Professional Medical Ethics for Registered Nurses (RNs)

Professional ethics form the foundation of trust, accountability, and integrity in nursing practice. This 2-hour CE course is designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) seeking to deepen their understanding of ethical principles and effectively apply them in real-world clinical situations. Through this course, nurses will explore the fundamental tenets of medical ethics—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and fidelity—and learn how these principles influence daily nursing decisions.

Participants will develop the skills to navigate common ethical dilemmas using structured decision-making models and effectively advocate for patient rights, including informed consent, confidentiality, and end-of-life decision-making. The course also highlights the challenges nurses face in balancing ethical obligations with legal and institutional requirements. Leadership, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration are emphasized to foster a supportive and ethically responsible workplace culture. By completing this course, nurses will be better equipped to handle ethical complexities and deliver compassionate, patient-centered care while upholding professional standards.

Educational Objectives

• Understand the core principles of professional medical ethics and their application in nursing practice.
• Identify common ethical dilemmas and apply frameworks for ethical decision-making.
• Advocate for patient rights, including autonomy, informed consent, and confidentiality.
• Balance ethical obligations with legal and institutional requirements.
• Foster a culture of ethical practice through leadership, communication, and collaboration.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is ideal for:

• Registered Nurses in any healthcare setting seeking to enhance their ethical practice.
• Nurses in leadership, case management, or roles involving complex decision-making.
• Nurse educators and mentors guiding others in ethical nursing behavior.
• RNs preparing for renewal or licensure requirements where ethics is a CE mandate.

Did You Know?

• More than 60% of nurses report facing ethical dilemmas at least once a month. [American Nurses Association]
• Informed consent violations are among the top five ethical issues in nursing. [National Center for Ethics in Health Care]
• Patient advocacy is a top-ranked ethical responsibility for RNs according to the ANA. [American Nurses Association]
• Ethical work environments correlate with higher job satisfaction and improved patient safety. [Journal of Nursing Ethics]
• Conflicts between institutional policy and patient-centered care are a frequent source of ethical distress. [American Association of Critical-Care Nurses]