Dignity, Privacy & Consent in Senior Home Care – Ethical Nursing Standards
Dignity, Privacy & Consent in Senior Home Care
Ethical Responsibilities of Home Nurses in Caring for Vulnerable Elderly
Master the ethical principles that transform home nursing from task-completion into dignified, person-centered care. Learn to respect autonomy, obtain valid consent, protect privacy, and honor cultural values while caring for dependent elderly patients.
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Introduction: Ethics as the Heart of Home Nursing
Mrs. Sharma is 82 years old with moderate dementia. Recently, her nurse noticed something troubling: during bathing, Mrs. Sharma seemed uncomfortable and withdrawn, but her son insisted on expedited bathing schedules. The nurse was caught between honoring family authority and protecting Mrs. Sharma’s dignity in a vulnerable moment. What are the ethical principles that guide this situation? How does a home nurse balance respect for family with respect for the elderly patient’s own dignity?
This is the core challenge of ethical home nursing: You operate in patients’ homes, not institutional settings. Family dynamics are complex. Authority is ambiguous. Yet your responsibility for protecting dignity and respecting autonomy remains absolute.
Unlike hospitals where institutional policies provide guardrails, home nurses must internalize ethical principles and apply them consistently in ambiguous situations. This comprehensive guide provides the knowledge and frameworks to navigate ethical complexities with confidence and integrity.
Why Ethics Matter in Home Care
Ethical lapses in home care go largely unnoticed. There’s no institutional review board. No formal reporting mechanisms. What happens in a patient’s bedroom is private. This makes personal integrity and ethical commitment even more critical. Your ethical practice directly determines whether elderly patients are treated with dignity or exploited in vulnerability.
This guide addresses: What dignity means in practical terms; how to respect autonomy while patients depend on you; how to obtain valid informed consent when capacity is uncertain; how to protect privacy; how to honor cultural values; and how to navigate the complex triangle of patient, family, and professional caregiver relationships.
Dignity: The Foundation of Ethical Home Nursing
Dignity is not just a concept—it is a fundamental human right. Yet dignity in elderly care is frequently violated through small, repeated, seemingly insignificant actions. A nurse undressing a patient in front of an open door. Discussing a patient’s incontinence in front of visitors. Using a patient’s first name without permission. Using infantilizing language like “sweetie” or “honey” with adult patients. These are dignity violations.
What Does Dignity Mean in Home Care?
Dignity encompasses multiple dimensions:
1. Recognition & Respect
Treating the patient as a valued person, not as a medical problem or task to complete. Using their preferred name and title. Acknowledging their life history, achievements, and current identity. For example: “Mr. Patel, I notice you’re a retired engineer. Tell me about the projects you worked on.” This recognition affirms their worth beyond their current medical condition.
2. Privacy & Bodily Integrity
Protecting the patient’s body and personal information from exposure. Only exposing the body parts being cared for during intimate care. Closing doors and windows. Asking permission before touching. Keeping health information confidential. Privacy violations—exposing a patient’s incontinence to family, discussing their cognitive decline loudly—are profound dignity violations.
3. Autonomy & Choice
Respecting the patient’s right to make decisions about their own care, even unwise decisions. This doesn’t mean patients can demand harmful care, but it does mean their preferences should be honored whenever possible. Example: If a patient prefers bathing at 10 AM instead of 8 AM, that preference should be accommodated (if medically appropriate).
4. Spiritual & Cultural Identity
Acknowledging and supporting the patient’s religious beliefs, cultural practices, and personal values. If a patient observes Ramadan, prayer times, or other spiritual practices, these should be supported. If a patient prefers specific food preparations or clothing, these should be respected.
5. Sense of Competence & Contribution
Whenever possible, allowing patients to do things for themselves, even if it takes longer. Involving them in decisions affecting their care. Acknowledging their capabilities rather than focusing only on deficits. This maintains self-worth and sense of agency.
