. Pay attention to how your coworkers behave in meetings to gain a better understanding of their “etiquette,” as well as the communication styles of different people and teams. Another essential part of building good work ethic is adopting a “do it like you own it” attitude. You can do this by being proactive in small, but powerful, ways.

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

Have you ever wondered about how to behave appropriately at work? Throughout your career, and especially in the early years, it’s challenging to figure out what behaviors and attitudes are and are not acceptable in different professional environments. The more you traverse companies and industries, the clearer your understanding will become. When you’re just starting out, though, it can be hard to pin down these behaviors.

• Tutti Taygerly is an executive coach and speaker with 20+ years of product design experience in Silicon Valley. Her book Make Space to Lead: Break Patterns to Find Flow and Focus on What Matters Most (Taygerly Labs, 2021) shows high achievers how to reframe their relationship to work.

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Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Management and Professional Concepts [Internet]. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2022.

Nursing Management and Professional Concepts [Internet].

• About Open RN

Chapter 6 – Ethical Practice

6.1. ethical practice introduction, learning objectives.

• Recognize ethical dilemmas and take appropriate action

• Practice in a manner consistent with a code of ethics for nurses

• Compare and contrast theories of ethical decision-making

• Examine resources to resolve ethical dilemmas

• Examine competent practice within the legal/ethical/regulatory framework of health care

• Defend the course of action or give a rationale for the action

• Apply the ANA Code of Ethics to diverse situations in health care

• Analyze the impact of cultural diversity in ethical decision-making

• Identify advocacy as part of the nursing role when responding to ethical dilemmas

The nursing profession is guided by a code of ethics. As you practice nursing, how will you determine “right” from “wrong” actions? What is the difference between morality, values, and ethical principles? What additional considerations impact your ethical decision-making? What are ethical dilemmas and how should nurses participate in resolving them? This chapter answers these questions by reviewing concepts related to ethical nursing practice and describing how nurses can resolve ethical dilemmas. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to describe how to make ethical decisions using the Code of Ethics established by the American Nurses Association.

6.2. BASIC ETHICAL CONCEPTS

The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines  morality  as “personal values, character, or conduct of individuals or groups within communities and societies,” whereas  ethics  is the formal study of morality from a wide range of perspectives.[ 1 ] Ethical behavior is considered to be such an important aspect of nursing the ANA has designated  Ethics  as the first Standard of Professional Performance. The ANA Standards of Professional Performance are “authoritative statements of the actions and behaviors that all registered nurses, regardless of role, population, specialty, and setting, are expected to perform competently.” See the following box for the competencies associated with the ANA  Ethics  Standard of Professional Performance[ 2 ]:

Competencies of ANA’s Ethics Standard of Professional Performance[ 3 ]

• Uses the  Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements  as a moral foundation to guide nursing practice and decision-making.

• Demonstrates that every person is worthy of nursing care through the provision of respectful, person-centered, compassionate care, regardless of personal history or characteristics (Beneficence).

• Advocates for health care consumer perspectives, preferences, and rights to informed decision-making and self-determination (Respect for autonomy).

• Demonstrates a primary commitment to the recipients of nursing and health care services in all settings and situations (Fidelity).

• Maintains therapeutic relationships and professional boundaries.

• Safeguards sensitive information within ethical, legal, and regulatory parameters (Nonmaleficence).

• Identifies ethics resources within the practice setting to assist and collaborate in addressing ethical issues.

• Integrates principles of social justice in all aspects of nursing practice (Justice).

• Refines ethical competence through continued professional education and personal self-development activities.

• Depicts one’s professional nursing identity through demonstrated values and ethics, knowledge, leadership, and professional comportment.

• Engages in self-care and self-reflection practices to support and preserve personal health, well-being, and integrity.

• Contributes to the establishment and maintenance of an ethical environment that is conducive to safe, quality health care.

• Collaborates with other health professionals and the public to protect human rights, promote health diplomacy, enhance cultural sensitivity and congruence, and reduce health disparities.

• Represents the nursing perspective in clinic, institutional, community, or professional association ethics discussions.

Reflective Questions

1. What  Ethics  competencies have you already demonstrated during your nursing education?

2. What  Ethics  competencies are you most interested in mastering?

3. What questions do you have about the ANA’s  Ethics  competencies?

The ANA’s  Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements  is an ethical standard that guides nursing practice and ethical decision-making.[ 4 ] This section will review several basic ethical concepts related to the ANA’s  Ethics  Standard of Professional Performance, such as values, morals, ethical theories, ethical principles, and the ANA  Code of Ethics for Nurses .

Values  are individual beliefs that motivate people to act one way or another and serve as guides for behavior considered “right” and “wrong.” People tend to adopt the values with which they were raised and believe those values are “right” because they are the values of their culture. Some personal values are considered sacred and moral imperatives based on an individual’s religious beliefs.[ 5 ] See Figure 6.1 [ 6 ] for an image depicting choosing right from wrong actions.

In addition to personal values, organizations also establish values. The American Nurses Association (ANA) Professional Nursing Model states that nursing is based on values such as caring, compassion, presence, trustworthiness, diversity, acceptance, and accountability. These values emerge from nursing practice beliefs, such as the importance of relationships, service, respect, willingness to bear witness, self-determination, and the pursuit of health.[ 7 ] As a result of these traditional values and beliefs by nurses, Americans have ranked nursing as the most ethical and honest profession in Gallup polls since 1999, with the exception of 2001, when firefighters earned the honor after the attacks on September 11.[ 8 ]

The National League of Nursing (NLN) has also established four core values for nursing education: caring, integrity, diversity, and excellence[ 9 ]:

• Caring:  Promoting health, healing, and hope in response to the human condition.
• Integrity:  Respecting the dignity and moral wholeness of every person without conditions or limitations.
• Diversity:  Affirming the uniqueness of and differences among persons, ideas, values, and ethnicities.
• Excellence:  Cocreating and implementing transformative strategies with daring ingenuity.

View the  McCombs School of Business Values video on YouTube. [ 10 ]

Morals  are the prevailing standards of behavior of a society that enable people to live cooperatively in groups. “Moral” refers to what societies sanction as right and acceptable. Most people tend to act morally and follow societal guidelines, and most laws are based on the morals of a society. Morality often requires that people sacrifice their own short-term interests for the benefit of society. People or entities that are indifferent to right and wrong are considered “amoral,” while those who do evil acts are considered “immoral.”[ 11 ]

Ethical Theories

There are two major types of ethical theories that guide values and moral behavior referred to as deontology and consequentialism.

Deontology  is an ethical theory based on rules that distinguish right from wrong. See Figure 6.2 [ 12 ] for a word cloud illustration of deontology. Deontology is based on the word  deon  that refers to “duty.” It is associated with philosopher Immanuel Kant. Kant believed that ethical actions follow universal moral laws, such as, “Don’t lie. Don’t steal. Don’t cheat.”[ 13 ] Deontology is simple to apply because it just requires people to follow the rules and do their duty. It doesn’t require weighing the costs and benefits of a situation, thus avoiding subjectivity and uncertainty.[ 14 ],[ 15 ],[ 16 ]

The nurse-patient relationship is deontological in nature because it is based on the ethical principles of beneficence and maleficence that drive clinicians to “do good” and “avoid harm.”[ 17 ] Ethical principles will be discussed further in this chapter.

View the  McCombs School of Business Deontology video on YouTube.  [ 18 ]

Consequentialism  is an ethical theory used to determine whether or not an action is right by the consequences of the action. See Figure 6.3 [ 19 ] for an illustration of weighing the consequences of an action in consequentialism. For example, most people agree that lying is wrong, but if telling a lie would help save a person’s life, consequentialism says it’s the right thing to do. One type of consequentialism is utilitarianism.  Utilitarianism  determines whether or not actions are right based on their consequences with the standard being achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people.[ 20 ],[ 21 ],[ 22 ] For this reason, utilitarianism tends to be society-centered. When applying utilitarian ethics to health care resources, money, time, and clinician energy are considered finite resources that should be appropriately allocated to achieve the best health care for society.[ 23 ]

Consequentialism

Utilitarianism can be complicated when accounting for values such as justice and individual rights. For example, assume a hospital has four patients whose lives depend upon receiving four organ transplant surgeries for a heart, lung, kidney, and liver. If a healthy person without health insurance or family support experiences a life-threatening accident and is considered brain dead but is kept alive on life-sustaining equipment in the ICU, the utilitarian framework might suggest the organs be harvested to save four lives at the expense of one life.[ 24 ] This action could arguably produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people, but the deontological approach could argue this action would be unethical because it does not follow the rule of “do no harm.”

Watch  McCombs School of Business Consequentialism video on YouTube.  [ 25 ] Read more about  Decision making on organ donation: The dilemmas of relatives of potential brain dead donors.

