Nursing Ethics and Jurisprudence

At the end of this course, the student should be able to: 1. explain concept of ethics, law, morals and many others; 2. discuss relevant issues in the nursing code of ethics (national, international) and the regulation of nursing practice; 3. explain the rights and responsibilities in patient care and the legal roles of the nurse; 4. discuss area of legal liabilities in nursing and legal protection for the nurse; 5. explain ethical dilemmas/problems and different models of ethical decision making in nursing; 6. recognise the boundaries of nursing care within the general healthcare process; and 7. utilise ethical decision making models for resolution of ethical dilemma in practice.

Nursing ethics and ethical issues in the practice of nursing; personal philosophy of nursing. The national code of ethics for Nigeria. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) Code. Principles of ethics. Relationship with the patients and other members of the health team. Introduction to the laws and statutes as they affect the nursing profession and practice. Patients’ Bill of Rights. Professional negligence and malpractice. Acts. Legal rights, duties and liabilities. Informed consent. Litigations. Ethical dilemmas in practice. Sex change. Abortion. Euthanasia. Dying and death. The nurse as advocate and nurse as witness.