What ethical principle focuses on the duty to do no harm in nursing?

The principle that focuses on the duty to do no harm in nursing is Non-Maleficence. This ethical concept is foundational in healthcare practice and emphasizes that healthcare providers should actively avoid causing harm to patients. It underscores the importance of recognizing and managing risks associated with treatment and care, ensuring that actions taken in a clinical setting do not adversely affect the well-being of the patient.

Non-Maleficence is crucial in guiding nurses in their decision-making processes and interactions with patients. By adhering to this principle, nurses commit to actions that promote safety and welfare, balancing the potential benefits of interventions against any possible harm. In practice, this means undertaking vigilant assessments, employing evidence-based interventions, and being aware of the physical and emotional impacts of care, thus maintaining the integrity of patient care and trust.

In contrast, although the principles of Beneficence, Autonomy, and Justice play vital roles in the ethical framework of nursing, they address different aspects of nursing practice. Beneficence promotes actions that contribute positively to a patient's well-being, Autonomy supports the patient's right to make informed decisions regarding their own care, and Justice pertains to fairness and the equitable distribution of healthcare resources. While important, these principles do not specifically encapsulate the critical focus on