Real-World Dignity Violations & How to Prevent Them
| Dignity Violation | Impact on Patient | Ethical Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Undressing patient without explaining/asking | Humiliation, loss of control, increased anxiety | “Mr. Gupta, I need to examine your leg. I’ll drape you with a sheet so only the area we’re treating is visible.” |
| Discussing medical conditions loudly in front of others | Shame, embarrassment, public exposure of private information | Discuss privately with patient and authorized family. Use quiet tones. Respect patient’s right to share information selectively. |
| Infantilizing language (“sweetie,” “dear,” “good girl”) | Sense of being treated as child, not respected adult | Use respectful address: Mr./Mrs./Ms. + surname, or first name if patient requests |
| Ignoring patient’s expressed preferences | Feeling powerless, voiceless, disrespected | Document preferences. Ask permission. Explain if unable to accommodate, negotiate alternatives. |
| Rushing intimate care procedures | Increased vulnerability, feeling like a burden, anxiety | Allow adequate time. Talk with patient during care. Proceed at patient’s pace when possible. |
| Discussing patient in third person while present | Feeling invisible, excluded from own care decisions | Address patient directly: “Mrs. Kumar, how did you sleep?” not “How did she sleep?” |
| Making assumptions about preferences without asking | Care that doesn’t match patient’s values or wishes | Ask: “What matters most to you?” “How do you prefer things done?” Document answers. |
The Practical Dignity Checklist for Home Nurses
Daily Dignity Practice
- ☐ Address patient by preferred name/title (ask what they prefer)
- ☐ Explain all procedures before doing them
- ☐ Obtain permission before touching patient
- ☐ Ensure privacy during intimate care (close doors, use drapes)
- ☐ Discuss patient directly, not in third person
- ☐ Respect cultural, religious, and personal preferences
- ☐ Ask rather than assume about care preferences
- ☐ Maintain confidentiality about private health information
- ☐ Support patient’s independence whenever possible
- ☐ Treat patient as adult, not child (avoid infantilizing language)
- ☐ Document patient’s expressed preferences and values
Respecting Autonomy: Balancing Independence & Dependence
Autonomy—the right to self-determination—is central to dignity. Yet autonomy in elderly care presents paradoxes: How do you respect autonomy in someone who depends on you for basic care? What if a patient’s choice seems medically unwise? What if family and patient have conflicting wishes?
Key principle: Autonomy does not disappear with dependence. A patient in a wheelchair cannot walk independently, but they can still make decisions about their own care. A patient with dementia may not remember medical history, but they can still express preferences and should be treated as decision-makers in their own lives.
Practical Autonomy in Home Care
- Offer Choices Whenever Possible: “Would you prefer morning or afternoon bathing?” “Do you want to wear the blue or the green shirt?” Even small choices affirm autonomy.
- Explain Why Before Doing: “I’d like to check your blood sugar. This helps us make sure your medication is working correctly. May I do that now?”
- Support Self-Care: Even if it takes longer, allow patients to do tasks themselves when possible. Standing by to help if needed. This maintains competence and dignity.
- Respect Unwise Decisions: If a patient chooses not to take medication or refuses bathing, document this and inform the physician, but respect the patient’s right to refuse. (Exception: if patient lacks capacity or decision poses serious safety risk)
- Involve in Care Planning: Ask: “What matters most to you?” “What are your goals?” “What worries you?” Use answers to guide care.
- Ask Permission for Everything: Not just medical procedures. “May I open these curtains?” “Would you like me to make your bed now?” “Is it okay if I call your daughter?”
The Autonomy Paradox: When Patient Autonomy Conflicts with Safety
Most difficult ethical situations involve this conflict: Patient wants autonomy; safety considerations limit options. Examples:
- Patient refuses to use walker despite high fall risk
- Patient refuses medication for chronic condition
- Patient wants to live alone but family fears unsafe
- Patient refuses assistance with personal care
Ethical approach:
- Assess patient’s decision-making capacity (see section on capacity assessment)
- If capacity present: Provide full information about risks/benefits. Respect patient’s choice even if risky.
- Document patient’s decision and reasoning thoroughly
- Implement risk reduction strategies without overriding autonomy
- Involve physician and family in discussion (with patient’s consent)
- Revisit periodically as circumstances change
Case Study: The Patient Who Refused Assistance
Situation: Mr. Desai, 76, had severe arthritis. The physical therapist recommended using a walker. Mr. Desai refused, saying “I’m not that old. I can manage fine.” He had fallen twice in the past month.
The Ethical Challenge: The nursing team wanted to force the walker use “for his own good.” But this would override his autonomy.
The Ethical Solution:
- Assess his capacity: Does he understand the risks of falling? Yes, he understood.
