Ethical dilemmas are a common occurrence in the field of nursing. These dilemmas arise when a nurse is faced with a situation where there is a conflict between their personal values and the duties and responsibilities of their profession. Nurses are required to uphold a high level of professionalism and are expected to follow a strict code of ethics. However, in the complex world of healthcare, it is not uncommon for nurses to encounter situations where they are faced with difficult ethical choices.
One type of ethical dilemma that nurses may encounter is the issue of patient autonomy. Nurses are required to respect the autonomy of their patients, which means that they must respect their right to make decisions about their own healthcare. However, this can be difficult when a patient's decisions go against the advice of their healthcare team or when a patient's decisions may result in harm to themselves or others. In these situations, nurses may feel torn between respecting the patient's autonomy and protecting their well-being.
Another ethical dilemma that nurses may face is the issue of patient confidentiality. Nurses are required to maintain the confidentiality of their patients' medical information. However, there are times when the disclosure of this information may be necessary to protect the patient or others. For example, if a patient is at risk of harming themselves or others, the nurse may need to disclose this information to appropriate authorities. This can be a difficult decision for nurses, as they must balance the need to protect the patient's confidentiality with the need to ensure their safety and well-being.
A third type of ethical dilemma that nurses may encounter is the issue of resource allocation. Nurses often work in environments where resources are limited, and they may be faced with the difficult decision of deciding how to allocate these resources. For example, a nurse may need to decide which patients should receive certain medications or procedures based on their availability and the patients' needs. This can be a challenging ethical dilemma, as the nurse must consider the needs and well-being of all of their patients while also being mindful of the limited resources available.
In conclusion, ethical dilemmas are a common occurrence in the field of nursing. These dilemmas may involve issues of patient autonomy, confidentiality, and resource allocation, among others. Nurses are required to navigate these dilemmas with professionalism and integrity, balancing their personal values and the duties and responsibilities of their profession.
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WHAT ARE THE 7 MAIN ETHICAL PRINCIPLES IN NURSING AND WHY THEY ARE IMPORTANT?. VERACITY IN NURSING EDUCATION What Is The Importance Of Veracity In Nursing Education? It could be an allergy, complications with an already-existing medical condition, or some other element that pushes you to act on behalf of the patient's benefit and question the doctor's medical order. In this example, Nurse Mark followed the chain of command, which is a good leadership quality. Nurse Hillman then schedules one-on-one interviews with each of the remaining applicants to determine those who best meet the criteria for the study. The administration recently approved new guidelines for reporting errors related to patient care. Because of vascular changes and uncontrolled blood sugar, Mr. Nurses and nurse managers devote their careers to helping patients receive the care they need, so it can often be difficult to establish professional boundaries.
Common Examples of Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing — Pacific College
At its core, overcoming ethical dilemmas is as easy as ABC, as all you have to keep in mind are: A - Autonomy, B - Beneficence, C - Confidentiality, D - Do not harm, E - Equity. Typically, the only exceptions to the primacy of patient autonomy are if the patient is a minor or if they lack the ability to make informed decisions. But much to her family's chagrin, Mrs. Mrs Douglas has prepared a living will including signing a DNR do not resuscitate. Personal and professional boundaries Keeping our personal and professional lives separate is sometimes easier said than done. The most common ethical issues in nursing will involve: Refusal of Medication or Life-Sustaining Treatment Many patients who observe certain religions or ideologies will refuse a particular medical intervention or life-saving treatment. As difficult as it is to know you have broken part of your moral code by not staying true to your word, it is for the greater good.
Major Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing
Generally, if the patient is conscious and aware of the consequences of refusing the transfusion, there is not much you can do. However, the way it addresses ethical dilemmas can vary in different situations. See Also How to deal with this ethical dilemma: When a patient is alert, oriented, and understands the consequences of accepting or refusing medical care or treatment, they can refuse that care. How to Deal with this Ethical Dilemma: This situation requires the nurse to use her triage skills and determine which patients if any, could safely have orders changed or amended. Douglas questions the nurse stating, "As soon as we get him home, the hospice people will take good care of him. There are several key reasons being an accountable nurse is essential, including the following.
What is an ethical dilemma in nursing definition?
Stennett can show the sign-in sheet to her supervisor, removing any risk of repercussion due to the other staff member's actions. Thomas seems more comfortable talking to the nurse. In this case, the best thing Nurse Madison can do is NOT accept her ex-patient's mother's friend request. As nurse leaders act with beneficence, everyone within their leadership grasp is positively influenced and benefits from their ethical behavior. For years, physicians were seen as decision makers for patients, deciding whether to withhold information based on whether they felt the information would cause undue stress or do more harm than good. In this scenario, the charge nurse may not have allowed Nurse Jordan to remain in the room, but she could have sent another nurse. The final applicant has no history of any health issues.
Examples of Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing
While waiting for x-rays of his left leg which appears broken, Mr. For years, physicians were recognized as the decision-makers for patients and determined whether to withhold information based on whether they thought the information would cause undue stress or more harm than good. Miller and his family, who were not allowed to visit him, that she would not let him die alone. Wesley's chart says he is allergic to Flagyl and knows Tinidazole is contraindicated in patients with a Flagyl allergy. Example 14: Duty and Compassion Do Not Align with Facility Safety Protocols Scenario: Nurse Jordan worked in a busy COVID-19 unit where she cared for Mr. Despite efforts to help manage the disease, including dialysis three times weekly, his condition has worsened. In this case, the best thing for Nurse Madison to do is NOT accept the friend request from her former patient's mother.
Ethical Issues in Nursing: Explanations & Solutions
Thomas' concerns and offer her comfort. What Are The Consequences Of Lack Of Justice In Nursing Education? What Is An Example Of How Justice Is Applied In Nursing Research? One of the most problematic concerns involves ethical dilemmas. The following is detailed information about why Beneficence is important, examples of ways to apply it, and consequences of not applying it in the four main areas of nursing: clinical practice, nursing leadership, nursing education, and nursing research. Patients may also choose more informal methods of conveying their wishes, such as a video message to loved ones, though this does not take the place of an advance directive. The ethical principles in nursing to consider are nonmaleficence and fidelity.
