Professional Ethics Paper

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Professional Ethics Paper Margaret Simon HCS/478 Health Law and Ethics April 15, 2014 Ann-Marie Peckham Professional Ethics Paper The purpose of this paper is to discuss professional ethics, examine the relationship between laws, ethics, and discuss different ethical theories and principles. Furthermore to discuss how these theories and principles are applied in daily practice. As nurses we are confronted with ethical issues on a daily basis, unfortunately the ethical decision may not always correlate with the laws at hand. It is important a nurse to study and understand the relationship between law and ethics, so to provide the best possible care to patients, while abiding by their moral and values. According to Judson and Harrison (2010), two reasons to study law and ethics is to help health care professionals function in the highest capacity, while providing competent, compassionate care to patients, and to prevent legal issues that can end your profession (p. 3). Judson and Harrison define law, ” as a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority” (Judson & Harrison, 2010, p. 7). Ethics is essentially standardized behaviors based around what is right or wrong that surpasses what may be considered legal in certain situations. It is crucial as nurses a balance is developed that benefits the patient, but protects the nurse, as well. It is important as professionals we follow the professional code of ethics and stay within the boundaries of the law. This can be difficult at times as people perceive the meaning of law and ethics differently. Personal values have a direct impact on a person’s professional ethics. Personal values are formed early in one's life and very much a part of an individual's morals. These values and morals are developed from the life experiences with

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