Difference between law and ethics in nursing

To phrase it very simply and broadly, to me ethical nursing practice follows the following concepts: a nurse is ethically obligated to provide the best care within his or her abilities, one’s freedom ends where another’s begins, and treat others as you wish to be treated. These concepts are difficult to apply to real life situations in the healthcare field because they carry so much ambiguity. I feel these concepts tie in very nicely with the six principles of nursing mentioned in chapter 6 in Nursing Now! (Catalano, 2015). These six principles are simpler to apply to the healthcare field because they are less ambiguous.

Ethical nursing practice abides by all six of the principles of nursing: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, fidelity and veracity (Catalano, 2015). Autonomy is the principle that each client has the right make decisions on the what and how for their care (Catalano, 2015). Beneficence is the principle that every action is taken with the intention of improving the life of the client (Catalano, 2015). This is done through a holistic approach, including all factors in the clients life (Catalano, 2015). Nonmaleficence is the principle that no harm will be done (Catalano, 2015). This ethically obligates the nurse to prevent harm from coming to the client from their own hands, the nurse’s, or another’s. Justice is the principle that dictates equal care to all people (Catalano, 2015). Fidelity is the principle that entails honoring commitments and promises, to self and others (Catalano, 2015). Veracity is the principle that compels the nurse to always tell the truth (Catalano, 2015). It also provides the right to the client to know everything that has to do with their health and care (Catalano, 2015). These ethical principles provide a good foundation of framework for nurses.

“Nurse” comes from the latin word nutricius which means to nourish (Catalano, 2015). By definition it is a nurse’s job to nourish, encourage growth and health. If a nurse abides by the six principles he or she is better equipped to provide nourishment. While considering actions, a nurse must not only consider the ethical implication, but the legal implications as well. Legal and ethical principles are in place to allow humans to live peacefully together. Many legal regulations come from ethical principles, due to support from a majority of the population they become “law” (Catalano, 2015). For an ethical principle to become a law it must be enforceable by law enforcement officials and have equal application to the entire population (Catalano, 2015). Not all ethical principles meet these conditions, however, they are equally as important in promoting peaceful interactions and the survival of the species. Even though ethical principles are not enforced by our governments they are by licensure boards (Catalano, 2015). Nurses, and other health care providers, who repeatedly disregard ethical practice risk having their license revoked (Catalano, 2015).