Beneficence in Nursing: Examples From Daily Practice

If you became a nursing professional because of a desire to help people, you’ve practiced beneficence. In nursing history, from ancient civilizations to modern-day practice, the profession has been rooted in doing good on behalf of others. Nurses apply this ethical standard in nearly every decision, whether administering pain relief or explaining a procedure to a patient. It’s no wonder beneficence is sometimes called the “moral heart of the nursing profession.”

But beneficence also requires balance. Nurses must weigh the benefits of an action against its risks, and promote the patient’s own values and autonomy. Sometimes this means advocating for an intervention you disagree with, or using your critical thinking to determine the best course of action. In this guide, we’ll define beneficence in nursing ethics, and give some examples from nursing practice.

Ethical Beneficence: Definition in Nursing

What does it mean to practice beneficence as a nurse? The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines beneficence as prioritizing patient well-being and putting personal biases aside to support patients’ care goals. In its simplest terms, it means doing good on behalf of others.

You likely practice beneficence without even thinking about it. When you advocate for more effective pain relief, take extra time to explain a procedure in order to obtain informed consent, or speak up when a care plan doesn’t seem right, you’re acting for the good of others.

5 Ways Nursing Professionals Might Practice Beneficence

• Ensuring a patient has had their pain medication before beginning wound care.
• Assisting a falls-risk patient in using the bathroom.
• Assessing and flushing an IV before administering medications through it.
• Using teach-back techniques when educating a patient about their care plan.
• Helping a patient on isolation precautions schedule a video call with their family.

Beneficence can be complicated. Some beneficial treatments or interventions require risk or harm. Clinicians may disagree about what it means to do good. Patients may make a decision that conflicts with the values of their care providers, or a family member may have different priorities than the clinicians caring for their loved one.

Practicing beneficence requires clinical judgment, empathy, and a strong ethical compass. It also intersects with patient autonomy, as nurses must balance doing good with respecting a patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions.

Beneficence in Nursing: Examples From Daily Practice

Looking for an example of beneficence in nursing? View our three case studies below, and see our in-depth guide on ethical dilemmas.

1. Beneficence in Pain Relief

On a med-surg unit, a nurse is taking care of a postoperative patient and notices they’re uncomfortable. The patient is wincing, moving carefully, and not resting well. When asked, the patient says their pain is a 4 out of 10. The nurse is concerned that they are underreporting. Their current treatment plan includes a mild pain medication. The nurse worries that the patient isn’t getting enough relief to heal properly.

The nurse calls the doctor to ask for stronger medication, but the doctor is hesitant because the patient has breathing problems and could be at risk if they get too much medication. The nurse pivots to alternative pain treatments, educating the patient about relaxation techniques and hot/cold therapy. In this situation, doing what’s best means weighing risks, consulting other providers, and doing your best to advocate on behalf of the patient.

2. Beneficence in Resuscitation

A nurse on a telemetry unit is caring for an elderly patient with advanced dementia who has a “do not resuscitate” (DNR) order on file. The patient made this decision years ago while she was still mentally capable. But when the patient’s condition suddenly worsens, their adult daughter revokes the DNR, asking the team to do everything possible to keep her mother alive.

The nurse knows the patient had clearly expressed they didn’t want life-prolonging treatment in a situation like this. Yet the daughter has legal authority to make healthcare decisions now, and beneficence means acting in the patient’s best interest while also respecting legal and emotional realities. The nurse explains the possible outcomes of resuscitation to the daughter, advocating for care that respects the patient’s dignity.

3. Beneficence in Cancer Care

On a pediatric oncology unit, a nurse is caring for a 7-year-old patient undergoing chemotherapy. The child has lost his appetite and refuses to eat, becoming weaker each day. The parents are anxious and beg the nurse to give him a feeding tube against his wishes. The nurse understands their fear but also knows that forcing food could increase the child’s stress and make things worse.

The nurse sets aside time on their shift to sit with the child and learn what’s going on. The child says he feels nauseated and is afraid of vomiting again. The nurse contacts the care team to adjust the child’s anti-nausea medication; offers small, preferred snacks; and arranges for a child life specialist to help create a more relaxed mealtime environment. Through gentle encouragement and trust-building, the child starts eating again.

Beneficence FAQ

How does beneficence apply to nursing?

Beneficence is the core of nursing, a profession that aims to care for others and promote their well-being. Practicing beneficence means nurses are constantly asking, “What will help this patient the most?” and acting with intention to promote healing, comfort, and dignity.

Beneficence vs. nonmaleficence: What’s the difference?

These principles are two sides of the same coin — beneficence means to do good, while nonmaleficence means to do no harm. These are some examples of nonmaleficence:

• Verifying insulin dosage with a coworker to ensure the correct amount per sliding scale
• Washing your hands before entering a patient’s room to avoid spreading disease
• Taking a patient’s blood pressure before administering a beta blocker
• Inquiring with the provider about an order that is abnormal or unexpected

Is autonomy the same as beneficence?

Autonomy and beneficence are not the same. Autonomy means respecting a patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions, even if those choices differ from what the nurse or provider might recommend. Beneficence, on the other hand, is about doing what is best for the patient and promoting their well-being, which may include promoting their autonomy.

Find a New Role Where You Can Practice Beneficence in Nursing

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