Professional and Ethical Principles

Autonomy:

The right of individuals to make their own choices, supported by education and information.

Beneficence:

Acting in the best interest of the patient, promoting well-being and preventing harm.

Nonmaleficence:

Avoiding actions that could cause harm or suffering.

Justice:

Ensuring fairness and equal treatment for all individuals.

Managing Critical Incidents & Delegation

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

• Best implemented within 24 to 72 hours of the event.

Delegation in Nursing

• The RN delegates tasks to assistive personnel, holding them accountable for completion and reporting any changes.
• However, the RN remains responsible for overall patient care, monitoring, and outcomes.

Legal & Ethical Considerations

Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA)

• Every patient who arrives at a hospital is entitled to a Medical Screening Exam (MSE).
• MSE can be performed by a physician, advanced practice provider, or L&D RN.
• Triage alone does NOT satisfy the MSE requirement.

Types of Consent

• Implied Consent – Not explicitly stated but assumed in emergencies (e.g., unconscious trauma patient).
• Expressed Consent – Given verbally or in writing.
• Involuntary Consent – Applied to individuals deemed incompetent (e.g., psychiatric hold, 5150).