Interestingly, deontological and utilitarian approaches to ethical issues may result in the same outcome, but the rationale for the outcome or decision is different because it is focused on duty (deontologic) versus consequences (utilitarian).

Societies and cultures have unique ethical frameworks that may be based upon either deontological or consequentialist ethical theory. Culturally-derived deontological rules may apply to ethical issues in health care. For example, a traditional Chinese philosophy based on Confucianism results in a culturally-acceptable practice of family members (rather than the client) receiving information from health care providers about life-threatening medical conditions and making treatment decisions. As a result, cancer diagnoses and end-of-life treatment options may not be disclosed to the client in an effort to alleviate the suffering that may arise from knowledge of their diagnosis. In this manner, a client’s family and the health care provider may ethically prioritize a client’s psychological well-being over their autonomy and self-determination.[ 26 ] However, in the United States, this ethical decision may conflict with HIPAA Privacy Rules and the ethical principle of patient autonomy. As a result, a nurse providing patient care in this type of situation may experience an ethical dilemma. Ethical dilemmas are further discussed in the “ Ethical Dilemmas ” section of this chapter.

See Table 6.2 comparing common ethical issues in health care viewed through the lens of deontological and consequential ethical frameworks.

Ethical Issues Through the Lens of Deontological or Consequential Ethical Frameworks

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Ethical Principles and Obligations

Ethical principles  are used to define nurses’ moral duties and aid in ethical analysis and decision-making.[ 27 ] Although there are many ethical principles that guide nursing practice, foundational ethical principles include autonomy (self-determination), beneficence (do good), nonmaleficence (do no harm), justice (fairness), fidelity (keep promises), and veracity (tell the truth).

The ethical principle of  autonomy  recognizes each individual’s right to self-determination and decision-making based on their unique values, beliefs, and preferences. See Figure 6.4 [ 28 ] for an illustration of autonomy. The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines autonomy as the “capacity to determine one’s own actions through independent choice, including demonstration of competence.”[ 29 ] The nurse’s primary ethical obligation is client autonomy.[ 30 ] Based on autonomy, clients have the right to refuse nursing care and medical treatment. An example of autonomy in health care is advance directives. Advance directives allow clients to specify health care decisions if they become incapacitated and unable to do so.

Autonomy and Self-Determination

Read more about advance directives and determining capacity and competency in the “ Legal Implications ” chapter.

NURSES AS ADVOCATES: SUPPORTING AUTONOMY

Nurses have a responsibility to act in the interest of those under their care, referred to as advocacy. The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines advocacy as “the act or process of pleading for, supporting, or recommending a cause or course of action. Advocacy may be for persons (whether an individual, group, population, or society) or for an issue, such as potable water or global health.”[ 31 ] See Figure 6.5 [ 32 ] for an illustration of advocacy.

Advocacy  includes providing education regarding client rights, supporting autonomy and self-determination, and advocating for client preferences to health care team members and family members. Nurses do not make decisions for clients, but instead support them in making their own informed choices. At the core of making informed decisions is knowledge. Nurses serve an integral role in patient education. Clarifying unclear information, translating medical terminology, and making referrals to other health care team members (within their scope of practice) ensures that clients have the information needed to make treatment decisions aligned with their personal values.

At times, nurses may find themselves in a position of supporting a client’s decision they do not agree with and would not make for themselves or for the people they love. However, self-determination is a human right that honors the dignity and well-being of individuals. The nursing profession, rooted in caring relationships, demands that nurses have nonjudgmental attitudes and reflect “unconditional positive regard” for every client. Nurses must suspend personal judgement and beliefs when advocating for their clients’ preferences and decision-making.[ 33 ]

Beneficence

Beneficence  is defined by the ANA as “the bioethical principle of benefiting others by preventing harm, removing harmful conditions, or affirmatively acting to benefit another or others, often going beyond what is required by law.”[ 34 ] See Figure 6.6 [ 35 ] for an illustration of beneficence. Put simply, beneficence is acting for the good and welfare of others, guided by compassion. An example of beneficence in daily nursing care is when a nurse sits with a dying patient and holds their hand to provide presence.

Nursing advocacy extends beyond direct patient care to advocating for beneficence in communities. Vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, cultural minorities, and the homeless often benefit from nurse advocacy in promoting health equity.  Cultural humility  is a humble and respectful attitude towards individuals of other cultures and an approach to learning about other cultures as a lifelong goal and process.[ 36 ] Nurses, the largest segment of the health care community, have a powerful voice when addressing community beneficence issues, such as health disparities and social determinants of health, and can serve as the conduit for advocating for change.

Nonmaleficence

Nonmaleficence  is defined by the ANA as “the bioethical principle that specifies a duty to do no harm and balances avoidable harm with benefits of good achieved.”[ 37 ] An example of doing no harm in nursing practice is reflected by nurses checking medication rights three times before administering medications. In this manner, medication errors can be avoided, and the duty to do no harm is met. Another example of nonmaleficence is when a nurse assists a client with a serious, life-threatening condition to participate in decision-making regarding their treatment plan. By balancing the potential harm with potential benefits of various treatment options, while also considering quality of life and comfort, the client can effectively make decisions based on their values and preferences.

Justice  is defined by the ANA as “a moral obligation to act on the basis of equality and equity and a standard linked to fairness for all in society.”[ 38 ] The principle of justice requires health care to be provided in a fair and equitable way. Nurses provide quality care for all individuals with the same level of fairness despite many characteristics, such as the individual’s financial status, culture, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Nurses have a social contract to “provide compassionate care that addresses the individual’s needs for protection, advocacy, empowerment, optimization of health, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering, comfort, and well-being.”[ 39 ] An example of a nurse using the principle of justice in daily nursing practice is effective prioritization based on client needs.

Read more about prioritization models in the “ Prioritization ” chapter.

Other Ethical Principles

Additional ethical principles commonly applied to health care include  fidelity  (keeping promises) and  veracity  (telling the truth). . An example of fidelity in daily nursing practice is when a nurse tells a client, “I will be back in an hour to check on your pain level.” This promise is kept. An example of veracity in nursing practice is when a nurse honestly explains potentially uncomfortable side effects of prescribed medications. Determining how truthfulness will benefit the client and support their autonomy is dependent on a nurse’s clinical judgment, self-reflection, knowledge of the patient and their cultural beliefs, and other factors.[ 40 ]

A principle historically associated with health care is paternalism.  Paternalism  is defined as the interference by the state or an individual with another person, defended by the claim that the person interfered with will be better off or protected from harm.[ 41 ] Paternalism is the basis for legislation related to drug enforcement and compulsory wearing of seatbelts.

In health care, paternalism has been used as rationale for performing treatment based on what the provider believes is in the client’s best interest. In some situations, paternalism may be appropriate for individuals who are unable to comprehend information in a way that supports their informed decision-making, but it must be used cautiously to ensure vulnerable individuals are not misused and their autonomy is not violated.

Nurses may find themselves acting paternalistically when performing nursing care to ensure client health and safety. For example, repositioning clients to prevent skin breakdown is a preventative intervention commonly declined by clients when they prefer a specific position for comfort. In this situation, the nurse should explain the benefits of the preventative intervention and the risks if the intervention is not completed. If the client continues to decline the intervention despite receiving this information, the nurse should document the education provided and the client’s decision to decline the intervention. The process of reeducating the client and reminding them of the importance of the preventative intervention should be continued at regular intervals and documented.

Care-Based Ethics

Nurses use a client-centered, care-based ethical approach to patient care that focuses on the specific circumstances of each situation. This approach aligns with nursing concepts such as caring, holism, and a nurse-client relationship rooted in dignity and respect through virtues such as kindness and compassion.[ 42 ],[ 43 ] This care-based approach to ethics uses a holistic, individualized analysis of situations rather than the prescriptive application of ethical principles to define ethical nursing practice. This care-based approach asserts that ethical issues cannot be handled deductively by applying concrete and prefabricated rules, but instead require social processes that respect the multidimensionality of problems.[ 44 ] Frameworks for resolving ethical situations are discussed in the “ Ethical Dilemmas ” subsection of this chapter.

Nursing Code of Ethics

Many professions and institutions have their own set of ethical principles, referred to as a  code of ethics , designed to govern decision-making and assist individuals to distinguish right from wrong. The American Nurses Association (ANA) provides a framework for ethical nursing care and guides nurses during decision-making in its formal document titled  Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements (Nursing Code of Ethics) . The  Nursing Code of Ethics  serves the following purposes[ 45 ]:

• It is a succinct statement of the ethical values, obligations, duties, and professional ideals of nurses individually and collectively.
• It is the profession’s nonnegotiable ethical standard.
• It is an expression of nursing’s own understanding of its commitment to society.