- Provide information: Explain specific fall risk factors, consequences of falls (fracture, hospitalization, loss of independence)
- Respect his preference: He understood risks but valued independence over safety. This is his legitimate choice.
- Implement risk reduction: Rather than force walker, agree on: removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars, wearing appropriate footwear, using a cane (less intrusive than walker), having nurse nearby during high-risk activities
- Support autonomy: “I respect your decision. Here’s how we’ll keep you as safe as possible while honoring your preference.”
Informed Consent: Obtaining Valid Permission for Care
Valid informed consent requires three components: The patient must be adequately informed, they must have the capacity to understand that information, and their agreement must be voluntary (free from coercion).
In home care, obtaining consent is more complex than in institutions. There’s no standardized consent form. Family authority may be assumed. But your ethical obligation remains: obtain valid consent for all care, respecting patient autonomy.
The Three Components of Valid Informed Consent
| Component | What This Means | How to Ensure in Home Care |
|---|---|---|
| Informed | Patient receives clear, complete information about what you’re proposing to do, why, what risks/benefits exist, and what alternatives exist | Explain simply: “I need to check your blood pressure. This helps us monitor your heart health. It takes 2 minutes. There’s no risk or discomfort. Is that okay?” |
| Capable/Competent | Patient has mental capacity to understand information, retain it, and use it to make a decision. Not all elderly lack capacity; assess individually. | Assess: Can patient understand information? Can they remember it? Can they apply it to their situation? Can they communicate a choice? |
| Voluntary | Patient’s decision is made freely without pressure from family, nurse, or circumstances | Ask patient privately (if possible away from family) “Do YOU want this care?” not just “Does your son want you to have this?” Watch for signs of being coerced. |
Consent in Specific Home Care Scenarios
When Patient Has Full Capacity
Standard informed consent applies: Explain procedure, answer questions, obtain clear agreement. Honor patient’s right to refuse even if family disagrees. Document consent in care notes.
When Patient Has Diminished but Not Lost Capacity
More complex: Patient may understand some things but not others. Example: Patient with early dementia may not remember instructions but can express current preferences. Ask: “Do you want me to bathe you now?” Patient may not understand why bathing matters, but can answer about current preference. Respect that preference.
When Patient Lacks Capacity
Surrogate decision-making required: Usually family member or legal guardian makes decisions in patient’s “best interest.” But respect patient’s prior wishes if known. Document all decisions thoroughly. Consider patient’s values when helping family decide.
Process Consent Model
Rather than one-time “consent,” use ongoing process consent: Regularly ask permission throughout care, not just at beginning. Example: “I’m going to help you wash your face now. Is that okay?” “Now I’m going to help you dress. Ready?” This respects patient autonomy throughout, not just initially.
Assessing Decision-Making Capacity
Capacity is not all-or-nothing; it is decision-specific and fluctuates. A patient may lack capacity to manage finances but have capacity to decide about daily care. A patient may have capacity at 10 AM but not at 4 PM (due to sundowning or fatigue). Assessment is ongoing, not one-time.
The Four Criteria for Decision-Making Capacity
Can the Patient:
- UNDERSTAND the information?
- Can they grasp what you’re proposing to do?
- Do they understand their medical condition?
- Test: “Tell me back what I just explained about your medication.”
- RETAIN the information?
- Can they remember what you said even briefly?
- Do they need repeated explanations?
- Test: “What did I just explain about when to take your medicine?”
- APPRECIATE the consequences?
- Do they understand how this decision affects THEM specifically?
- Example: Not just understanding “high blood sugar is bad,” but “My high blood sugar could cause me problems.”
- Test: “How would skipping your diabetes medication affect you?”
- COMMUNICATE a choice?
- Can they express a decision, even nonverbally?
- Can they explain their reasoning?
- Test: “Have you decided whether you want to take this medication? Tell me yes or no.”
If capacity is unclear: Involve physician. Do not proceed with care against patient’s expressed wishes without proper capacity assessment. When in doubt, default to respecting patient’s stated preference.
Privacy & Confidentiality: Protecting Patient Information
Privacy and confidentiality are ethical and often legal obligations. In India, healthcare data is increasingly protected under regulations like the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 and alignment with international standards like HIPAA principles.
