Abstract
This paper discusses the concept of beneficence in modern nursing. The paper presents a background and history of the nursing profession. Beneficence in the general context of modern nursing is examined. The paper also explores beneficence as a core principle of modern nursing ethics.

From the Paper
"Perhaps no single concept is more fundamental to the nursing profession (and to the entire field of medicine) than beneficence. Indeed, even the central tenet of medicine, primum non nocere ("do no harm") is itself a derivation of the much larger and comprehensive ethical principle of beneficence (Abrams & Buckner, 1983). Florence Nightingale is widely considered to be the mother of modern nursing, despite the fact that her most important contributions predated even the most basic modern medical principle of asepsis and the germ theory of disease that form the foundation of all modern medical training and nursing science. As a matter of fact, it was precisely her concern with the well-being and human dignity of her patients that dramatically lowered the mortality rate of soldiers injured in the American Civil War as compared to the Crimean War during approximately the same chronological period (Starr, 1984)."

Tags:nightingale, medical, ethics

Abstract
The paper argues that the most important ethical issue in health care is beneficence related to end-of-life issues. The paper explains that because a vast proportion of the baby boomers are now aging, these individuals are beginning to enter the health care systems in increasing numbers, and their health care needs will involve end-of life issues. The paper reveals that the ultimate issue underlying all other issues is beneficence. The paper then shows how although beneficence is one of the fundamental principles in health care ethics, it is one of the most misunderstood principles.

From the Paper
"The most important ethical issue in health care is beneficence related to end-of-life issues. Because a vast proportion of the baby boomers are now aging, these individuals are beginning to enter the health care systems in increasing numbers. Their health care needs will involve end-of life issues. The ultimate issue underlying all other issues is beneficence. Although beneficence is one of the fundamental principles in health care ethics, it is one of the most misunderstood principles. The principle of beneficence refers to doing good and avoiding harm..."

Tags:ethics, end, of, life, issues

Abstract
This paper examines how nurses must sometimes to renounce their personal morality for a professional code of ethics, much as patients temporarily renounce control over their bodies for treatment renunciations. It looks at how although the principles of beneficence may be discomforting at times, they are necessary in the health care profession and how they have existed long before managed care or even modern hospitalization.

From the Paper
"Likewise, the patient has no right to deplore the nurse's credentials, even though the patient may refuse treatment, because the nurse may be overweight and not, in her personal life, not pursue the practice of her own health to the optimal degree, in the patient's estimation. So long as the nurses' lifestyle decisions do not affect his or her credentials as a health care professional nor his or her ability to treat patients (as they would if the nurse was abusing alcohol on the job, or selling prescription drugs intended for patient treatment) the principle of beneficence, to do no personal harm to one another, exists as an obligation to both nurses and patients within the health care system of 2004."

Tags:ethics, morals, treatment

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that ethical interactions with a patient are all about the gray areas if a nurse allows herself to practice medicine without objectivity. Even ethically there should be no gray areas in nursing. The writer maintains that the nurse has a responsibility to treat the whole patient, but not place any value, moral judgments or beliefs in the course of treatment. The writer points out that the nurse's function is to assess and treat. This is black and white just like the legal issues are black and white. The writer concludes that in medicine there are no gray areas.

From the Paper
""Beneficence: Who benefits from my action and in what way?" "Non-Malfeasance: Which parties may be harmed by my action? What steps can I take to minimize this harm? Have I communicated risks involved in a truthful and open manner? In the event of a disaster, how can I avert the possible harm caused?" Establish the facts: ..."

Tags:ethical, moral, dilemma

Abstract
The paper relates that the concept of beneficence can be complex and is easily distorted, in fact, the best interests of the patient are sometimes supplanted by a greater harm. The paper also explains that when the person is not respected and their autonomy is ignored, the attempt to address the issue can lead to an even worse problem and constitutes the dilemma in the case. The paper relates that according to Day (2007), among the most essential issues in ethical health care practice is respect for individual autonomy and the patient's right to be able to determine their own life. The scenario discussed illustrates how this situation can evolve and what is required to change it. The paper highlights how the basic problem in the situation is that there is no approach from ethical theory so that a dilemma results.

From the Paper
"The concept of beneficence can be complex and is easily distorted. In fact, the best interests of the patient are sometimes supplanted by a greater harm. When the person is not respected and their autonomy is ignored, the attempt to address the issue can lead to an even worse problem and constitutes the dilemma in the case. According to Day (2007), among the most essential issues in ethical health care practice is respect for individual autonomy and the patient's right to be able to determine..."

Tags:dilemma, beneficence, framework

Abstract
This paper explains that traditional bioethics places its primary focus on respect for autonomy; but, on a broader perspective, traditional bioethics rejects extreme individualism and individual rights in fostering a healing environment. The author reviews the Ana Code, pointing out its statement of respecting persons as the fundamental ethical principle or value underlying nursing care: Respect for individual autonomy and self-determination and for individuals as interconnected members of the same human community. The paper relates that principle of beneficence simultaneously interplays with non-malfeasance in nursing care, coming out of preventing harm, removing harm or promoting good; but conflicts in values between nurse and patient do occur including financial reimbursement, approved services, laws covering the reporting of sexually transmitted diseases or abuse and protocols regarding the sources of orders or commands.

From the Paper
"This current state does not mean that quality services and access have become incongruent with managed care, but that the goals of cost containment and survival values in the competitive environment in the health care market have tipped the balance and outweighed values, which put fundamental emphasis on respect or individuals and fair access to care for all who needed it.Those who hold the reins today even refer to managed care as "managed utilization" or "managed cost"."

