Nursing Ethics

Chapter 1

Introduction to Ethics

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Definition of ethics and professional ethics
2. History of ethics
3. Importance of ethics in profession
4. Code of ethics and the need and purpose of professional conduct
5. Ethical schools of thought and types of ethics

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The word ethics is derived from the Greek word “ethos”, which means custom or guiding beliefs. Ethics is defined as a set of rules orprinciples that govern right conduct and is designed to protect the rights of a human being. Ethics is a branch of philosophy; it is moral philosophy or philosophical thinking about morality, moral problems, and moral judgements. Nursing ethics provides the professional standards for nursing activities, which protect the nurse and the ...