Nursing Nepal
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Ethics

By Nursing Nepalā€¢February 10, 2026ā€¢5 min read

Ethics is concerned with the distinction between right and wrong based on a body of knowledge, not only on the basis of opinions.

ā€¢ ETHICS: A branch of philosophy concerned with the distinction between right and wrong based on a body of knowledge, not only based on opinions. ā€¢ ETHICAL PRINCIPLES: Codes that direct or govern nursing actions. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES 1. AUTONOMY: Respect for an individualā€™s right to self-determination 2. NON-MALEFICENCE: The obligation to do or cause no harm to another, either intentionally or unintentionally. 3. BENEFICENCE: The duty to do good to others and to maintain a balance between benefits and harms (Paternalism is an undesirable outcome of beneficence: HCP decides what is best for the client and encourages the client to act against their choices). 4. JUSTICE/FAIRNESS: The equitable distribution of potential benefits and tasks, determining the order in which clients should be cared for 5. VERACITY: The obligation to tell the truth 6. FIDELITY: The duty to do what one has promised ICN code of ethics ā€¢ First adopted by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) in 1953. ā€¢ Revised in 2021. ā€¢ A statement of the ethical values, responsibilities, and professional accountabilities of nurses and nursing students. ā€¢ Serve as a framework for ethical practice and decision making to meet professional standards. 1. Nurses and patients or other people requiring care or services. 2. Nurses and practice 3. Nurses and profession 4. Nurses and global health