Phl/323 - Personal Ethics Development

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Effects of Ethics on Performance

The ethics I was taught when I was growing up play an important role in who I am today, whether it is on or off the job. The Code of Ethics for Nurses include compassion and respect, commitment, accountability and responsibility all which I learned from my parents. It also includes being an advocate in which I learned a little about standing up for myself during childhood, but expanded on it with education. I would have to say respect is the first and foremost that I was taught, so it is the most important to me. Without respect, one has no chance for a healthy, happy life. If I did not show respect to my patient or co-workers, I would not have employment, and they would most likely throw me out the door and tell me never to come back.

Integrity is another very important characteristic to have. Being in a medical field requires a great deal of integrity, especially when working with mentally or emotionally disturbed patients. Doing what is right all of the time is what will make the difference in many things throughout a person’s life. Every time we make a decision, doing the right thing even when we can get away with doing the wrong thing, establishes the type of person we are. Keeping the confidentiality that all patients are entitled to is not only a rule, a policy, and a law, is it the right thing to do all the time.

Importance of Ethics in an Organization

Ethics are essential to an organization's existence. They improve compliance of employees and provide stability. If ethical systems did not exist in organizations, there would be no cohesiveness and chaos would surely be the result. Ethics help the organization provide a clear and precise direction for employees of an organization to achieve anticipated goals. Training in ethics is important in the workplace; it gives the employees a foundation and encouragement to follow the "righteous path."

Conclusion

It was a difficult process overall to learn what proper ethics is growing up, but at this time in my life, I am very thankful to all that have played a part in who I am today. Being taught proper ethics in childhood has made it easier for me to become a nurse. A person who was not taught good ethics growing up most likely has not ever had the thought of becoming a nurse and helping others. Ethics are an overall standard for individuals, organizations, and society. It is important for companies and agencies to emphasize just how important ethics are to a successful organization.

References

BBC. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction/duty_1.shtml

DifferenceBetween.net. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-ethics-and-values/

University of Phoenix. (2013). Key Terms. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, Ethics in Management website.