LEGAL ASPECT OF NURSING

• is an essential concept of professional nursing practice and the law.

  Accountability
• Laws are needed for two reasons:

  1. To ensure that the nurse’s decisions and actions are consistent with current legal principles.
  2. To protect the nurse from liability.
• FIVE VALUES ESSENTIAL IN NURSING

  1. ALTRUISM
  2. AUTONOMY
  3. HUMAN DIGNITY
  4. INTEGRITY
  5. SOCIAL JUSTICE
• Is a concern for the welfare and well-being of others.

  Altruism
• s the right to self-determination. when the nurse respects patients’ rights to make decisions about theirhealth care.

  Autonomy
• is respect for the inherent worth and uniqueness of individuals and populations. reflected when thenurse values and respects all patients and colleagues.

  HUMAN DIGNITY
• is acting in accordance with an appropriate code of ethics and accepted standards of practice; when the nurse is honest and provides care based on an ethical framework

  INTEGRITY
• is acting in accordance with fair treatment regardless ofeconomic status, race, ethnicity, age, citizenship, disability, or sexual orientation.

  Social justice
• “Let the master answer”; Employer assumes responsibility for employee

  Respondeat superior
• Nurse’s role• Client gave consent voluntarily.• Signature is authentic.• Client appears competent to give consent.• Client has right to refuse even after signing consent form.• Documentation important aspect
• if individuals have the ability to make choices

  INWARD AUTONOMY
• if choices are not limited or imposed by others

  OUTWARD AUTONOMY
• The duty to “do no harm.” - Harm can mean intentionally causing harm, placing someone at risk for harm, or unintentionally causing harm.

  Nonmaleficence (MORAL PRINCIPLES)
• MEANS "DOING GOOD" The client and family may expect healthcare providers to promote client well-being and hope, and provide treatment that will help prolong life.

  BENEFICENCE
• Is frequently referred to as fairness

  JUSTICE
• Means to be faithful to agreements and promises

  FIDELITY
• Refers to telling the truth. - Although this seems straightforward, in practice, choices are not always clear.

  VERACITY
• Refers to “the blameworthiness or praiseworthiness that one bears for one’s conduct or the performance of duties” - Specific accountability or liability associated with the performance of duties of a particular role

  RESPONSIBILITY