The preface of the ANA’s  Nursing Code of Ethics  states, “Individuals who become nurses are expected to adhere to the ideals and moral norms of the profession and also to embrace them as a part of what it means to be a nurse. The ethical tradition of nursing is self-reflective, enduring, and distinctive. A code of ethics makes explicit the primary goals, values, and obligations of the profession.”[ 46 ]

The  Nursing Code of Ethics  contains nine provisions. Each provision contains several clarifying or “interpretive” statements. Read a summary of the nine provisions in the following box.

Nine Provisions of the ANA   Nursing Code of Ethics

• Provision 1:  The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.
• Provision 2:  The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population.
• Provision 3:  The nurse promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient.
• Provision 4:  The nurse has authority, accountability, and responsibility for nursing practice; makes decisions; and takes action consistent with the obligation to promote health and to provide optimal care.
• Provision 5:  The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety, preserve wholeness of character and integrity, maintain competence, and continue personal and professional growth.
• Provision 6:  The nurse, through individual and collective effort, establishes, maintains, and improves the ethical environment of the work setting and conditions of employment that are conducive to safe, quality health care.
• Provision 7:  The nurse, in all roles and settings, advances the profession through research and scholarly inquiry, professional standards development, and the generation of both nursing and health policy.
• Provision 8 : The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public to protect human rights, promote health diplomacy, and reduce health disparities.
• Provision 9:  The profession of nursing, collectively through its professional organizations, must articulate nursing values, maintain the integrity of the profession, and integrate principles of social justice into nursing and health policy.

Read the free, online full version of the  ANA’s Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements.

In addition to the  Nursing Code of Ethics,  the ANA established the Center for Ethics and Human Rights to help nurses navigate ethical conflicts and life-and-death decisions common to everyday nursing practice.

Read more about the  ANA Center for Ethics and Human Rights .

Specialty Organization Code of Ethics

Many specialty nursing organizations have additional codes of ethics to guide nurses practicing in settings such as the emergency department, home care, or hospice care. These documents are unique to the specialty discipline but mirror the statements from the ANA’s  Nursing Code of Ethics.  View ethical statements of various specialty nursing organizations using the information in the following box.

Ethical Statements of Selected Specialty Nursing Organizations

• American College of Nurse-Midwives

• Emergency Nurses Association

• National Association for Home Care & Hospice

• National Association of Neonatal Nurses

6.3. ETHICAL DILEMMAS

Nurses frequently find themselves involved in conflicts during patient care related to opposing values and ethical principles. These conflicts are referred to as ethical dilemmas. An  ethical dilemma  results from conflict of competing values and requires a decision to be made from equally desirable or undesirable options.

An ethical dilemma can involve conflicting patient’s values, nurse values, health care provider’s values, organizational values, and societal values associated with unique facts of a specific situation. For this reason, it can be challenging to arrive at a clearly superior solution for all stakeholders involved in an ethical dilemma. Nurses may also encounter moral dilemmas where the right course of action is known but the nurse is limited by forces outside their control. See Table 6.3a for an example of ethical dilemmas a nurse may experience in their nursing practice.

Examples of Ethical Issues Involving Nurses

Read more about  Ethics Topics and Articles  on the ANA website.

According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), a nurse’s ethical competence depends on several factors[ 1 ]:

• Continuous appraisal of personal and professional values and how they may impact interpretation of an issue and decision-making
• An awareness of ethical obligations as mandated in the  Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements [ 2 ]
• Knowledge of ethical principles and their application to ethical decision-making
• Motivation and skills to implement an ethical decision

Nurses and nursing students must have  moral courage  to address the conflicts involved in ethical dilemmas with “the willingness to speak out and do what is right in the face of forces that would lead us to act in some other way.”[ 3 ] See Figure 6.7[ 4 ] for an illustration of nurses’ moral courage.

Figure 6.12

Moral Courage

Nurse leaders and organizations can support moral courage by creating environments where nurses feel safe and supported to speak up.[ 5 ] Nurses may experience  moral conflict  when they are uncertain about what values or principles should be applied to an ethical issue that arises during patient care. Moral conflict can progress to  moral distress  when the nurse identifies the correct ethical action but feels constrained by competing values of an organization or other individuals. Nurses may also feel  moral outrage  when witnessing immoral acts or practices they feel powerless to change. For this reason, it is essential for nurses and nursing students to be aware of frameworks for solving ethical dilemmas that consider ethical theories, ethical principles, personal values, societal values, and professionally sanctioned guidelines such as the ANA  Nursing Code of Ethics.

Moral injury felt by nurses and other health care workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has gained recent public attention.  Moral injury  refers to the distressing psychological, behavioral, social, and sometimes spiritual aftermath of exposure to events that contradict deeply held moral beliefs and expectations.[ 6 ] Health care workers may not have the time or resources to process their feelings of moral injury caused by the pandemic, which can result in burnout. Organizations can assist employees in processing these feelings of moral injury with expanded employee assistance programs or other structured support programs.[ 7 ] Read more about self-care strategies to address feelings of burnout in the “ Burnout and Self-Care ” chapter.

Frameworks for Solving Ethical Dilemmas

Systematically working through an ethical dilemma is key to identifying a solution. Many frameworks exist for solving an ethical dilemma, including the nursing process, four-quadrant approach, the MORAL model, and the organization-focused PLUS Ethical Decision-Making model.[ 8 ] When nurses use a structured, systematic approach to resolving ethical dilemmas with appropriate data collection, identification and analysis of options, and inclusion of stakeholders, they have met their legal, ethical, and moral responsibilities, even if the outcome is less than ideal.

Nursing Process Model

The nursing process is a structured problem-solving approach that nurses may apply in ethical decision-making to guide data collection and analysis. See Table 6.3b for suggestions on how to use the nursing process model during an ethical dilemma.[ 9 ]

Using the Nursing Process in Ethical Situations[ 10 ]

Four-Quadrant Approach

The four-quadrant approach integrates ethical principles (e.g., beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice) in conjunction with health care indications, individual and family preferences, quality of life, and contextual features.[ 11 ] See Table 6.3c for sample questions used during the four-quadrant approach.

Four-Quadrant Approach[ 12 ]

MORAL Model

The MORAL model is a nurse-generated, decision-making model originating from research on nursing-specific moral dilemmas involving client autonomy, quality of life, distributing resources, and maintaining professional standards. The model provides guidance for nurses to systematically analyze and address real-life ethical dilemmas. The steps in the process may be remembered by using the mnemonic MORAL. See Table 6.3d for a description of each step of the MORAL model.[ 13 ],[ 14 ]

PLUS Ethical Decision-Making Model

The PLUS Ethical Decision-Making model was created by the Ethics and Compliance Initiative to help organizations empower employees to make ethical decisions in the workplace. This model uses four filters throughout the ethical decision-making process, referred to by the mnemonic PLUS:

• P:  Policies, procedures, and guidelines of an organization
• L:  Laws and regulations
• U:  Universal values and principles of an organization
• S:  Self-identification of what is good, right, fair, and equitable[ 15 ]

The seven steps of the PLUS Ethical Decision-Making model are as follows[ 16 ]:

• Define the problem using PLUS filters
• Seek relevant assistance, guidance, and support
• Identify available alternatives
• Evaluate the alternatives using PLUS to identify their impact
• Make the decision
• Implement the decision
• Evaluate the decision using PLUS filters

6.4. ETHICS COMMITTEES

In addition to using established frameworks to resolve ethical dilemmas, nurses can also consult their organization’s ethics committee for ethical guidance in the workplace.  Ethics committees  are typically composed of interdisciplinary team members such as physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, administrators, social workers, and clergy to problem-solve ethical dilemmas. See Figure 6.8 [ 1 ] for an illustration of an ethics committee. Hospital ethics committees were created in response to legal controversies regarding the refusal of life-sustaining treatment, such as the Karen Quinlan case.[ 2 ] Read more about the Karen Quinlan case and controversies surrounding life-sustaining treatment in the “ Legal Implications ” chapter.

Ethics Committee

After the passage of the Patient Self-Determination Act in 1991, all health care institutions receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding are required to form ethics committees. The Joint Commission (TJC) also requires organizations to have a formalized mechanism of dealing with ethical issues. Nurses should be aware of the process for requesting guidance and support from ethics committees at their workplace for ethical issues affecting patients or staff.[ 3 ]

Institutional Review Boards and Ethical Research

Other types of ethics committees have been formed to address the ethics of medical research on patients. Historically, there are examples of medical research causing harm to patients. For example, an infamous research study called the “Tuskegee Study” raised concern regarding ethical issues in research such as informed consent, paternalism, maleficence, truth-telling, and justice.

