Nursing
Regulations and
Ethics
PRESENTED BY:LUBNA SULTAN
PRESENTED TO:MAM IRUM NAVEED
GBSN- 1st Semester
Universal college of nursing Peshawar
OBJECTIVES
• Definitions of nursing ethics & regulations
• Nursing Regulations and Ethics: A Historical
Perspective
• Discuss how nursing regulations and ethical standards
have evolved and their significance in contemporary
nursing practice.
Definition of Nursing Ethics
Nursing ethics are the moral principles that
guide nurses' actions and decisions. They are
rooted in values such as respect, compassion,
and integrity. Ethical codes provide a
framework for nurses to navigate complex
situations, ensuring they prioritize patient
well-being. They are also critical for
upholding public trust in the nursing
profession.
Moral principles guiding nursing practice.
Definition of Nursing Regulations
Nursing regulations are the legal rules that define
the scope of practice for nurses. Established by
licensing boards and state laws, they set minimum
standards for education, training, and competency.
These regulations protect the public by ensuring
that only qualified individuals provide nursing care.
They also foster accountability and ensure that
nurses are responsible for their actions, promoting a
high standard of care.
Legal rules defining scope of practice.
Nursing Regulations and Ethics:
A Historical Perspective
This presentation explores the evolution of nursing regulations
and ethical standards, highlighting their crucial role in shaping
contemporary nursing practice. We will journey through key
historical periods, examining the influences that have molded
nursing into the respected profession it is today. From religious
origins to modern legal frameworks, we'll uncover the
significant milestones and landmark cases that define nursing's
ethical and regulatory landscape.
We'll also delve into the ethical dilemmas
that nurses face in the modern era, driven
by technological advancements and
evolving patient rights. Finally, we'll look
ahead to future trends, discussing how
nursing regulations must adapt to the ever-
changing world of healthcare innovation.
Early Nursing: Religious Influence & Limited
Regulation
In its earliest forms, nursing was deeply
rooted in religious and charitable practices.
Caregivers were often members of religious
orders, providing comfort and aid to the sick
and poor as part of their spiritual calling.
During this time, formal regulations were
virtually non-existent, with practices guided
primarily by religious doctrine and the
personal ethics of the caregiver.
CONT…
The absence of standardized training and oversight meant that the quality of care varied
widely. Knowledge was passed down through apprenticeship and tradition, with little
emphasis on scientific understanding or evidence-based practice. The focus was primarily
on alleviating suffering and providing basic sustenance, rather than on curing illness or
promoting health.
Religious Roots Informal Training Compassion
Care driven by faith and charity. Apprenticeship, tradition-based skills. Focus on comfort and basic needs.
The Rise of Modern Nursing:
Standardization and Licensure
The mid-19th century marked a turning point in nursing history, with
Florence Nightingale's revolutionary approach to healthcare during the
Crimean War. Nightingale emphasized the importance of sanitation, hygiene,
and evidence-based practice, laying the foundation for modern nursing
principles. Her establishment of the first nursing school in London in 1860
signaled the beginning of standardized nursing education.
CONT…
As nursing gained recognition as a distinct profession, calls for regulation
and licensure grew louder. The primary goal was to protect the public by
ensuring that nurses met minimum competency standards. The early 20th
century saw the gradual implementation of nurse registration laws in various
countries and states, marking a significant step towards professionalization
and accountability.
Licensure
1 Nightingale's Influence 2 Standardized Education 3
Emphasis on hygiene and Establishment of nursing Protecting the public through
evidence-based practice. schools and formal training competency standards.
programs.
Key Ethical Milestones:
Nightingale Pledge to Modern Codes
The Nightingale Pledge, written in 1893, served as an early ethical guide for nurses,
emphasizing loyalty to physicians, dedication to patient welfare, and maintaining
confidentiality. While the pledge reflected the social norms of its time, it laid the
groundwork for future ethical codes. Over time, nursing ethics evolved to reflect
changing societal values and a greater emphasis on patient autonomy.
Modern nursing codes of ethics, such as those developed by the American Nurses
Association (ANA) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN), provide
comprehensive frameworks for ethical decision-making. These codes emphasize
principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, and fidelity,
guiding nurses in navigating complex ethical dilemmas in their daily practice.
CONT…
1893: Nightingale Pledge Present
Early ethical guide emphasizing Comprehensive ethical frameworks
loyalty and patient welfare. guiding modern nursing practice.