Types of Privacy Home Nurses Must Protect
- Physical Privacy: Protection of patient’s body during intimate care; closed doors; minimal exposure during procedures
- Informational Privacy: Protection of medical information; not discussing patient’s condition with unauthorized people; secure storage of records
- Decisional Privacy: Respect for patient’s right to make private decisions without interference (what they eat, what they wear, how they spend time)
- Relational Privacy: Respect for patient’s right to private relationships; not sharing private communications or relationships without consent
Privacy Violations Common in Home Care
| Privacy Violation | Ethical Concern | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Discussing patient with neighbors/visitors | Unauthorized disclosure of health information | Only discuss patient information with authorized family members in private |
| Posting about patient on social media | Violates confidentiality; may embarrass patient; legal liability | Never. Do not photograph or post anything about patients online, ever. |
| Sharing patient medical details with other family members without consent | Patient loses control of who knows their health information | Ask patient: “Is it okay if I update your daughter about your medications?” Respect their answer. |
| Leaving medical records where others can see | Uninvited access to private health information | Keep records secure. Don’t leave in common areas where visitors can see. |
| Discussing patient’s personal choices in front of others | Loss of dignity; breach of confidentiality | Discuss privately with patient. Only disclose to authorized parties with consent. |
Privacy Checklist for Home Nurses
Cultural Sensitivity in Indian Home Care
India’s diversity means home nurses encounter varied cultural, religious, and family structures. Ethical care requires understanding and respecting these differences, not imposing standardized care that ignores cultural context.
Cultural Values in Indian Elderly Care
In Indian culture, elderly care carries specific values:
- “Sewa” (Service/Duty): Caring for elderly parents is seen as a sacred duty, not a burden. Family care is culturally expected and valued.
- Respect for Elders: Elders are revered as sources of wisdom and family continuity. Independence is valued but family authority is significant.
- Joint Family Concept: Even as nuclear families become common, joint family values (multi-generational living, collective decision-making) persist.
- Spiritual & Religious Significance: Prayer, rituals, festivals are deeply meaningful. Disrupting these can harm well-being.
Practical Cultural Sensitivity
| Cultural Consideration | How to Respect | Why This Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Religious practices (prayer times, fasting, rituals) | Ask about practices. Schedule care around prayer/ritual times if possible. Support participation in festivals, religious observances. | Spiritual well-being is central to dignity; disrupting practices causes spiritual distress |
| Dietary practices (vegetarianism, food restrictions, specific preparations) | Respect dietary preferences. Understand which foods are acceptable. Support traditional preparations if patient prefers. | Food is cultural identity; ignoring preferences reduces dignity and may reduce intake |
| Family hierarchy in decision-making | Understand family structure. Often eldest son or eldest male has authority. Respect this while ensuring patient’s voice is heard. | Cultural authority structures matter; ignoring them creates family conflict and erodes trust |
| Intergenerational communication | Respect that sometimes adult children speak for elderly parents. But try to include elderly parent in discussions about their own care. | Balances cultural norms (family authority) with ethical principle (patient autonomy) |
| Naming practices | Ask patient preferred way to be addressed. Don’t assume first-name basis. Respect formal address in traditional households. | Disrespectful naming is dignity violation; asking shows respect |
| Gender considerations | Some patients prefer same-gender care during intimate procedures. Respect these preferences. Accommodate where possible. | Modesty and cultural values around physical exposure matter; respecting them builds trust |
Real Challenge: When Cultural Preferences Conflict with Medical Needs
Case Study: The Woman Who Refused Physical Therapy
Situation: Mrs. Verma, 75, had a stroke. Physiotherapist recommended daily exercises. Mrs. Verma’s family initially refused, saying “She’s a widow. It’s not proper for her to stretch and show her legs to a male therapist. Also, she should rest and not exert herself.” The stroke was affecting her mobility, but family values of modesty and rest were overriding rehabilitation.
The Ethical Challenge: Medical care vs. cultural values. Forcing therapy violates cultural respect; accepting refusal compromises recovery.
The Solution:
- Propose female physiotherapist (culture respected, rehabilitation possible)
- Explain stroke consequences: Without exercises, she loses mobility → becomes dependent → can’t care for herself → loses independence/dignity
- Frame in cultural terms: “Sewa is about supporting her dignity and independence. Exercises help her stay strong and care for herself.”
