Ethics is a philosophical approach in discipline on how we conduct ourselves as human beings and our morals. Some might explain ethics as a set rule in which we govern our thought processes in order to satisfy social norms. Ethical behaviors and rules help shape a society. Either way, ethical principles are a crucial part of my life as well as my future as a nurse. The ethical principles that I will need to follow in my career as a health professional include, autonomy, nonmalefience, beneficence, justice and fidelity. .
Autonomy can be explained as a person's right to be independent without inhabiting outside influences and receiving respect in the decisions chosen; the ability to be your own person and make your own decisions. It requires that an individual should be given a variety of options even though they may be limited by coercion, manipulation, social and physical environments as well as rational decision making. As a health care professional I will have to respect the autonomy of my patient and their freedom of choice.
In my everyday life it is hard to respect the autonomy of my children because being a mother I want what is best for my children but I also want them to be who they want to be. It is a challenge I face day to day. Nonmalefience means not to intentionally cause harm or hurt others. Do unto others as you would have done to you apply to nonmalefience. Offering protection to your fellow man/woman and taking an oath to not cause harm or hurt them. In the professional health care field you are obligated to protect your patients, for example when prescribing a medication to a patient the medicine should be intended to help not to cause any harm or hurt the patient. By showing nonmalefience your acts are similar to being a guardian of whomever. Your job is to protect them from harm not to be the cause of harm. This ethical principle is an obligation to me as a mother; it is my job to protect my children and never intentionally hurt or harm them.