1 2 3
Mid-20th Century
Development of formal codes of ethics by nursing organizations.
Landmark Cases: Shaping Nursing
Law and Responsibility
Legal precedents established through landmark court cases have played a significant role in defining the scope
of nursing practice and the legal responsibilities of nurses. Cases involving negligence, malpractice, and
violations of patient rights have clarified the boundaries of acceptable conduct and the potential consequences
of failing to meet professional standards of care.
These cases have also highlighted the importance of documentation, communication, and adherence to established
policies and procedures. Nurses are increasingly held accountable for their actions, and legal judgments have
reinforced the need for ongoing education, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. These cases are integral
to the development of a well-defined professional practice, requiring careful attention to detail and diligence.
Negligence Malpractice Patient Rights
Failure to exercise the care a Professional negligence by act or Legal and ethical expectations
reasonably prudent person would omission. regarding healthcare.
exercise.
Contemporary Regulations:
Scope of Practice and Accountability
Modern nursing regulations are primarily governed by state and
national laws, as well as professional licensing boards. These
regulations define the scope of practice for nurses, outlining the specific
tasks and procedures they are legally authorized to perform. Scope of
practice varies depending on the nurse's education, training, and
credentials, with advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) typically
having a broader scope than registered nurses (RNs).
CONT…
Accountability is a cornerstone of contemporary nursing practice. Nurses
are held responsible for their actions and decisions, and they must adhere
to established standards of care. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary
action, including suspension or revocation of their nursing license.
Continuous competency validation, adherence to evidence-based
practices, and ethical conduct are essential components of ensuring
patient safety and upholding the integrity of the nursing profession.
Scope of Practice Licensing Boards Accountability
Legally defined limits on Bodies responsible for Responsibility for actions
nursing actions. regulating nursing practice. and decisions.
Ethical Dilemmas Technology and Patient Rights
in Modern Nursing:
The rapid advancement of medical technology
and increasing emphasis on patient rights have
created new and complex ethical dilemmas for
nurses. Issues such as genetic testing, end-of-life
care, and the use of artificial intelligence in
healthcare raise challenging questions about
autonomy, beneficence, and justice. Navigating
these dilemmas requires careful consideration of
ethical principles, legal guidelines, and the
patient's values and preferences.
CONT…
Balancing the potential benefits of new technologies with the need to protect patient
privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent is a critical ethical imperative. Nurses must
also advocate for equitable access to healthcare and ensure that vulnerable populations are
not disproportionately affected by technological advancements. Open communication,
interprofessional collaboration, and ongoing ethical education are essential for addressing
these complex challenges. Autonomy
2 Respecting patient self-
Technology 1 determination.
Balancing benefits with
ethical concerns.
Justice
3
Ensuring equitable access to care.
Future Trends:
Adapting Regulations to Healthcare Innovation
As healthcare continues to evolve at an
unprecedented pace, nursing regulations
must adapt to accommodate emerging
technologies, changing models of care, and
the growing demand for accessible and
affordable healthcare. Telehealth, artificial
intelligence, and personalized medicine are
transforming the way healthcare is delivered,
creating new opportunities and challenges
for nurses.
CONT…
Regulatory frameworks must be flexible enough to allow nurses to practice to the full extent of their education
and training while ensuring patient safety and quality of care. Interprofessional collaboration, data-driven
decision-making, and continuous quality improvement initiatives will be essential for shaping the future of
nursing regulation and ensuring that nurses are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of patients and
communities. Regulations must accommodate advancements while upholding patient safety.
Telehealth
Expanding access to remote care.
AI
Integrating artificial intelligence.
Personalized Medicine
Tailoring treatment to individual needs.
REFERENCE
Books
"Nursing Ethics: Across the Curriculum and Into Practice" by Janie B. Butts and Karen L. Rich (2018)
"Law and Ethics in Nursing and Health Care" by Denise Chaffer (2019)
"Nursing Ethics: A Guide for Decision Making" by Pamela J. Grace (2020)
Online Resources
American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics: A foundational document for nursing ethics in
the United States.
International Council of Nurses (ICN) Code of Ethics: A global guide for nursing ethics.
National League for Nursing (NLN) Ethics Education: Resources for nursing educators on teaching
ethics.
World Health Organization (WHO) Nursing and Midwifery: Global standards and guidelines for
nursing practice.
