What is included in the ethical obligations of the nursing profession?

The ethical obligations of the nursing profession are fundamentally centered around the commitment to patient welfare. This commitment encompasses advocating for the best interests of patients, ensuring their safety, dignity, and holistic care throughout the healthcare process. Nurses are ethically bound to prioritize patient needs and preferences, providing compassionate and competent care, which is a core component of the nursing practice. This obligation requires nurses to not only care for patients physically but also to support their emotional and psychological needs, contributing to the overall well-being of individuals in their care.

While other options touch on important aspects of healthcare, they do not align directly with the central ethical responsibility that nurses hold towards their patients. For instance, profit margins of healthcare facilities focus on financial aspects rather than the moral duty towards patient care. Education of other healthcare professionals is vital for collaborative practice but is not the primary ethical obligation of nursing itself. Advancements in medical technology are important for improving patient outcomes but do not inherently reflect the ethical commitment to patient welfare that guides nursing practice. Thus, the focus on patient care and advocacy is what distinctly characterizes nursing ethics.