Raul DC Anquilo
Student Number: 221-1194
Ethico-Legal Basis in Nursing Practice
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My reflection post ethico-legal basis for nursing practice subject
Similar to my previous subjects in the Masteral Studies, I am happy that I was able to acquire
new knowledge or refreshed me about topics essential to my line of work and of course, in
being a nurse itself. The only difference with Dr. Ken Paul Espinosa’s subject is, aside from
the fact that I already have a particular interest with the topics when it was first taught back in
college under Ethico-legal Nursing, discussions with Sir Ken made me more aware of my
purpose as a nurse and also made me more convinced that ethical and legal aspects are
important to one’s work not only in nursing but in all fields of endeavor.
Nursing as a profession requires proper skills and knowledge but without legal considerations
and a moral compass to go with it, nursing care would be incomplete. Yes, there would surely
be dilemma as one accomplishes his/her work. Yes, there would be obstacles along the way.
And yes, sometimes what seem legal is sometimes unethical and vice-versa. But as long as
you have the proper character, values and even motivations, you will be able to balance your
job.
Now, the only question is: which is more important? Legal or ethical?
For me, it should go hand in hand. You cannot function properly as a nurse without
considering both.
First, what is legal? We all know that anything permitted by law is legal. We conform and
follow law, which are set of rules created and enforced by social institutions. Legally, nurses
can only accept assignments and provide patient care that is appropriate in terms of their
nurse practice act and their scope of practice, and only those that the nurse believes that they
are competent to perform. Exercising and performing tasks mandated by the duties and
responsibilities of nurses is essential to be able to function without legal ramifications. That is
why institutional manuals and employees’ handbooks are very important because guidelines,
policies and protocols are clearly stated in these manuals. There are always commonly
occurring legal issues that impact on nursing and nursing practice especially concerning
patients and their rights. Being aware of these legal issues and strict compliance with and
adherence to pertinent laws will eventually save a nurse from possible legal problems in the
future. As the saying goes, “ignorance of the law excuses no one” including us nurses.
Second, what is ethical? Always remember that nursing practice is not only a job but also a
vocation. Ethics is a cornerstone of the nursing profession. We discussed non maleficence,
beneficence, autonomy, justice, veracity and fidelity. Add to that, human dignity, privacy,
precision and accuracy in caring, commitment, human relationship, sympathy, respect,
advocacy, self-regard, safety, honesty, and individual and professional competency. All of
these moral principles will determine how a nurse will eventually act or behave in specific
situations. Strong ethics are vital to nursing, as moral dilemmas can frequently arise while
attending to patients. Nurses must recognize these ethical problems when they occur and
apply the profession’s ethics and core values in their judgment and decision-making, as well
as how they perceive the consequences of those actions. Ultimately the arbiter of what’s
ethical in any healthcare situation is the nurse, in consultation with the patient. Ethical
decisions are as integral to patient care as clinical and technical ones.
By maintaining ethico-legal practices at work highlights the role nurses play as advocates for
patients’ rights and equitable patient care outcomes thus promoting the health and well-being
of patients. At the end of the day, our end goal is to provide quality healthcare to everyone.
Abiding by all institutionalized regulations and policies that apply to the nursing profession
and practicing principles of nursing ethics is a cornerstone of the nursing profession and is
“non-negotiable”.
Armed with acquired knowledge provided by Dr. Ken Paul Espinosa I am now at a better
position to share wisdom to my co-nurses and impart the same to all budding breed of future
nurses I am now teaching in Baliuag University.
Amidst the ever-changing technological landscape and unprecedented development in
research and science in healthcare, there is always one thing that will remain constant and
that is, providing care within the legal scope of practice and code of ethics.