In 1932 the Tuskegee Study began a 40-year study looking at the long-term progression of syphilis. Over 600 Black men were told they were receiving free medical care, but researchers only treated men diagnosed with syphilis with aspirin, even after it was discovered that penicillin was a highly effective treatment for the disease. The institute allowed the study to go on, even when men developed long-stage neurological symptoms of the disease and some wives and children became infected with syphilis. In 1972 these consequences of the Tuskegee Study were leaked to the media and public outrage caused the study to shut down.[ 4 ]

Potential harm to patients participating in research studies like the Tuskegee Study was rationalized based on the utilitarian view that potential harm to individuals was outweighed by the benefit of new scientific knowledge resulting in greater good for society. As a result of public outrage over ethical concerns related to medical research, Congress recognized that an independent mechanism was needed to protect research subjects. In 1974 regulations were established requiring research with human subjects to undergo review by an  institutional review board (IRB)  to ensure it meets ethical criteria. An IRB is group that has been formally designated to review and monitor biomedical research involving human subjects.[ 5 ] The IRB review ensures the following criteria are met when research is performed:

• The benefits of the research study outweigh the potential risks.
• Individuals’ participation in the research is voluntary.
• Informed consent is obtained from research participants who have the ability to decline participation.
• Participants are aware of the potential risks of participating in the research.[ 6 ]

View a  YouTube video discussing Henrietta Lacks, the Tuskegee Experiment, ethics and research. [ 7 ]

6.5. ETHICS AND THE NURSING STUDENT

Nursing students may encounter ethical dilemmas when in clinical practice settings. Read more about research regarding ethical dilemmas experienced by students as described in the box.

Nursing Students and Ethical Dilemmas [ 1 ]

An integrative literature review performed by Albert, Younas, and Sana in 2020 identified ethical dilemmas encountered by nursing students in clinical practice settings. Three themes were identified:

1. Applying learned ethical values vs. accepting unethical practice

Students observed unethical practices of nurses and physicians, such as breach of patient privacy, confidentiality, respect, rights, duty to provide information, and physical and psychological mistreatment, that opposed the ethical values learned in nursing school. Students experienced ethical conflict due to their sense of powerlessness, low status as students, dependence on staff nurses for learning experiences, and fear of offending health care providers.

2. Desiring to provide ethical care but lacking autonomous decision-making

Students reported a lack of moral courage in questioning unethical practices. The hierarchy of health care environments left students feeling disregarded, humiliated, and intimidated by professional nurses and managers. Students also reported a sense of loss of identity in feeling forced to conform their personal identity to that of the clinical environment.

3. Whistleblowing vs. silence regarding patient care and neglect

Students observed nurses performing unethical nursing practices, such as ignoring client needs, disregarding pain, being verbally abusive, talking inappropriately about clients, and not providing a safe or competent level of care. Most students reported remaining silent regarding these observations due to a lack of confidence, feeling it was not their place to report, or the fear of negative consequences. Organizational power dynamics influenced student confidence in reporting unethical practices to faculty or nurse managers.

The researchers concluded that nursing students feel moral distress when experiencing these kinds of conflicts:

• Providing ethical care as learned in their program of study or accepting unethical practices
• Staying silent about patient care neglect or confronting it and reporting it
• Providing quality, ethical care or adapting to organizational culture due to lack of autonomous decision-making

These ethical conflicts can be detrimental to students’ professional learning and mental health. Researchers recommended that nurse educators should develop educational programs to support students as they develop ethical competence and moral courage to confront ethical dilemmas.[ 2 ]

Read more about ethics education in nursing in the  ANA’s Online Journal of Issues in Nursing  article .

COVID-19 and the Nursing Profession

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of nurses’ foundational knowledge of ethical principles and the  Nursing Code of Ethics . Scarce resources in an overwhelmed health care system resulted in ethical dilemmas and moral injury for nurses involved in balancing conflicting values, rights, and ethical principles. Many nurses were forced to weigh their duty to patients and society against their duty to themselves and their families. Challenging ethical issues occurred related to the ethical principle of justice, such as fair distribution of limited ICU beds and ventilators, and ethical dilemmas related to end-of-life issues such as withdrawing or withholding life-prolonging treatment became common.[ 3 ]

Regardless of their practice setting or personal contact with clients affected by COVID-19, nurses have been forced to reflect on the essence of ethical professional nursing practice through the lens of personal values and morals. Nursing students must be knowledgeable about ethical theories, ethical principles, and strategies for resolving ethical dilemmas as they enter the nursing profession that will continue to experience long-term consequences as a result of COVID-19.[ 4 ]

6.6. SPOTLIGHT APPLICATION

A True Story of a New Nurse’s Introduction to Ethical Dilemmas

A new nurse graduate meets Mary, a 70-year-old woman who was living alone at home with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or also referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s disease”). Mary’s husband died many years ago and they did not have children. She had a small support system including relatives who lived out of state and friends with whom she had lost touch since her diagnosis. Mary was fiercely independent and maintained her nutrition and hydration through a gastrostomy tube to avoid aspiration.

As Mary’s disease progressed, the new nurse discussed several safety issues related to Mary living alone. As the new nurse shared several alternative options related to skilled nursing care with Mary, Mary shared her own plan. Mary said her plan included a combination of opioids, benzodiazepines, and a plastic bag to suffocate herself and be found by a nurse during a scheduled visit. In addition to safety issues and possible suicide ideation, the new nurse recognized she was in the midst of an ethical dilemma in terms of the treatment plan, her values and what she felt was best for Mary, and Mary’s preferences.

Applying the MORAL Ethical Decision-Making Model to Mary’s Case

6.7. LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Learning activities.

(Answers to “Learning Activities” can be found in the “Answer Key” at the end of the book. Answers to interactive activities are provided as immediate feedback.)

Ethical Application & Reflection Activity

Filmmaker Lulu Wang first shared a story about her grandmother on  This American Life  podcast and later turned it into the 2019 movie  The Farewell  starring Awkwafina. Both share the challenges of a Chinese-born but U.S.-raised woman returning to China and a family who has chosen to not disclose that the grandmother has been given a Stage IV lung cancer diagnosis and three months to live. Listen to the podcast and then answer the following questions:

585: In Defense of Ignorance Act One: What You Don’t Know

1. Reflect on the similarities and differences of your family culture with that of the Billi family. Consider things such as what family gatherings, formal and informal, look like and spoken and unspoken rules related to communication and behavior.

2. The idea of “good” lies and “bad” lies is introduced in the podcast. Nai Nai’s family supports the decision to not tell her about her Stage IV lung cancer, stage a wedding as the excuse to visit and say their goodbyes, and even alter a medical report as good lies necessary to support her mental health, well-being, and happiness. Is the family applying deontological or utilitarian ethics to the situation? Defend your response.

3. Define the following ethical principles and identify examples from this story:

• Autonomy

• Beneficence

• Nonmaleficence

• Paternalism

4. Imagine this story is happening in the United States rather than China and you are the nurse admitting Nai Nai to an inpatient oncology unit. Using the ethical problem-solving model of your choice, identify and support your solution to the ethical dilemma posed when her family requests that Nai Nai not be told that she has cancer.

You are caring for a 32-year-old client who has been in a persistent vegetative state for many years. There is an outdated advanced directive that is confusing on the issue of food and fluids, though clear about not wanting to be on a ventilator if she were in a coma. Her husband wants the feeding tube removed but is unable to say that it would have been the client’s wish. He says that it is his decision for her. Her two adult siblings and parents reject this as a possibility because they say that “human life is sacred” and that the daughter believed this. They say their daughter is alive and should receive nursing care, including feeding. The health care team does not know what to do ethically and fear being sued by either the husband, siblings, or the parents. What do you need to know about this clinical situation? What are the values and obligations at stake in this case? What values or obligations should be affirmed and why? How might that be done?

1. Define the problem.

2. List what facts/information you have.

3. What are the stakeholders’ positions?

• Patient:

• Spouse:

• Family:

• Health Care Team:

• Facility:

• Community:

4. How might the stakeholders’ values differ?

5. What are your values in this situation?

6. Do your values conflict with those of the patient? Describe.

VI. GLOSSARY

The act or process of pleading for, supporting, or recommending a cause or course of action. Advocacy may be for persons (whether an individual, group, population, or society) or for an issue, such as potable water or global health.[ 1 ]

The capacity to determine one’s own actions through independent choice, including demonstration of competence.[ 2 ]

The bioethical principle of benefiting others by preventing harm, removing harmful conditions, or affirmatively acting to benefit another or others, often going beyond what is required by law.[ 3 ]

A set of ethical principles established by a profession that is designed to govern decision-making and assist individuals to distinguish right from wrong.

An ethical theory used to determine whether or not an action is right by the consequences of the action. For example, most people agree that lying is wrong, but if telling a lie would help save a person’s life, consequentialism says it’s the right thing to do.

A humble and respectful attitude towards individuals of other cultures and an approach to learning about other cultures as a lifelong goal and process.

An ethical theory based on rules that distinguish right from wrong.

Conflict resulting from competing values that requires a decision to be made from equally desirable or undesirable options.

Principles used to define nurses’ moral duties and aid in ethical analysis and decision-making.[ 4 ] Foundational ethical principles include autonomy (self-determination), beneficence (do good), nonmaleficence (do no harm), justice (fairness), and veracity (tell the truth).