Tags:hippocratic, ana, respect, individual, non-malfeasance

Abstract
The paper describes a case study of a 19 year old male, Daniel, who suffered from mild depression and was treated by a medical herbalist. The paper relates that after six months of treatment, Daniel committed suicide, and the parents face the decision of whether to sue the doctor for negligence and unprofessional behaviour. The paper discusses the four principles of medical ethics that include respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, and also outlines the perspectives of utilitarianism and deontology. The paper applies these principles and frameworks to Daniel's case and explains why beneficence and maleficence are more important than respect for autonomy. The paper also shows how deontology has been followed here, but a utilitarian approach would have been better suited. The paper comes to the conclusion that in this case, it is difficult to say whether it is truly ethical for the parents to sue when they played a significant part in the outcome of their son's treatment.

Outline:
Case Study: Medical Herbalist
Four Principles of Medical Ethics
Utilitarianism and Deontology
Application
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Daniel was a 19 year old male suffering from mild depression. His family was well aware of the situation, and had obtained various opinions about what is needed to help him. Daniel did not react very well to medical anti-depressants. On the physical level, they made him nervous and restless. On the emotional level, he resisted the meds for fear of becoming dependent upon them. Despite his depression, Daniel had never felt the need to succumb to substance abuse, and indeed feared this, as he had considerable experience with a friend who nearly died as a result of substance abuse. The medical herbalist, Mr. Mudra, seemed to have the solution. After about a month of his treatments, Daniel's general mood and emotions appeared to improve somewhat. After about five months of the treatment, however, he began to fall into depression again. Despite the parents' attempt to find a psychotherapist who would see Daniel, the boy refused any such help and insisted that Mr. Mudra was helping him. After only one more month, Daniel had committed suicide. The parents now face the decision of whether to sue the doctor for negligence and unprofessional behaviour."

Tags:autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, utilitarianism, deontology

Abstract
The paper discusses five case studies that involve professional ethics. The paper discusses the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence, fidelity and responsibilities, integrity, justice and respect for people's rights and dignity and explains how they are applied to these specific situations.

Outline:
Case 1. Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
Case 2. Fidelity and Responsibilities
Case 3. Integrity
Case 4. Justice
Case 5. Respect for People's Rights and Dignity

From the Paper
"In the advent of advances in medical technology, there have been significant changes in how health care is being delivered. Long gone were the days when the patient is left in the dark of his medical condition while his health care team pry and probe his mind and body, providing him with medications that could potentially alter the quality of life. Nowadays, patients are empowered with easy access to information that was once only extracted from health care professionals. Patients are given the power to be more involved in the management of their conditions. Therefore, health care professionals must be aware and give consideration to what is good or harmful to the patient, as well as what is sound to the patient and his family."

Tags:beneficence, nonmaleficence, fidelity, responsibilities, integrity, justice, respect, rights, dignity

Abstract
This paper reviews the writer's personal philosophy of care and individual ethics in a case scenario of a patient (referred to as Mr. Smith) with advanced Alzheimer's and dementia. The writer discusses how the family often appeared indifferent and unconcerned with their father's condition especially at his untimely demise, which proved difficult for the nursing staff as they cared profoundly for the patient. The writer explores the specific ethical principles involved, including autonomy, justice, beneficence, and nonmaleficence and links the clinical situation to a specific theory of grief, loss and bereavement. The writer suggests alternative actions which could have led to a more satisfying and ethical outcome in the case of Mr. Smith, his family and the nurses concerned.

Outline:
Introduction
My Philosophy of Care in my Nursing Practice
Autonomy, Justice, Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
Related Theory of Grief, Loss, and Bereavement
Suggested Alternative Solutions
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Ethics in healthcare is fundamental in the day-to-day care provided to patients' particularly in nursing and certainly with end of life issues. Essentially, the code of ethics for registered nurses is a declaration of commitment to those we serve, it is a guideline that sets out behaviors expected of us, and it advocates for quality care and serves as a self-reflection tool (Canadian Nurses Association, 1998). The codes of ethics and the standards of care made available by our governing body ensure that the best nursing practices will be provided to our patients (Aiken, 2005). Part of our nursing practice is to assist in life-threatening situations. Coping with death is challenging for nurses since the ability to cope with one's own grief or beliefs highly depends on the relationship of the healthcare provider to the patient, to their families and to their own experiences with death."

Tags:grief, loss, bereavement, autonomy, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence

Abstract
This paper examines how, in today's society, the demands of medicine are great and so is the tendency to allow medicine to become routine and to lose sight of the phenomenal value of humanity. It discusses how health care professionals must consider how they can sustain a commitment to patients that truly puts their interests above our own. It also describes why health care professionals should be exclusively concerned with doing as much good as possible and how they can realize this goal by studying medical ethics.

Outline
Introduction
Ethical Principles
Value of Life
Beneficence
Nonmaleficence
Justice
Veracity
Fidelity
Confidentiality
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In 1900, there were few options for the ill because there were few medications and minimal surgical techniques (Stanton, 2003). Many illnesses resulted in death. However, with modern technology, death is no longer the inevitable outcome of illness. Today, many choices of treatments, including simple antibiotic treatment and aggressive life-sustaining treatments, exist. As the end of life nears, there are a variety of choices, including futility, withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments, euthanasia, and physician-assisted suicide. Healthcare professionals are asked to participate in making these difficult choices on a daily basis."

Tags:beneficence, nonmaleficence, treatment, patients, life, death