Ethics: ethics or morality poses questions about how we ought to act and how we should live.  It is an inquiry into justification of particular actions ( eg. are these actions  right or wrong?),  as  well as a search for traits ( Personality, behavior and quality) of moral character that promote more human flourishing.
- The term morals, although similar in meaning to ethics, but usually refers to personal or communal standards of right and wrong.
- Ethics is systematic inquiry into principles of right and wrong conduct, virtue and vice and of good and evil and they relate to conduct. Many people use the term of ethics when describing the professional ethics incorporated into a code of professional conduct, such as nursing codes of ethics.

Professional values in ethics
Altruism: is a concern for the welfare and well- being of others. In professional practice, altruism is reflected by the nurse’s concern for the welfare of patients, other nurses, and other healthcare providers. Sample of professional behaviors include the following:

• Demonstrates understanding of cultures, beliefs, and perspectives of others.
• Advocates for patients, particularly the most vulnerable.
• Takes risks on behalf of patients and colleagues.
• Mentors other professional.

Autonomy: is the right to self-determinations. Professional practice reflects autonomy when the nurse respects patients’ right to make decisions about their healthcare. Sample professional behaviors include the following:

• Plans care in partnership with patients.
• Honors the right of patients and families to make decisions about healthcare.
• Provides information so that patients can make informed choices.

Human dignity: is respect for the inherent worth and uniqueness of individuals and populations. In professional practice, human dignity is reflected when the nurse value and respects all patients and colleagues. Sample professional behaviors include the following:

• Provides culturally competent and sensitive care.
• Protects the patients’ privacy.
• Preserves the confidentiality to patients and healthcare providers.
• Designs care with sensitivity to individual patient needs.

Integrity: is acting in accordance with an appropriate code of ethics and accepted standards of practice. Integrity is reflected in professional practice when the nurse is honest and provides care based on an ethical framework that is accepted within profession. Sample professional behaviors include the following:

• Provides honest information to patients and the public.
• Documents care accurately and honestly.
• Seeks the remedy errors made by self or others.
• Demonstrates accountability for own actions.

Social justice: is upholding moral, legal, and humanistic principles. This value is reflected in professional practice when the nurse works to assure equal treatment under the law and equal access to equality healthcare. Sample professional behaviors include the following:

• Supports fairness and nondiscrimination in the delivery of care.
• Promotes universal access to healthcare.
• Encourages legislation and policy consistent with the advancement of nursing care and healthcare.

Ethical/Legal skills

Ethically and legally skilled nurses conduct themselves in a manner consistent with their personal moral code and professional role responsibilities. Nurses skilled in ethical/legal competence are able to accomplish the following:

• Be trusted to act in ways that advance the interest of patients.
• Be accountable for their practice to themselves, the patients they serve, the care giving team, and society.
• Act as effective patient advocates.
• Mediate ethical conflict among the patient, significant others, healthcare team, and other interested parties.
• Practice nursing faithful to the  tenets of professional codes of ethics.

Cognitive and technical skills equip nurses to manage the clinical problems  stemming from the patient’s changing health or illness state. Interpersonal and ethical skills are essential, how ever, for nurses concerned about patient’s broader well-being.