Fidelity

Definition

Fidelity is the ethical principle of being faithful to commitments, promises, and responsibilities. In nursing, fidelity means honoring professional commitments to patients, colleagues, and the nursing profession.

Nursing Applications

• Keeping promises to patients ('I'll be back in 15 minutes with your pain medication')
• Fulfilling the nurse-patient relationship
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Following through on advocacy efforts
• Adhering to the Code of Ethics

Relationship to Other Principles

Fidelity supports trust, which is essential to the therapeutic relationship. It intersects with veracity (truth-telling), beneficence, and non-maleficence.

Practical Examples

A nurse promises to advocate for adequate pain control and follows up with the provider. A nurse commits to re-evaluating a patient at a specific time and returns promptly. A nurse maintains confidentiality even when pressured by family members.

NCLEX Relevance

Identify fidelity in scenarios involving promises and follow-through. Part of the foundational nursing ethics.