- Offer modest clothing/draping options
- Involve family in explaining benefits
- Negotiate what’s acceptable: daughter-in-law can be present; exercises in private; female therapist
Family Involvement: Navigating Authority & Patient Rights
Family is central to Indian elderly care, but family authority can sometimes override patient autonomy. As a home nurse, you occupy a unique position: You’re hired by family, but your ethical duty is to the patient. When these conflict, patient welfare comes first.
The Family Triangle in Home Care
- Patient: Has fundamental rights to autonomy, dignity, privacy
- Family: Often serves as surrogate decision-maker, especially for dependent elderly; has legitimate interests in care and information
- Nurse: Has ethical obligation to patient’s welfare AND responsibility to work with family; caught in the middle
Ethical Framework: Balancing Patient & Family Needs
| Situation | Family Interest | Patient Interest | Ethical Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family wants quick bathing; patient wants privacy | Efficiency; family schedule | Dignity; control over own body; comfort | Prioritize patient’s dignity. Explain time tradeoffs to family. Negotiate respectfully. |
| Family wants daily updates on all health issues | Information; involvement | Privacy; autonomy over who knows health info | Ask patient: “Is it okay if I update your son about your medications?” Respect patient’s answer. |
| Family insists on treatment; patient refuses | Care they believe is necessary | Right to refuse treatment | If patient has capacity: Respect refusal. If patient lacks capacity: Help family make best-interest decision; document thoroughly. |
| Family dismissive of patient’s expressed wishes | Their decision about care | Autonomy; voice in own care | Advocate for patient gently. Document patient’s preferences. Escalate if patient being harmed. |
When to Protect Patient Against Family Interests
Red Flags: Family Behavior Requiring Action
- ☐ Family threatening, yelling at, or demeaning patient
- ☐ Patient showing fear when family is present
- ☐ Patient expressing desire to be away from family
- ☐ Family pressuring patient into medical decisions against patient’s will
- ☐ Physical signs of abuse: unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, malnourishment
- ☐ Patient expressing suicidal thoughts or depression related to family dynamics
- ☐ Family restricting patient’s access to healthcare, money, or independence excessively
Required action: Document thoroughly. Report to supervising physician or elder care authorities if you suspect abuse. Your professional obligation supersedes family relationships.
The Advocate Role
You are the patient’s advocate. This doesn’t mean fighting with family, but gently, persistently ensuring patient’s voice is heard. Example: “I’ve noticed Mrs. Sharma seems uncomfortable with that care schedule. Let’s talk to her about what she prefers.” You’re not overriding family authority; you’re ensuring patient’s preferences are considered.
Navigating Sensitive Care Situations with Ethics
Certain situations—incontinence care, bathing, toileting, sexual function—are inherently vulnerable. These require heightened attention to dignity, privacy, and consent.
Incontinence Care: Maintaining Dignity in Vulnerable Moments
- Never discuss in front of others: “Mrs. Patel has incontinence” is humiliating. Discuss privately.
- Normalize without minimizing: “Many people experience this. It’s manageable. Let’s talk about options.”
- Respect privacy absolutely: Closed doors, draping, only exposing what’s necessary.
- Use matter-of-fact tone: Don’t treat incontinence as shameful; treat it as a practical management issue.
- Support patient’s preferred management: Some prefer diapers; some prefer schedules. Respect choice.
Intimate Care During Bathing/Toileting
- Ask permission: Even if you’ve bathed patient 100 times, ask each time: “Are you ready for your bath?”
- Explain step-by-step: “I’m going to help you remove your nightgown. I’ll drape you with a towel so you’re covered.”
- Use same-gender provider if patient prefers: Request female nurse for female patient uncomfortable with male nurse in intimate situations.
- Respect pace: If patient is anxious during bathing, go slowly. Allow breaks.
- Maintain therapeutic distance: Respectful touch for care, but not personal touch (stroking hair, casual hand-holding) without permission.
Sexuality & Dignity in Elderly Care
Elderly people have sexual desires and right to sexual expression. Yet nurses often ignore or pathologize this. Ethical approach:
- Acknowledge sexuality as normal: Unmarried partners, LGBTQ+ relationships deserve respect, not judgment.
- Provide privacy for intimate relationships: Don’t interrupt partner visits; allow privacy when possible.
