The virtue ethics perspective focuses on moral character (Stephany, 2012) and affirms that good people will make good choices (Pollard, 2014). It is less focused on what an individual does and more on their way of being (Stephany, 2012). Virtues are character traits, such as “honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, fidelity, integrity, fairness, and self-control” that guarantee ethical outcomes (Pollard, 2014, p. 116). Correspondingly, nurses are considered a moral agent—an individual with the power to do the right thing (Pollard, 2014). Nurses are strong patient advocates exemplifying the virtue ethics perspective. Nurses demonstrate fidelity by being loyal and following through with promises made to patients (Stephany, 2012). Providing
Ethical dilemmas, also known as a moral dilemma, is a situation in which there is a choice between two options, neither of which resolves the situation completely. In other words, both options will result in negative results based on society and/or personal guidelines. Labor and delivery nurses are often confronted with ethical dilemmas in practice. To help student nurses prepare for this eventuality, nursing programs do their best to incorporate education about ethics and professionalism into courses. This introduction to ethics in nursing school also assists future nurses to begin recognizing and managing their own personal values in a way that can help guide them in resolving ethical conflicts they will encounter throughout their professional careers.
Nurses are faced with ethical dilemmas related to clinical issues, and disease and treatment decisions daily (Kangasniemi,
As a registered nurse, we face ethical issues every day. Some days we understand the clear cut ethical issue at hand; however, other ethical issues can be disguised. In my year and half of being an RN I have come across many ethical issues. As mentioned before, some are clear cut and others are hard to tread through. Initially, these ethical issues can make you question your job; however, after some reflection I believe these issues make us stronger nurses.
This assignment is a reflection of ethical dilemmas in nursing practice as a registered nurse; this paper is based on the group assignment which was completed for NURS3004. This reflection will include an explanation of the role that I portrayed in the group, the preparation that I did for the role, what could have been done differently, how this group assignment has impacted me in terms of working in a team and finally explain how this assignment will assist me in my future clinical practice as a newly registered nurse.
No matter how I feel, what decisions I make or what my values and beliefs are, the bottom line is the care I provide to my patients or clients has to be good quality care with no strings attached. That means my beliefs or values must not impact the quality of care I give to my patients. Premise: Should specific ethical principles be developed for all nurses across the board However, we leave the reader with two questions to consider that are particularly cogent to a discussion on ethical conflicts: "…is it justified to strive for uniformity of nursing practice on the basis of ethics across all cultures?" and "…are there ethical notions of caring, ethical principles and virtues that could be endorsed as true for all nurses everywhere?" (Davis, 1999, p. 123).
Mike’s Voice in his Cancer Treatment Nurses will frequently be put into situations where they are left to determine if they should respect the client’s wishes when these wishes conflict with medically ordered care. “Ethical dilemmas occur when there are conflicting moral claims” (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2014, p. 527). Ethical dilemmas help shape nurses by requiring them to think critically about situations and determine the appropriate decision in order to create the best outcome for their patient.
Throughout the past couple decades there has been an extreme growth in the amount of technology and advancements in medicine. Alongside advancement in the medical field, social media and communication outlets such as Facebook and Twitter have gained popularity in unison. Social media and information outlets have proven through the extreme use by the general population to be a helpful and beneficial outlet for many patients and others alike. Information available online has provided a channel for potential patients to view and receive knowledge without the anxiety of meeting with a physician or medical professional. Information gateways are not always satisfactory though, and in fact have acquired quite the negative connotation throughout the
American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements, provision 1 states, “the nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by consideration of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems” "(About Code of Ethics," 2017). In order to provide quality care to the homeless population, the community health nurse is challenged to put aside her own preconceived opinions about drug addiction, alcohol abuse, mental illness and the assumed unwillingness to care for oneself. “While trying to help clients negotiate ‘the system’ the professionals may face a client’s noncompliance with medical regimes, drug abuse, and even stealing or selling medical resources” (Hunter, 1993, p. 139).
D-The patient arrived on time for her session and informed this writer that she has decided to remain with the clinic as she learned on her own that no detox facility will accept her because she is testing negative and currently on methadone. The patient further mentioned that she is questioning as to whether or not her sister and her mother would help her as they said they would; however, the patient had a moment and looked back when her family did not help her as she struggled with her children. Furthermore, the patient reports, her sister did not give her the $80.00 for her rent. The patient reports that she had asked some guy for assistance. This writer addressed with the patient about her employment status and money management. The patient
Amidst a whirlwind of change, nurses continue their roles as competent, honorable professionals. A relatively new issue, cultural integrity, correlates with the Code regarding “treatment of the human response.” The American Nurses Association’s “Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements”, also called the Code, highlights nurses’ consensus on professional principles. Nursing ethics guide how practitioners treat their patients and peers. Sensitivity to individual societal, familial and cultural background plays an important role in organizational integrity. By observing the following six practices, nursing professionals make life choices that promote individual and societal wellbeing.
Bridgett Beuckens How sad it is that nursing leaders allow, much less participate in such acts. The stress and responsibilities this author was subjected to are not fair nor safe. The ANA Code of Ethics addresses occurrences as in this scenario. Provision 4.1 states nurses are responsible and accountable for the nursing care
To facilitate change within our healthcare system and in our nursing practice, the influences that will affect this current issue include the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC) Standards of Practice (2016), and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Code of Ethics (2008). Currently, all nurses must apply both the standards of practice and the code of ethics in their nursing care. In relation to the issue with mental health and addiction, patients who receive negative attitudes and discrimination within their care are from healthcare staff neglecting the standards and guidelines of practice; they are not acting in a professional manner and following CRNBC (2016) or CNA Code of Ethics (2008). One of the principles in
Many of the 342 nurses reported they feared getting caught, and concerns that the patient’s preferences were not fully understood. This article showed critical care nurses constantly face difficult moral, ethical, and professional dilemmas regarding patient care. It is of the utmost importance for nurse’s to understand their own values so they may provide the highest care possible and deliver
Outcome 7 – Illustrates how the Nurse Incorporates Professional Values into Ethical Nursing Practice and Personal Accountability.