The Ethical Principles Of Non-Maleficence In Nursing Practice

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I worked with a supernumerary nurse for the first week of their familiarisation period. We were looking after a thirty-nine year old woman, Ms LC, who had undergone a laparoscopic peritonectomy. We had to start her on NPWT; as suggested by wound clinical nurse consultant and the doctors during their ward round, since this would allow faster healing of her wound.

Since this is the first time for the patient to have this type of dressing on her wound, thorough information had been provided to the patient. At the same time, a verbal consent was also necessary before commencing on NPWT in order to make sure that Ms LC is fully aware of the intervention, which Ms LC consented to proceed with the application of NPWT.

We applied an …show more content…

This ethical principle of non-maleficence is critical to nursing safe practice where nurses will not harm their patient, which is ideally by avoiding any possible injuries to the patient. However, the main goal must be favourable or has more advantage to the patient wellness. According to Johnstone and Crock (2008), the responsibility of the nurses is to prevent any discomfort or injury to the patient as possible as they can. By balancing the principle of double effect between the principle of beneficence which is embodied by the phrase ‘doing good’ and the non-maleficence, this can focus more on the advantage of the NPWT and the risks that is linked to it; in order to avoid the patient getting harmed. This is also very evident in many traditions of different cultures, where, according to Thompson et al. (2006); a basic principle of ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ applies to all professions. This is one of the reasons why health professionals should treat their patients with kindness, and in return the patient might show their concerns and kindness with trust to the healthcare

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