Tag: Nonmaleficence

Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, is often wrongly credited with coining the exact phrase “first, do no harm”. While the original Hippocratic Oath does not contain this phrase, its underlying intention is best described by the ethical principle of **Nonmaleficence**, a cornerstone of modern healthcare.

According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), ethical provisions can be categorized among four principles that guide nurses in their charge. This ethical framework is not a static list of rules but a dynamic compass that directs compassionate, competent, and fair patient care, forming the foundation for what are the 4 principles of nursing.