The formal study of morality from a wide range of perspectives.[ 5 ]

A formal committee established by a health care organization to problem-solve ethical dilemmas.

An ethical principle meaning keeping promises.

A group that has been formally designated to review and monitor biomedical research involving human subjects.

A moral obligation to act on the basis of equality and equity and a standard linked to fairness for all in society.[ 6 ]

The distressing psychological, behavioral, social, and sometimes spiritual aftermath of exposure to events that contradict deeply held moral beliefs and expectations.

Personal values, character, or conduct of individuals or groups within communities and societies.[ 7 ]

The prevailing standards of behavior of a society that enable people to live cooperatively in groups.[ 8 ]

Feelings occurring when an individual is uncertain about what values or principles should be applied to an ethical issue.[ 9 ]

The willingness of an individual to speak out and do what is right in the face of forces that would lead us to act in some other way.[ 10 ]

Feelings occurring when correct ethical action is identified but the individual feels constrained by competing values of an organization or other individuals.[ 11 ]

Feelings occurring when an individual witnesses immoral acts or practices they feel powerless to change.[ 12 ]

The bioethical principle that specifies a duty to do no harm and balances avoidable harm with benefits of good achieved.[ 13 ]

The interference by the state or an individual with another person, defended by the claim that the person interfered with will be better off or protected from harm.[ 14 ]

A type of consequentialism that determines whether or not actions are right based on their consequences, with the standard being achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Individual beliefs that motivate people to act one way or another and serve as a guide for behavior.[ 15 ]

An ethical principle meaning telling the truth.

Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ .

• Cite this Page Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Management and Professional Concepts [Internet]. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2022. Chapter 6 – Ethical Practice.
• PDF version of this title (18M)

In this Page

• ETHICAL PRACTICE INTRODUCTION
• BASIC ETHICAL CONCEPTS
• ETHICAL DILEMMAS
• ETHICS COMMITTEES
• ETHICS AND THE NURSING STUDENT
• SPOTLIGHT APPLICATION
• LEARNING ACTIVITIES

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How to Write a Personal Ethics Statement—And Why Every Professional Should

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What is a Personal Ethics Statement?

Personal ethics are your guidelines for forming relationships, overcoming challenges, and decision- making. A personal ethics statement is a one-page essay that gives a picture of your core values and what potential supervisors, colleagues, or clients can expect from working with you. It can be useful when you’re applying for school , just starting out in your career, looking for a new job, trying to expand your client base, or advancing your career.  

In this article we will discuss personal ethics—which should not be mistaken for professional ethics. Personal ethics relate to the values you hold in personal relationships and daily life, an whereas professional ethics relate to how you conduct yourself in business settings, deals, and professional relationships.  

An important part of your personal ethics statement is identifying your personal beliefs and personal values. Some code of ethics examples include integrity, selflessness, honesty, loyalty, equality, fairness, empathy, respect, and self-respect. This article is a complete resource for forming your personal ethics and transforming them into a compelling personal ethics statement.

Professional Impacts of Personal Ethics

There are many occasions your personal ethics will play a role in your behavior in professional settings. No matter your line of work, it’s important that you maintain unshakable personal ethics in your professional relationships and how you interact in the workplace.

Business Ethics

Business ethics are the practices and policies put into place to ensure people and resources are treated ethically in business dealings. While you’re making decisions in business to benefit a company, you must consider the impact of those decisions on others. Developing your personal code of conduct will help support you in upholding your company policies in the workplace, which will help you maintain personal integrity, as well as avoid potential business scandals . Learn about how to be an ethical leader in a business setting.

With a career in information technology, part of your job involves having access to private or confidential information. Your moral compass plays a significant role in keeping this type of information safe, especially since cyber-attacks—which happen every 39 seconds on average—are so prevalent in modern society. Having a career in IT immerses you in the world of cyber security , where ethical behavior and policy adherence are essential.

Healthcare Ethics

In the healthcare field, you’re responsible for human lives, so it’s no wonder that strong professional competence and integrity are important in how you carry yourself at work. There are plenty of complex issues, regulations, and compliance policies that you’ll encounter in a hospital or care facility, which demands that you seek the guidance of your personal ethics.

Teaching Ethics

Strong moral values are a necessary component of being a teacher. When your job is to sculpt young minds, you have must take responsibility for setting a strong example for them. Part of this is keeping students safe, part of this is treating all students equally and without discrimination. Part of this is creating healthy boundaries between your students and your personal life . If you build a personal ethics statement, you have a north star to look towards in this professional setting as you encounter ethical dilemmas. If you’re planning to become a teacher, you should also consider writing a teaching philosophy statement.

How Do I Write a Personal Ethics Statement?

There are five essential steps to writing—and perfecting—your personal ethics statement: 

1. Know your audience. 

The first step to writing an effective personal ethics statement is knowing and understanding the audience you’re writing for. This one-page piece of writing is supposed to influence the reader, so keeping the motivations and sentiments of your audience in mind while writing is important to completing your goal. Once you know your audience, whether it be an admissions counselor or a potential employer, then you can choose words and reference practices and policies that resonate with them and meet any guidelines in place.  

2. Choose your goals. 

There are two important types of goals to think about when building your personal ethics statement: your short-term and long-term goals. For example, your short-term goal may be getting into college, while your long-term goal is becoming a software engineer. Once you identify these, then you can phrase your personal ethics in terms of how they relate to your desired career path. To build off the previous example, if you aspire to be a software engineer, you can talk about personal ethics that relate to cyber security or the hard work required to get to your desired goal. 

3. Determine your influences. 

What influences the decisions you make? This is an essential step in determining your code of ethics because every choice you make is influenced by internal and external factors. One factor that affects everyone is personal traits. Your personality plays a crucial role in the decisions you make and how you carry yourself with others. Another factor is the people in your life who have helped in shaping who you are today. A third example is momentous events. Everyone experiences wonderful, pivotal moments in their life, as well as tragic and traumatic moments. All these factors play a role in your personal ethics, and they should be included in your personal ethics statement. 

4. Identify your beliefs and practices. 

This step is about writing down examples of how you move through the world and the core beliefs you live by. Compelling stories elicit emotional reactions from your audience and prove that you put your personal ethics into daily practice. Examples are essential to creating a strong personal ethics statement. 

5. Name your “why.”  

Why did you choose the ethical principles that you did? Confidently answering this question and providing details is essential to the authenticity of the statement. Decide why your personal ethics are important to you, how your life experiences brought you to those ethics, and how you’ll continue to keep them at the center of your decisions going forward. This step is important to making sure your audience walks away with a clear understanding of what ethical standards are important to you and why. 

What Should I Include in a Personal Ethics Statement?

Your personal ethics statement should consist of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.  

Start your personal ethics statement with a one- to two-paragraph introduction. Use the introduction to talk about the life experiences that helped form your ethical background. Maybe you had a major injury in your childhood that resulted in lifelong ability differences, and this made you an advocate for accessibility. Find a personal story that will engage your reader and provide a foundation for your statement.

In the body of your personal ethics statement—about two or three paragraphs—you should list each of the ethical principles that are central in your life. This is your opportunity to make sure the reader knows your core beliefs. If you have a personal mantra, include it here. In this section, true life examples are your friend.

What Should I not Include in a Personal Ethics Statement?

Since a personal ethics statement is a deeply personal piece of writing, it’s important to be honest and authentic. The last thing you want to do is include fake life experiences just to make a point. This also isn’t an opportunity to profess all your life’s mistakes. You are human and your personal ethics statement should reflect that, but in a positive and inspiring light.  

How to Conclude

Every personal ethics statement should have a strong conclusion. Sum it all up in a final paragraph where you explain how your core values make you a great person to have in a professional organization or an excellent candidate for an academic program.

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The rising popularity of at-home DNA testing kits raises questions about privacy and consumer rights.

Flying the Confederate Flag

A heated debate ensues over whether or not the Confederate flag should be removed from the South Carolina State House grounds.

Freedom of Speech on Campus

In the wake of racially motivated offenses, student protests sparked debate over the roles of free speech, deliberation, and tolerance on campus.

Freedom vs. Duty in Clinical Social Work

What should social workers do when their personal values come in conflict with the clients they are meant to serve?

Full Disclosure: Manipulating Donors

When an intern witnesses a donor making a large gift to a non-profit organization under misleading circumstances, she struggles with what to do.

Gaming the System: The VA Scandal

The Veterans Administration’s incentives were meant to spur more efficient and productive healthcare, but not all administrators complied as intended.

German Police Battalion 101

During the Holocaust, ordinary Germans became willing killers even though they could have opted out from murdering their Jewish neighbors.

Head Injuries & American Football

Many studies have linked traumatic brain injuries and related conditions to American football, creating controversy around the safety of the sport.

Head Injuries & the NFL

American football is a rough and dangerous game and its impact on the players’ brain health has sparked a hotly contested debate.

