Non-maleficence
The ethical duty to do no harm
Definition
Non-maleficence is the bioethical principle of refraining from causing harm. It is captured in the maxim 'primum non nocere' ('first, do no harm') and is a foundational obligation in nursing practice.
Nursing Applications
- Avoid errors (medications, procedures)
- Maintain competency through continuing education
- Question orders that may harm the patient
- Advocate for safe staffing and resources
- Balance risks and benefits of interventions
Tension With Beneficence
Nearly all treatments have some risk; the nurse must help balance doing good (beneficence) with avoiding harm (non-maleficence). Example: chemotherapy causes harm but provides benefit.
NCLEX Relevance
Primary ethical principle. Identify in refusal-of-treatment or advocacy scenarios.