- Address sexual dysfunction respectfully: If patient mentions difficulty, take seriously. Connect with physician if needed.
- Protect against sexual exploitation: Be alert to abuse in vulnerable situations; report if you suspect inappropriate sexual contact.
End-of-Life Conversations
Talking about death and dying is deeply personal and culturally sensitive. Ethical approach:
- Follow patient’s lead: Some want to discuss; some don’t. Respect their pace.
- Respect cultural/religious perspectives: Some cultures avoid discussing death; some traditions have specific practices. Ask about and respect.
- Support advance directives: If patient wants to document wishes about end-of-life care, support this. Inform family.
- Balance honesty with hope: Be truthful about prognosis, but also supportive of comfort, dignity, and meaning-making.
AtHomeCare: Ethical Excellence in Home Nursing
At AtHomeCare Gurgaon, we believe ethical practice is not a compliance exercise—it is the heart of quality nursing. Our home nurses are trained not just clinically, but ethically and emotionally.
Our Ethical Commitments
We Treat Every Elderly Patient as a Valued Person
Not as a diagnosis. Not as a task. As a whole human being with history, dignity, preferences, and rights. Our nurses learn and remember patients’ life stories, interests, and values. This guides compassionate, personalized care.
We Respect Autonomy Even When Patients Depend on Us
Dependence doesn’t erase rights. Our nurses support patient decision-making through all stages of care. We offer choices, explain reasoning, and honor preferences—especially on sensitive matters of dignity and privacy.
We Integrate Family Care With Patient Advocacy
We work with families as partners, but our ultimate loyalty is to the patient. When conflicts arise, we gently advocate for the patient’s wishes while maintaining respectful family relationships. We document everything and escalate concerns appropriately.
We Honor Cultural Values Without Compromising Health
Our nurses are trained in cultural sensitivity. We understand Indian family structures, religious practices, and values. We integrate these into care, seeking solutions that honor both culture and health needs.
Ongoing Ethical Training at AtHomeCare
We don’t train nurses clinically and expect them to figure out ethics alone. Ethical practice is ongoing professional development:
- Regular ethics case discussions where nurses analyze real scenarios
- Training on consent, capacity assessment, and autonomy support
- Cultural competency education emphasizing Indian family values and diversity
- Workshops on dignity, privacy, and confidentiality in home care
- Support for nurses facing ethical dilemmas (ethics consultation available)
- Clear protocols for reporting concerns about family dynamics or patient welfare
Ready to Experience Ethical Home Nursing Excellence?
AtHomeCare Gurgaon delivers nursing that honors your loved one’s dignity, autonomy, and values—alongside clinical excellence. Our nurses are trained to provide not just competent care, but respectful, ethical, person-centered care.
Corporate Office:
Unit No. 703, 7th Floor
ILD Trade Centre, D1 Block
Malibu Town, Sector 47
Gurgaon, Haryana 122018
Phone: 9910823218
Services:
• Skilled Home Nursing with Ethical Standards
• Patient Care Attendants (GDA)
• Elderly Care with Dignity Focus
• Family Support & Coordination
• Cultural Sensitivity in Care
Our care coordinators will discuss your loved one’s needs and values, developing a care plan that honors dignity, autonomy, privacy, and cultural identity.
Final Reflection: Ethics as Professional Responsibility
Ethical nursing is not about following rules. It’s about embodying a commitment to human dignity and respecting the autonomy, privacy, and values of vulnerable people in your care.
Home nursing gives you extraordinary access: into patients’ most private moments, their physical vulnerability, their family dynamics, their fears. This access is a profound responsibility. How you use it—whether with respect and integrity or with indifference—shapes whether your patients experience care as dignifying or dehumanizing.
Your Ethical Commitments as a Home Nurse
- ✓ Treat every patient as a valued person, not a diagnosis or task
- ✓ Respect autonomy even when patients depend on you for care
- ✓ Obtain valid informed consent for all care; respect refusals
- ✓ Protect privacy and confidentiality absolutely
- ✓ Honor cultural values while delivering quality care
- ✓ Advocate for patients when their interests conflict with family preferences
- ✓ Document thoroughly to protect patients and yourself
- ✓ Reflect regularly on your practice; seek ethics consultation when uncertain
Ethical nursing is how you show respect. Dignity is how you honor the humanity in vulnerable people. That is the measure of professional excellence.