Healthcare Obligations: Personal vs. Institutional

A medical doctor must make a difficult decision when informing patients of the effectiveness of flu shots while upholding institutional recommendations.

High Stakes Testing

In the wake of the No Child Left Behind Act, parents, teachers, and school administrators take different positions on how to assess student achievement.

In-FUR-mercials: Advertising & Adoption

When the Lied Animal Shelter faces a spike in animal intake, an advertising agency uses its moral imagination to increase pet adoptions.

Krogh & the Watergate Scandal

Egil Krogh was a young lawyer working for the Nixon Administration whose ethics faded from view when asked to play a part in the Watergate break-in.

Limbaugh on Drug Addiction

Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh argued that drug abuse was a choice, not a disease. He later became addicted to painkillers.

U.S. Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte’s “over-exaggeration” of an incident at the 2016 Rio Olympics led to very real consequences.

Meet Me at Starbucks

Two black men were arrested after an employee called the police on them, prompting Starbucks to implement “racial-bias” training across all its stores.

Myanmar Amber

Buying amber could potentially fund an ethnic civil war, but refraining allows collectors to acquire important specimens that could be used for research.

Negotiating Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy lawyer Gellene successfully represented a mining company during a major reorganization, but failed to disclose potential conflicts of interest.

Pao & Gender Bias

Ellen Pao stirred debate in the venture capital and tech industries when she filed a lawsuit against her employer on grounds of gender discrimination.

Pardoning Nixon

One month after Richard Nixon resigned from the presidency, Gerald Ford made the controversial decision to issue Nixon a full pardon.

Patient Autonomy & Informed Consent

Nursing staff and family members struggle with informed consent when taking care of a patient who has been deemed legally incompetent.

Prenatal Diagnosis & Parental Choice

Debate has emerged over the ethics of prenatal diagnosis and reproductive freedom in instances where testing has revealed genetic abnormalities.

Reporting on Robin Williams

After Robin Williams took his own life, news media covered the story in great detail, leading many to argue that such reporting violated the family’s privacy.

Responding to Child Migration

An influx of children migrants posed logistical and ethical dilemmas for U.S. authorities while intensifying ongoing debate about immigration.

Retracting Research: The Case of Chandok v. Klessig

A researcher makes the difficult decision to retract a published, peer-reviewed article after the original research results cannot be reproduced.

Sacking Social Media in College Sports

In the wake of questionable social media use by college athletes, the head coach at University of South Carolina bans his players from using Twitter.

Selling Enron

Following the deregulation of electricity markets in California, private energy company Enron profited greatly, but at a dire cost.

Snyder v. Phelps

Freedom of speech was put on trial in a case involving the Westboro Baptist Church and their protesting at the funeral of U.S. Marine Matthew Snyder.

Something Fishy at the Paralympics

Rampant cheating has plagued the Paralympics over the years, compromising the credibility and sportsmanship of Paralympian athletes.

Sports Blogs: The Wild West of Sports Journalism?

Deadspin pays an anonymous source for information related to NFL star Brett Favre, sparking debate over the ethics of “checkbook journalism.”

Stangl & the Holocaust

Franz Stangl was the most effective Nazi administrator in Poland, killing nearly one million Jews at Treblinka, but he claimed he was simply following orders.

Teaching Blackface: A Lesson on Stereotypes

A teacher was put on leave for showing a blackface video during a lesson on racial segregation, sparking discussion over how to teach about stereotypes.

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The Central Park Five

Despite the indisputable and overwhelming evidence of the innocence of the Central Park Five, some involved in the case refuse to believe it.

The CIA Leak

Legal and political fallout follows from the leak of classified information that led to the identification of CIA agent Valerie Plame.

The Collapse of Barings Bank

When faced with growing losses, investment banker Nick Leeson took big risks in an attempt to get out from under the losses. He lost.

The Costco Model

How can companies promote positive treatment of employees and benefit from leading with the best practices? Costco offers a model.

The FBI & Apple Security vs. Privacy

How can tech companies and government organizations strike a balance between maintaining national security and protecting user privacy?

The Miss Saigon Controversy

When a white actor was cast for the half-French, half-Vietnamese character in the Broadway production of Miss Saigon , debate ensued.

The Sandusky Scandal

Following the conviction of assistant coach Jerry Sandusky for sexual abuse, debate continues on how much university officials and head coach Joe Paterno knew of the crimes.

The Varsity Blues Scandal

A college admissions prep advisor told wealthy parents that while there were front doors into universities and back doors, he had created a side door that was worth exploring.

Providing radiation therapy to cancer patients, Therac-25 had malfunctions that resulted in 6 deaths. Who is accountable when technology causes harm?

Welfare Reform

The Welfare Reform Act changed how welfare operated, intensifying debate over the government’s role in supporting the poor through direct aid.

Wells Fargo and Moral Emotions

In a settlement with regulators, Wells Fargo Bank admitted that it had created as many as two million accounts for customers without their permission.

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Professional Ethics

Professional Ethics is a professionally accepted specifications of personal as well as business behavior, ideals and guiding principles. Codes of professional ethics in many cases are established by professional organizations to help you guide members in performing their job functions as outlined by sound and consistent ethical principles. Professional ethics encompass the private, organizational and business standards of habits expected of authorities.

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Professional ethics

Introducing the Humanities into physiotherapy education

The assignment is a component of the module that is completed in the third year. The grade for this assignment is carried over to the final year.

I’m increasingly drawn to the idea that one of the things that we’re missing in physiotherapy education is a sense of humanity – our own as well as that of the patient. We focus (almost) all of the curriculum on the basic sciences and then the clinical sciences. We spend all of our time teaching anatomy and biomechanics (i.e. bodies as machines), and what we can do to bodies in order to “fix” them. And, while we pay lip service to the holistic management of the patient, there is little in the curriculum that says to the student that this really something that we consider to be important.

“Science is the foundation of an excellent medical education, but a well-rounded humanist is best suited to make the most of that education.”

Empathy is critical to the development of professionalism in medical students, and the humanities – particularly literature – have been touted as an effective tool for increasing student empathy. In addition, there is some evidence that some background training in the Humanities and liberal arts results in health professionals with improved professionalism and self-care. In other words, health professionals who are exposed to the arts as part of their undergraduate education may demonstrate an increased ability to manage patients holistically.

The relationship between emotion and learning has also recently been explored, with findings from multiple disciplines supporting the idea that emotion is intimately and inseparably intertwined with cognition in guiding learning, behaviour and decision making. The introduction of the Humanities in health professions education therefore has another potential impact; by using the arts to develop an awareness of emotional response, educators and students may find that exposure to the humanities might lead to improvements in learning.

The aim of this assignment is for students to explore the Humanities (art, literature, theatre, music, dance, etc.) as a process of developing a sense of awareness of empathy in the context of clinical education. You may interpret the assignment in any way you want, for example, by writing a poem, drawing a picture, taking a photo, or re-interpreting a song…however, the important part is the reflection that you attach to the piece.

Podcast conversation on the Humanities in physiotherapy education

In order to get a better idea of how and why the Humanities may be useful in your studies, you should listen to this podcast with author, Carmen Caiero, who talks about the development of a narrative reasoning course as part of a physiotherapy programme in Portugal. Carmen discusses the theoretical background and practical implementation of a fascinating course that makes use of arts, literature and reflective writing to help health students develop skills to observe, absorb, interpret and respond empathetically to patients` stories.

Link to the original podcast: http://inbeta.uwc.ac.za/2019/03/05/10-narrative-reasoning/.

In order to complete this assignment, you will need to do the following:

• Identify or create a piece that you can use to reflect on. This could be a photo, short story, poem, song, statue, comic…literally anything that could be interpreted as “art”.
• Link the piece you have identified or created to a concept in clinical or ethical practice. In order to do this you should review the examples provided below, and follow up on the readings provided.
• You will need to link the piece of art and the reflection with an example of your own clinical practice.
• Write a short (1 page) reflection on the piece and your interpretation of it in the context of the clinical or ethical concept you identified in (2) above. It is unlikely that you will be able to do this effectively unless you have explored the readings below.
• The final submission should consist of 1) The piece of art, 2) the reflection, and 3) the references used to inform your reflection.
• The due date for the draft submission is 19th August . You will then provide feedback to three other students on their drafts by the 26th August , which will enable them to improve their work before the final submission, on the 30th August .

