Module 3: Ethics and Professionalism

As licensed practical nurses (LPNs), you are held to high professional, ethical, and legal standards in all aspects of client care. The Nurse Practice Act—which varies by state—serves as the legal framework that governs nursing practice and protects public health and safety. Failing to follow the Nurse Practice Act can result in serious consequences, including disciplinary action, suspension, or even revocation of your nursing license.
Ethical practice in nursing means doing what is right for clients while respecting their dignity, autonomy, and confidentiality. Nurses can be held legally liable for actions such as negligence, malpractice, or breaching client confidentiality. Therefore, understanding the ethical and legal responsibilities of the LPN role is critical to safe and effective nursing practice.
This module will provide a foundational overview of ethics and the legal expectations of LPNs. Topics include ethical principles, common ethical dilemmas, legal accountability, client rights, and the importance of confidentiality. By the end of this module, you will have the tools to make sound decisions that align with both legal standards and the core values of the nursing profession. Photoby SJ Objio under an Unsplash License.

1. Apply principles of safe, cost-effective, and evidence-based nursing care while upholding professional and ethical standards (Course Outcome #1).
2. Explain the role, responsibilities, and scope of practice of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) within various healthcare settings (Course Outcome #10).
3. Integrate ethical and legal frameworks that ensure patient dignity, privacy, and rights, respecting autonomy and cultural diversity (Course Outcome # 7).
4. Establish and maintain therapeutic and interpersonal relationships that promote patient advocacy, continuity, and quality of care (Course Outcomes # 3, 5).
5. Incorporate cultural competence by recognizing and respecting the influence of cultural, religious, and spiritual factors on patient care (Course Outcome # 7).
6. Engage in self-evaluation and reflective practice to promote lifelong learning, personal growth, and professional competence (Course Outcome # 8).
7. Comply with the Residents’ Bill of Rights, OBRA, HIPAA, and Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) regulations in all clinical settings (Course Outcome # 9).
8. Differentiate the scope and limitations of practical nursing to deliver safe, effective, and legally sound patient care while maintaining licensure eligibility (Course Outcome # 10).

You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

To achieve these objectives: 

1. Read the Module 3 Introduction 
2. Read Chapters #1 Scope of Practice in the textbook, Introduction to Practical Nursing
3. Complete the Assignment and Quiz by