Veracity in Nursing: What are the Key Ethical Principles of Nursing?

One of the most important aspects of healthcare is unwavering integrity. Yet, sometimes this profession can be so demanding, filled with ethical dilemmas, there are compromises with the fundamental principles. With nursing, the key principle is Veracity, i.e. truth-telling.

Veracity in nursing is the unwavering commitment to truth-telling, honesty, and integrity in all aspects of patient care.

Through this blog, we’ll try to explain what veracity is and what the other key principles are. Plus, how FBNPC’s nursing prep helps establish these principles for the best results. Let’s begin.

What is Veracity in Nursing?

Veracity, or truth-telling, is a cornerstone of ethical nursing practice. It mandates that nurses provide patients with honest and accurate information, even when it’s difficult. This includes being truthful about diagnoses, treatment options, potential risks, and prognosis.

Veracity fosters trust, empowers patients to make informed decisions, and promotes open communication between nurses and patients.

Role of Veracity in the NCLEX-RN

Veracity is extensively tested in the NCLEX-RN under ethical and legal principles. Nurses are expected to apply this principle when answering questions about:

• Communicating difficult truths to patients.
• Respecting patients’ rights to informed consent.
• Addressing scenarios involving partial truths or omissions.

For example, the NCLEX-RN may include a case study where a nurse must disclose a medical error or explain the risks of a procedure honestly. Questions like these assess a candidate’s ability to uphold ethical standards while maintaining patient trust and safety.

Let’s look at its importance in detail.

Importance of Veracity in Nursing

Essentially, Veracity is among the most important principles of nursing. Let’s look at why.

• Trust Building: Honesty fosters trust between nurses and patients, forming the foundation of a strong therapeutic relationship. Patients are more likely to be open and honest about their concerns when they feel they can trust their nurse.
• Informed Decision-making: Veracity empowers patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. When patients have accurate information, they can actively participate in their care and treatment plans.
• Respect for Autonomy: By providing truthful information, nurses respect patients’ autonomy and their right to self-determination. This allows patients to make choices that align with their values and beliefs.
• Ethical Practice: Veracity is an ethical principle that guides nursing practice. It reflects the commitment of nurses to do no harm and to promote the well-being of their patients.
• Professional Integrity: Upholding veracity demonstrates the integrity and professionalism of nurses. It reinforces the public’s trust in the nursing profession.

So, as you may understand, veracity is much more than just a moral obligation; it’s a necessity that contributes to better patient outcomes and ensures a more fulfilling nursing practice. But what about the other ethical principles? Let’s discuss them (including Veracity) in detail.

7 Key Ethical Principles of Nursing

To become the best registered nurse (irrespective of the location), you have to adhere to these 7 key principles. We have already discussed one, Veracity. Let’s discuss all 7.

1. Accountability

Nurses are accountable for their actions and decisions. This involves taking responsibility for one’s practice, adhering to professional standards, and being transparent about potential risks and benefits of care. Accountability also entails documenting care accurately and timely, and participating in quality improvement initiatives.

2. Justice

Nurses strive to treat all patients fairly and equitably, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural background. This principle requires nurses to allocate resources justly, advocate for marginalized populations, and ensure that all patients receive the care they need. Justice also involves addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

3. Nonmaleficence

Nurses have a duty to avoid causing harm to patients. This principle requires careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits of interventions, and the implementation of measures to minimize harm. Nonmaleficence also involves recognizing and addressing errors or near-misses promptly.

4. Autonomy

Nurses respect patients’ rights to self-determination and the ability to make informed decisions about their healthcare. This involves providing patients with accurate and unbiased information, and supporting them in making choices that align with their values and beliefs. Autonomy also requires respecting patients’ privacy and confidentiality.

5. Beneficence

Nurses have a duty to promote the well-being of patients. This involves taking actions to prevent harm, alleviate suffering, and improve quality of life. Beneficence also requires advocating for patients’ needs and rights, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

6. Fidelity

Nurses are committed to keeping their promises and honoring their commitments to patients. This involves being reliable, trustworthy, and loyal. Fidelity also requires maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding conflicts of interest.

7. Veracity

Last, but not least, there’s Veracity. Nurses have a duty to be truthful and honest with patients. This involves providing accurate information about diagnoses, treatment options, and potential risks. Veracity also requires addressing patients’ concerns and questions openly and honestly.

Stand true to these 7 ethics and you’ll be the best nurse possible. And for even better results, opt for FBNPC’s prep courses. Now, let me tell you how veracity works.

Example of How Veracity in Nursing Works

Here’s a scenario for you.

A patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The nurse, while empathetic to the patient’s situation, is obligated to be truthful about the prognosis. Instead of providing false hope or sugarcoating the truth, the nurse explains the disease progression, potential treatments, and likely outcomes in clear and compassionate terms.

This approach empowers the patient to:

• Make informed decisions about end-of-life care.
• Discuss their wishes with loved ones.
• Plan for the future realistically.

By prioritizing veracity, the nurse fosters trust, supports the patient’s autonomy, and facilitates meaningful conversations.

How Can Nurses Practice Veracity Effectively?

Veracity is not something you can take lightly if you want the best for your patients. Let’s look at a few ways to practice it effectively.

• Clear and Honest Communication: Always communicate with patients and their families in a clear, honest, and compassionate manner, avoiding jargon and providing information at an understandable level.
• Respect for Patient Autonomy: Empower patients to make informed decisions by providing them with all relevant information, including potential risks and benefits.
• Adherence to Ethical Principles: Uphold the ethical principles of nursing, including veracity, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice.
• Advocacy: Advocate for patients’ rights to accurate information and support them in making informed choices.
• Open and Honest Relationships: Build strong, trusting relationships with patients and colleagues based on open and honest communication.
• Professional Accountability: Take responsibility for your actions and decisions, and be accountable for the care you provide.
• Ethical Decision-making: Use a systematic approach to ethical decision-making to identify and resolve ethical dilemmas that may arise in practice.

Finally, make sure you stay updated on the latest evidence-based practices and ethical guidelines to ensure your knowledge and skills are current.

FAQs on Veracity in Nursing

Let’s Summarize Veracity

Veracity ensures nurses build trust with patients, empower them to make informed decisions, and promote their well-being. That requires clear communication, respect for patient autonomy, adherence to ethical principles, and more.

While challenges may arise, it is imperative for nurses to prioritize truth-telling. By doing so, they contribute to a healthcare system that values integrity, compassion, and patient-centered care.

To excel in ethical principles and pass the NCLEX-RN, explore FBNPC’s tailored prep courses. Our programs help you master nursing ethics and prepare for real-world scenarios effectively, contact us now.