Marking rubric

Your assignment will be marked according to the following rubric:

• Content: Does the content of your writing reflect the content of the module i.e. do you use the concepts as described in the module e.g. empathy, professionalism, ethics (15 marks)
• Clinical practice: Have you incorporated appropriate examples of your own clinical practice into the assignment? (10 marks)
• Art: Is the piece you identified appropriate? Does it link to the reflection? Is it well-presented e.g. a high quality image, or good quality video? (10 marks)
• Evidence: Have you made use of appropriate literature to support the claims you make in your reflection? (10 marks)
• Language: Is the reflection well-written, with few grammatical and spelling errors, easy to follow? (5 marks)
• Digital literacy: Have you used the features of the website (e.g. tags, images, video, hyperlinks) to tell a compelling story? (10 marks)

Readings that you might find helpful for this assignment

• Artino, A. R., & Naismith, L. M. (2015). “But how do you really feel?” Measuring emotions in medical education research . Medical Education, 49, 138–146.
• Foster, W., & Freeman, E. (2008). Poetry in general practice education: Perceptions of learners . Family Practice, 25(4), 294–303.
• Kandel, E. Why art evokes empathy .
• Panda, S.C. (2006). Medicine: Science or Art? (link to full text article)
• Peloquin, S. (1996). Art: An Occupation With Promise for Developing Empathy . American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 50:655-661.
• Schwartz, A. W., Abramson, J. S., Wojnowich, I., Accordino, R., Ronan, E. J., & Rifkin, M. R. (2009). Evaluating the Impact of the Humanities in Medical Education . Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine, 76, 372–380.
• Shapiro, J., Morrison, E., & Boker, J. (2004). Teaching empathy to first year medical students: evaluation of an elective literature and medicine course. Education for Health, 17(1), 73–84.
• Can studying art help medical students become better doctors ?

Professional Ethics Topics

Explore compelling and relevant professional ethics topics for presentation. Elevate your discourse on ethical dilemmas, values, and responsibilities in the workplace.

Hey, fellow seekers of ethical wisdom and professional prowess! Get ready to dive headfirst into the captivating world of professional ethics topics – where the tango between integrity and career takes the center stage.

Whether you’re a savvy pro on a quest to fine-tune your moral compass or a student gearing up to wow the crowd with your presentation skills, hold on tight – because we’re about to unravel a tapestry of insights that’s as enlightening as it is entertaining.

In a world flooded with data and decisions, professional ethics isn’t just a rulebook; it’s your backstage pass to a thriving career. It’s what keeps you grounded, respected, and trusted in the hustle and bustle of your professional journey.

So, gear up for this exhilarating ride! We’re about to journey through the very foundations of ethical principles, and we’ll also tackle the real-world puzzles that professionals face, all while having a blast.

Ready to join the adventure? Grab your ethical compass and let’s navigate the exhilarating twists and turns of professional ethics topics, where learning meets excitement in the most fantastic way possible!

Understanding the Importance

Table of Contents

Alright, let’s talk about why professional ethics are like the secret sauce in the world of careers and businesses. You know, that thing that adds a dash of trust, a sprinkle of credibility, and a whole lot of “I want to work with them again” vibes. Strap in, because we’re about to uncover why understanding the importance of professional ethics is a game-changer.

Building Trust

Picture this: You’re working with someone new, whether it’s a client, a colleague, or a partner. What’s the first thing you’re secretly hoping for? Yep, it’s trust. Professional ethics are the trust-building foundation. When you stick to ethical standards, you’re basically saying, “Hey, you can count on me to do the right thing, even when no one’s watching.” And that trust? It’s worth its weight in gold.

2. Legal Compliance

Here’s the cool thing about professional ethics – they often hold hands with the law. While not every ethical rule is a legal one, many of them are. So, when you’re all about ethical behavior, you’re also playing it safe on the legal front. Double win, anyone?

3. Enhancing Reputation

Reputation is like your personal brand, and you want it to be top-notch, right? Enter professional ethics. When you rock those ethical standards, your reputation gets a serious boost. People start seeing you as the pro who doesn’t just talk the talk but walks the ethical walk. It’s like having a spotlight on you in a sea of professionals.

4. Fostering Client Confidence

If you’re in the business of helping clients – be it with legal advice, health care, or financial wizardry – client confidence is your holy grail. Think about it: Would you want someone who’s just “meh” on ethics handling your important matters? Nope. When you weave professional ethics into your game plan, you’re telling clients, “Hey, I’ve got your back, and I’ll do right by you.”

5. Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

Life loves throwing curveballs, and sometimes, they’re ethical ones. You know, those moments where you’re like, “Wait, what’s the right thing to do here?” Professional ethics are like your compass in these situations. They give you a roadmap to tackle those dilemmas head-on, without losing your integrity along the way.

6. Long-Term Success

Sure, quick wins are nice, but what about long-term success that stands the test of time? That’s where professional ethics shine. When you’re all about ethics, you’re not just in it for the short haul. You’re building relationships that last, gaining repeat business, and becoming the go-to pro that everyone recommends.

Hold onto your hats because we’re diving deeper into the world of professional ethics. We’re talking ethical frameworks, industry codes, and all the tricky ethical stuff professionals like you face. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be a pro at making not just legally sound decisions, but downright ethically awesome ones too. Let’s roll!

professional ethics topics for presentation

Have a close look at professional ethics topics for presentation:-

Foundational Professional Ethics Topics

• Introduction to Professional Ethics
• The Importance of Ethical Conduct
• Historical Perspectives on Professional Ethics
• Ethical Theories and Frameworks
• Codes of Ethics
• Ethical Decision-Making Models
• Ethics and Personal Values
• Professional Ethics vs. Personal Ethics
• Ethical Leadership Traits
• Ethical Dilemmas in Everyday Life
• Ethical Decision-Making in a Global Context
• The Role of Moral Courage in Professional Ethics
• Ethical Responsibilities in Public Service
• Ethics in Journalism and Media
• The Ethics of Whistleblowing
• Ethical Considerations in Healthcare Administration
• Ethics in Scientific Research
• Ethics in Nonprofit Organizations
• Ethical Considerations in Marketing and Advertising
• Ethics in the Arts and Creative Industries

Industry-Specific Professional Ethics Topics

Medical ethics.

• Patient Confidentiality in Telemedicine
• Ethical Challenges in Organ Transplants
• Ethical Issues in Genetic Testing
• End-of-Life Care and Medical Ethics
• Healthcare Resource Allocation Ethics
• Ethical Considerations in Medical Research with Human Subjects
• Physician-Assisted Suicide and Ethical Debates
• Medical Ethics in Pandemic Response
• Ethical Implications of Artificial Organs
• Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Trials

Legal Ethics

• Confidentiality and Attorney-Client Privilege
• Ethics in Criminal Defense
• Conflicts of Interest in Legal Practice
• Legal Ethics in Corporate Law
• Professional Responsibility in Courtroom Behavior
• Ethics in Alternative Dispute Resolution
• The Role of Ethics in Intellectual Property Law
• Ethics in Environmental Law
• Legal Ethics in Immigration Law
• Ethical Challenges in Cybersecurity Law

Business Ethics

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Reporting
• Ethical Leadership in Business
• Ethical Decision-Making in Marketing
• Supply Chain Ethics
• Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Ethics
• Environmental Sustainability and Business Ethics
• Business Ethics in the Age of AI
• Ethical Considerations in Corporate Governance
• Ethical Issues in Product Development
• Whistleblowing Policies in Corporations

Ethics in Technology

• Ethical Considerations in Data Mining
• Bias and Fairness in AI Algorithms
• Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity
• AI and Healthcare Ethics
• Ethical Implications of Autonomous Vehicles
• Ethics in Social Media Data Usage
• Privacy and Surveillance Ethics
• The Role of Ethics in Space Exploration
• Ethical Use of Biotechnology
• Transparency and Accountability in Tech Companies

Ethical Leadership

• Ethical Challenges in Leadership Transitions
• The Ethical Dimensions of Decision-Making
• Ethical Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations
• Ethical Leadership in Educational Institutions
• The Role of Empathy in Ethical Leadership
• Ethical Communication in Leadership
• Ethical Decision-Making in Crisis Management
• Ethical Considerations in Change Management
• The Ethics of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Leadership
• Gender and Diversity in Ethical Leadership

Ethical Challenges

• The Psychology of Ethical Decision-Making
• Ethical Dilemmas in the Age of Social Media
• Ethical Issues in Artificial Intelligence Development
• Ethical Challenges in Human Resources Management
• Ethical Considerations in Global Supply Chains
• Environmental Ethics and Corporate Sustainability
• The Ethics of Marketing to Children
• Ethical Implications of Emerging Technologies
• Ethical Leadership vs. Ethical Followership
• Ethical Implications of Workplace Automation

Ethical Training and Education

• Integrating Ethics into School Curricula
• Professional Ethics Workshops and Training
• Ethics in Leadership Development Programs
• Ethical Decision-Making Exercises
• The Role of Ethics in Lifelong Learning
• Ethics in Higher Education Accreditation
• The Impact of Ethical Education on Career Development
• Teaching Business Ethics in MBA Programs
• Ethical Training for Healthcare Professionals
• The Ethics of Online Education and E-Learning

These expanded categories offer a diverse range of professional ethics topics that can be explored in presentations, discussions, and research within various fields and industries.

What are some good ethics topics?

Have a close look at some of good ethics topics:-

AI’s Moral Maze

Dive into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence and its ethical quandaries, from self-driving car dilemmas to robot rights.

Pandemic Predicaments

Explore the ethical tightrope of healthcare decisions during global crises , such as resource allocation and vaccine distribution.

Planet or Profit

Engage in the debate over environmental ethics, asking whether sustainability should trump corporate profits and how to tackle climate change responsibly.

Digital Business Dilemmas

Uncover the ethical shadows in the digital realm, including data privacy, online marketing tactics, and the ethics of AI-driven decision-making.

Gene Editing and You

Delve into the ethical storm surrounding genetic engineering, from designer babies to curing diseases by rewriting our DNA.

Life and Death Debates

Navigate the complex ethical waters of healthcare, from end-of-life choices and assisted suicide to organ transplants and the right to refuse treatment.

AI as Doctors

Probe the ethical implications of AI in healthcare, where algorithms diagnose, treat, and care for patients, raising questions about trust and bias.

Human Clones, Real Questions

Contemplate the ethical frontiers of human cloning, exploring the possibilities, limits, and moral dilemmas.

Privacy Under Siege

Discuss the battle between personal privacy rights and the needs of national security in an age of constant surveillance and data collection.

Self-Driving Dilemmas

Take a ride into the ethical landscape of autonomous vehicles, where machines make life-or-death choices during accidents.

These engaging twists on ethical topics not only spark curiosity but also invite readers and listeners to dive into the ethical complexities of our modern world.

What is an example of a professional ethical issue?

Imagine you’re a financial advisor. You help people make smart investment choices to secure their future. But here’s the twist: What if you stand to make a pretty penny from recommending a specific investment option? That’s where the conflict of interest comes into play.

A conflict of interest arises when your personal interests clash with your professional duty. In this case, your duty is to provide the best financial advice for your clients. But if you’re tempted by a fat commission for pushing a certain investment, things get a bit murky.

On one hand, you want your clients to thrive financially. On the other hand, your wallet is whispering, “Hey, recommend that investment, and I’ll pad your bank account.” See the dilemma?

Now, picture this scenario across various professions: lawyers, doctors, journalists – you name it. Whenever personal gain butts heads with professional duty, you’re wading into the waters of a potential ethical issue.

Ethics guidelines and codes of conduct exist to help professionals navigate these tricky situations. They often require transparency – like letting your clients know about potential conflicts – and taking steps to put their interests front and center, even if it means passing up on personal gains.

So, the next time you hear “conflict of interest,” think of it as a tug of war between doing what’s right and what’s personally tempting – a true test of professional integrity.

What are the topics for ethics and human values?

Have a close look at the topics for ethics and human values.

Ethical Dilemmas in Pop Culture

Ever thought about the tough choices characters make in your favorite movies or TV shows? Let’s discuss the moral dilemmas faced by superheroes, antiheroes, and beloved characters.

Would You Push the Button?

Imagine a train headed for disaster, and you have the power to divert it, but it would mean sacrificing something or someone else. This classic ethical dilemma, the trolley problem, sparks lively debates.

Your Right to Choose: When it comes to end-of-life decisions, should individuals have the right to choose how and when they pass away? This topic raises profound questions about autonomy and compassion.

The Price of Fashion

Ethical fashion explores the impact of your clothing choices, from fair labor practices to sustainability. Can you look stylish while supporting ethical brands?

The Power of Persuasion

Ethical marketing isn’t just about selling products; it’s about selling ideas. Explore the ethics of advertising, from emotional manipulation to truth in advertising.

Breaking Bad in Healthcare

From organ trafficking to medical experimentation, some real-life medical stories blur the line between healing and harm. What’s the ethical prescription?

Leadership Beyond the Boardroom

Ethical leaders aren’t just in the corner office. They guide teams, communities, and nations. What traits define an ethical leader, and how do they navigate complex moral terrain?

The Gene Editing Frontier

CRISPR technology allows us to edit genes. But where’s the line between curing genetic diseases and designing “perfect” babies? Ethics meets science fiction.

Tech Titans and Ethical Responsibility

The giants of the tech industry shape our digital lives. But what happens when their power clashes with ethical responsibility? We’ll dissect the ethical side of Silicon Valley.

The Ethics of Giving

Explore the ethics of philanthropy, charitable giving, and the responsibility of those with means to make the world a better place.

These engaging ethical topics touch on everyday dilemmas, thought-provoking scenarios, and complex moral questions that we encounter in our lives and the world around us. Let’s delve into these discussions with enthusiasm and curiosity!

What are some ethical issues in today’s society?

Absolutely, let’s dive into some of the most gripping ethical issues buzzing in today’s society:

Privacy vs. Data Goldmine

In a world where our every click is tracked, the ethical dilemma of balancing our right to privacy with data-hungry corporations and governments sparks heated debates.

AI Bias and Fairness

Imagine AI making life-altering decisions, yet it inherits biases from its creators. This raises ethical eyebrows on fairness, especially in areas like hiring and lending.

Fake News Frenzy

The explosive spread of misinformation on social media leaves us questioning the ethical responsibilities of platforms and our role in curbing the chaos.

Climate Change Crunch

Ethical alarms ring as we confront the dire consequences of climate change. Balancing our carbon footprint with the planet’s survival is a moral imperative.

Social Justice Shake-Up

The battle against systemic racism, income inequality, and discrimination forces us to reevaluate our ethical stance on justice, equity, and human rights.

Digital Health Data Dilemma

Health apps and wearables promise insights, but the ethical quandary lies in who controls our health data and how it’s used.

End-of-Life Crossroads

The right to die with dignity collides with cultural, religious, and medical ethics, leading to profound conversations on euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Gene Editing Quandary

CRISPR technology lets us edit genes, but the line between curing diseases and playing god sparks ethical debates.

Robot Right

As AI advances, questions arise about the rights of humanoid robots – are they property or autonomous beings with ethical considerations?

Mental Health Taboo

Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health demands ethical reflections on how we address, support, and advocate for those affected.

These captivating ethical topics remind us that our rapidly evolving world poses complex challenges that require both empathy and critical thinking to navigate. Let’s engage in discussions that shape our ethical compass and inspire positive change.

In wrapping up our journey through the world of professional ethics topics for presentation, it’s abundantly clear that these issues aren’t just dry subjects in a conference room; they’re the heartbeat of our professional lives.

We’ve delved into the tech-driven ethical puzzles of the 21st century, where artificial intelligence wrestles with bias, and privacy tiptoes on a razor’s edge. We’ve traversed the treacherous terrain of environmental ethics, where our planet’s health hinges on our moral choices.

We’ve probed the very soul of business ethics, where profit meets responsibility, and we’ve dared to contemplate the delicate matters of life and death in healthcare ethics.

As we conclude, it’s not just about closing a presentation but recognizing that professional ethics are the bedrock of trust, integrity, and progress in our society. They’re the compass that guides us through murky waters, ensuring our actions reflect the values we hold dear.

So, let’s remember that professional ethics aren’t just words on a screen; they’re the legacy we leave, the principles we uphold, and the beacon that lights our path to a better, fairer, and more ethical tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of professional ethics in modern society.

Professional ethics underpin trust, legal compliance, and reputation, making them vital in today’s interconnected world.

Can professional ethics vary between industries?

Yes, professional ethics are shaped by industry-specific codes and practices, leading to variations.

What are the consequences of ignoring professional ethics?

Ignoring professional ethics can lead to legal trouble, reputational damage, and loss of trust.

How can individuals develop their ethical decision-making skills?

Developing ethical decision-making skills involves self-awareness, education, and practice.

Are there cases where ethical dilemmas have no clear solution?

Yes, ethical dilemmas often involve conflicting values, making it challenging to find a straightforward solution.

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Penelitian ini dilakukan berdasarkan fenomena yang terjadi di SMP Negeri di Kota Semarang yang menunjukan adanya perbedaan terkait pelaksanaan layanan konseling kelompok (KKp). Adanya sekolah yang telah melaksanakan konseling kelompok dengan baik sesuai dengan teori dan tahapan yang ada, tetapi ada pula sekolah yang tidak melaksanakan salah satu tahapan yang ada. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh positif dan signifikan kompetensi pedagogik dan motivasi guru bimbingan dan konseling baik masing-masing maupun secara bersama-sama terhadap kualitas pelaksanaan layanan konseling kelompok di SMP Negeri Se-Kota Semarang. Jenis penelitian ini adalah ex-post facto. Populasinya adalah 141 guru. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan skala psikologis dan angket. Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis regresi linier sederhana dan analisis regresi ganda. Hasil penelitian menyebutkan adanya pengaruh positif dan signifikan kompetensi pedagogik terhadap kualitas pelaksanaan KKp sebe...

MARIA YINET SARMIENTO

African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology

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Astronomy & Astrophysics

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